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The Island Bear B&B

3.0 star property
Boardwalk/promenade bed & breakfast in Islay Island with free breakfast

Photo gallery for The Island Bear B&B

Tasting room
Room (Room 2)
Exterior
Front of property
Exterior

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Housekeeping
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

Map
SHORE STREET, Islay Island, Scotland, PA43 7LB
  • Bowmore Distillery
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Islay Ales
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Bruichladdich Distillery
    ‪16 min drive‬
  • Islay (ILY)
    ‪11 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Room (Room 2)

Room (Room 2)

Room (Room 2)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Renovated in 2023
Premium bedding
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Twin Room (Room 1)

Twin Room (Room 1)

Twin Room (Room 1)

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Renovated in 2023
Premium bedding
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds

About the area

Islay Island

At The Island Bear B&B you'll be steps from Bowmore Distillery and 4.9 km (3.1 mi) from Islay Ales. Highlights at this Victorian B&B include free daily breakfast. .This smoke-free bed & breakfast offers free WiFi in public areas. Each morning free full breakfast is offered between 7:30 AM and 9 AM. There's also the convenience of free parking nearby. .Sights within a 20-minute drive of this 3-property class Islay Island B&B include Bruichladdich Distillery and Museum of Islay Life.
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What's nearby

  • Bowmore Distillery - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Islay Ales - 6 min drive - 6.3 km
  • Bruichladdich Distillery - 16 min drive - 16.6 km
  • Caol Ila Distillery - 21 min drive - 21.2 km
  • Lagavulin Distillery - 25 min drive - 26.5 km

Getting around

  • Islay (ILY) - 8 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Peatzeria - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Restaurant at Port Charlotte Hotel - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Kilchoman Distillery - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪Lucci’s - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Kilchoman Distillery Cafe - ‬20 min drive

About this property

The Island Bear B&B

Boardwalk/promenade bed & breakfast in Islay Island with free breakfast
Free breakfast is served daily. Public spaces have free WiFi. A complete renovation of The Island Bear B&B was completed in February 2023.

This 3-star Islay Island bed & breakfast is smoke free.

  • 3 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • Built in 1886
  • Full breakfast (free)
  • No smoking on site
The Island Bear B&B offers 3 accommodations with a hairdryer and free toiletries. Each accommodation is individually furnished and decorated. Beds feature premium bedding. Flat-screen televisions are featured in guestrooms.

Bathrooms include a combined bath/shower unit. Guests can surf the web using complimentary wireless Internet access. Hypo-allergenic bedding and an iron/ironing board can be requested. Housekeeping is provided on a daily basis.

Languages

English

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4.8 out of 5, Exceptional, 154 reviews
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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Free offsite parking

Food and drink

  • Free full breakfast available daily 7:30 AM to 9 AM

Things to do

  • Wine tasting room
  • Wine tours

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)

Outdoors

  • On the boardwalk/promenade

Accessibility

  • No lift

More

  • 2 floors
  • Built in 1886
  • Renovated entire property - February 2023
  • Smoke-free property
  • Victorian architecture

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Hypo-allergenic bedding
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV

Food and drink

  • Electric kettle
  • Tea bags/instant coffee

More

  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Iron/ironing board on request

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; check-in end time: 6:00 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out

Special check-in instructions

There is no front desk at this property
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; your host will greet you
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property ahead of time using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 6 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation

Access methods

Host will greet you

Pets

  • No pets allowed, but service animals are welcome

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! One child stays free when using existing bedding.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts cash
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector and a first aid kit
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. This property accepts cash. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector and a first aid kit in all accommodation. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

We should mention

  • One child stays free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.
  • This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).

Property is also known as

Island Bear Bed & Breakfast Islay Island
Island Bear Islay Island
Island Bear & Islay Island
The Island Bear Bed Breakfast
The Bear B&b Islay
The Island Bear Bed Breakfast
The Island Bear B&B Islay Island
The Island Bear B&B Bed & breakfast
The Island Bear B&B Bed & breakfast Islay Island

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at The Island Bear B&B?

The Island Bear B&B offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

Are there any beaches close to The Island Bear B&B?

The closest beach to The Island Bear B&B is Port ban (5.2 km).

What makes The Island Bear B&B a romantic place to stay?

Wine-tasting room, plus premium bedding in the guestrooms, help set the scene for a romantic weekend at The Island Bear B&B.

Does The Island Bear B&B serve breakfast?

Yep, free full breakfast is served daily from 7:30 AM to 9 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at The Island Bear B&B?

No, The Island Bear B&B does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at The Island Bear B&B?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM. Check-out time is 10:00 AM.

Are pets allowed at The Island Bear B&B?

No, only service animals are allowed.

