The Island Bear B&B

Property class: 3

Choose dates to view prices

Located close to Bowmore Distillery and Bruichladdich Distillery, The Island Bear B&B provides free full breakfast and an adjacent golf course. Get out on the links at this bed & breakfast and enjoy amenities such as a driving range, golf lessons and a golf pro shop. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Free Wi-Fi

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 4 of 4 rooms

View all photos for Twin Room

Room

Twin Room

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(5 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds

View all photos for Double Room

Room

Double Room

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(5 reviews)
  • Partial sea view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Double Room 5

Room

Double Room 5

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Double Room

Room

Double Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • Partial sea view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed
Mod logo
Sign in to view eligible discounts and perks. More rewards for more adventures!
Sign inSign up, it's free

About the area

Located in Islay Island, The Island Bear B&B is in the city centre and on the boardwalk. Bowmore Distillery and Bruichladdich Distillery are two other places to visit that come recommended. Relax and indulge in the area's winery tours, or seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails nearby. Visit our Islay Island travel guide
View more B&B in Islay Island
Map
Shore Street, Bowmore, Islay Island, Scotland, PA43 7LB

What's nearby

  • A coastal scene with a white building labeled "LACAVULIN" and a rocky shoreline with purple flowers.
    Lagavulin Distillery
    29 min drive - 26.8 km
  • A coastal scene with a building labeled 'ARDBEG' by the sea.
    Ardbeg Distillery
    30 min drive - 28.1 km
  • Bowmore Distillery
    2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • MacTaggart Leisure Centre
    3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Laphroaig Distillery
    26 min drive - 23.9 km

Getting around

  • Islay (ILY)
    10 min drive

Restaurants

  • The Port Charlotte Hotel And Restaurant
    16 min drive
  • Taj Mahal Tandoori
    1 min walk
  • Islay’s Plaice
    4 min walk
  • The Rhinns Cafe
    18 min drive
  • Lochindaal Seafood Kitchen
    16 min drive

About this property

The Island Bear B&B

  • Bed & breakfast remodelled in 2023 and located near Bowmore Distillery
  • Located close to Bruichladdich Distillery, The Island Bear B&B provides free full breakfast and an adjacent golf course. Tee up with amenities, such as a driving range, golf lessons and a golf pro shop, at this bed & breakfast. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi.
  • You'll also enjoy perks such as:
    • A round-trip airport shuttle (surcharge), smoke-free property and golf cart on-site
    • Bike parking
  • Room features
  • All guestrooms are individually furnished, and feature comforts such as premium bedding, in addition to amenities such as free WiFi.
  • More conveniences in all rooms include:
    • Free tea bags/instant coffee and electric kettles
    • Bathrooms with shower/bath combinations and free toiletries

Similar properties

A hotel room with two beds, a sofa, a dining table with chairs, a chandelier, a painting on the wall, and a window with curtains.
The Bowmore House Bed & Breakfast
Islay Island
  • Breakfast included
  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Housekeeping
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, 59 reviews
The Bowmore House Bed & Breakfast
Compare similar properties

Frequently asked questions

Is The Island Bear B&B pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

How much is parking at The Island Bear B&B?

There is free parking nearby.

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

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; check-in end time: 6:00 PM.

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

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Does The Island Bear B&B provide a shuttle to the airport?

Yes, there's an airport shuttle. A fee of GBP 35 per vehicle applies.

Where is The Island Bear B&B located?

Located in the heart of Islay Island, this golf bed & breakfast is 0.1 mi (0.2 km) from Bowmore Distillery, and within 12 mi (20 km) of Bruichladdich Distillery and Museum of Islay Life. Wildlife Information Centre and Caol Ila Distillery are also within 12 mi (20 km).

Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?

Yes, this property offers free cancellation on selected room rates because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Reviews

The Island Bear B&B Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

10

Cleanliness

10

Location

9.8

Staff & service

9.8

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 82 out of 99 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 14 out of 99 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 99 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 99 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 99 reviews

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean room; comfortable bed; nice bathroom.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location, clean well presented B&B, helpful hosts.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our room was small but the bed so comfy and the place was quiet. Breakfast was fabulous and communication was good. We would stay there again.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing stay! Cozy place with a very helpful and nice owner. Perfect location for exploring the island. Can highly recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had wonderful stay in The Island Bear B&B. The room was indulging and clean. Nice modern shower and freestanding tub. The breakfast was delicious. The owner was waiting for us when we arrived late night on the last ferry. She went above and beyond to make sure we can have a breakfast before we leave on the first ferry at 7 am. I wish we could stay more.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had a lovely stay at The Island Bear. My husband was struggling with the stairs and we were kindly moved to a ground floor room. The people could not have been more helpful and welcoming. Excellent breakfast too.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very recently fitted out accomodation in the heart of Bowmore just steps from a selection of restaurants, the distillery and public transport. On arrival the host talked us through the arrangements with an outstanding breakfast each morning at the nearby Harbour Inn overlooking the bay. Very high spec fitout of the spotlessly clean room and ensuite and a very comfortable bed. Bowmore is an ideal central location from which to visit and enjoy the island which has lots to offer in addition to the whiskies. Highly recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very friendly staff
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff were very friendly, helpful and communicative. They were doing work on the reception area and adding a laundry room while we were there, but they said we could go watch TV in the downstairs lounge while work was happening.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Had a problem finding the place, parking a bit of a problem during the day. Friendly people, clean rooms and en-suite. Adequate Continental breakfast, with a snack box take away if you feel like snacking later.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Helpful hotel owner, Nice scotich breakfast, Clean room.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Island Bear is simply fantastic overall. Everyone in the team was friendly and going the extra mile to help, and they gave excellent recommendations and suggestions on what to see and do on Islay. The room was very comfortable and clean, and breakfast was always delicious and they offered different choices every day. The B&B is just 2 minutes from Bowmore Distillery so cannot be more convenient. There are also restaurants and a cute souvenir shop across the road. The price we got was such a bargain for accommodations on Islay as well. Highly recommended!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

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

Central location for exploring Islay and Jura.

Great place to stay in the middle of Islay’s largest village. Friendly and helpful staff.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Island Bear is very conveniently located in the cneter of Islay, a block away from ameneties, and the revered Bowmore distillery. The propert is nice, clean and lovingly mainted by the couple who also live there and are very helpful. Dunca (the owner) prepared deliciious Scotish breakfast every morning and was a reservoir of Islay knowledge. He knows every body on the Island, and everyone knows him fondly. I had great discussion with Duncan at breakfast every morning, and it was a highlight of my trip. Thank you for your hospitality.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very friendly staff,nice breakfast walking distance to pubs , shopping and other convenient facilities. Comprehensive local information provided in room. Nice relaxation area
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fiona and Duncan is friendly and helpful and provided a great breakfast every morning. The hotel was quiet and conveniently located a street from the ocean and and across the road from the Bowmore distillery with good restaurants nearby. Very comfortable beds and clean facilities.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Island Bear is a wonderful place