The Island Bear B&B Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 45 out of 52 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 52 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 52 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 52 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 52 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

9.6/10

Amenities

9.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Stephen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Mr Duncan and Miss Fiona are excellent hosts. A stones throw from Bowmore Distillery, and centrally located in Bowmore town. Couldn’t have asked for a better experience!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Russell, Whitsett

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Island Bear was amazing, Fiona was a great hostess!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Property location is great for touring the Island, also central for walking around Bowmore. The room was spacious and clean. Breakfast was good with plenty on offer. Fiona and Duncan are very friendly and helpful.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

KUOWEI

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
An excellent bnb! It was extremely clean. The bed was comfy, the room was spacious enough, and the bathroom was updated. Duncan and Fiona went out of their way to explain a lot of local history and met our every need. The breakfast was one of the most generous we encountered in Scotland.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joanne

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Duncan and Fiona were fantastic hosts so welcoming they recommended some lovely places to eat.The B&B was spotless extremely comfortable bed and a great breakfast. Could not have asked for more.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Karen

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very clean, modern and spacious and at a good price. Great value for money.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Adam

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Best place to stay on Islay

The location was perfect right in the heart of Bowmore with a wonderful view. Fiona and Duncan were wonderful hosts with excellent food, wit, and charm. The room was spacious and clean with everything we could have needed.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Irakli, JAMISON

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very cosy place, wonderful people
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Josh

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fiona and Duncan are a ton of fun, and they make sure you're well-fed to start the day and have great local advice on how to get around Islay, especially on Sundays when the bus doesn't run. Definitely can't go wrong a The Island Bear, and the rooms are great
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

stephen

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Enjoyed a couple of days staying here. Rooms were very comfortable and clean. Nice breakfast.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Diane

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Hostess was so friendly and helpful! The room was lovely and had a great bathtub. View was beautiful from the room. Breakfast was great!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Michelle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

An absolute gem with a lovely host!

We were in Islay on a whisky tour for 3 nights and absolutely loved this little three-room B&B run by Islay local, Fiona. The room was surprisingly spacious. The bed was comfy. There was a lovely view of the water. It was right on the main road in Bowmore. And breakfast was made to order each morning, and served by Fiona herself - along with lovely conversation and local tips. I cannot say enough wonderful things about The Island Bear!
View from room 3
View from room 3
Front entrance - right on the main road through Bowmore
Lovely sunrise view straight outside the front door
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lori, Shaftsbury

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fantastic place to stay in Bowmore. Great location, easy parking and not far from anything on Islay. The room was large and very clean. The bed was comfortable and the shower had good water pressure. Fiona, the owner, was fab! She was very friendly, welcoming and helpful! She also makes a great breakfast!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mary

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Excellent location, very friendly, good breakfasts and lots of help with suggestions for things to do.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Hayley

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We spent 3 nights at the Island Bear and it was wonderful. Duncan and Fiona were excellent hosts and helped us when we needed to make a change and bring our son with us. The room was lovely, comfortable and the breakfasts were fantastic. We’ll recommend staying here to everyone that we know traveling to Islay
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mary

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room was very clean, checkin was convenient, bed was comfortable, and the location was perfect. We had a nice view of the water from our room. Hosts Fiona and Duncan were very kind and helpful. Couldn’t ask for more!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Catherine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely spot in the middle of town, great views from my bedroom window. And Fiona was the perfect host, cooking up a delicious Scottish breakfast!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jackalyn, Mesa

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
An absolutely lovely stay on Islay! Duncan and Fiona are incredibly kind, and their bed and breakfast is wonderful. The rooms have a cozy feel, while still being really spacious if you’ve brought large luggage. I can’t wait to go back!
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2022

8/10 Good

Luis Cesar

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Fiona and David great hosts confortable room

Cozy decently sized room with comfortable bed. Fiona and David are very friendly and supportive. Location is great very close to Bowmore Distillery. Breakfast is made-to-order abd very tasty. Would definitely revommend and stay again on my next trip to Islay.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

William

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Perfect hosts

If you're already looking at the Island Bear for your trip to Islay then I suggest you just go ahead and book it if you can. This is a spotless, modern looking B&B right in the heart of Bowmore. I doubt it took us 5 minutes to walk anywhere in the village with all the restaurants and shops extremely close by. Really comfy bed, great shower/bath and nothing lacking in terms of facilities. What makes this B&B though are the hosts, Fiona and Duncan. We only ever really had the pleasure of speaking to them during breakfast but it made a great start to our day as they both took a lot of time to chat to us and talk about Bowmore and the island in particular. They were able to answer any questions we had. As well as all that the breakfasts were superb and more than enough to fuel a morning's adventuring. There was a problem with the ferries while we were there and their willingness to go above and beyond to help us out if needed was so appreciated. Thank you to you both and we hope to see you again soon. Billy & Marjorie
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Malcolm

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent BnB. Clean, modern with great service. The owners couldn’t do enough for us Can’t fault it
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Frances

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Amazing B&B, thoroughly enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely comfortable rooms. Great choice of breakfasts. Hosts were friendly and knowledgeable about the area - things to do, places to eat etc. Would love to go back!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great stay and excellent base to discover Islay

Lovely modernised accommodation. Breakfast excellent and great hosts. It would appear Bowmore is the largest place on Islay with a few pubs and restaurants (better to book these as they can be busy) so this is a good base for touring the Island. If visiting the distilleries , buses are regular and go to most places over the island from here letting you enjoy even more.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2021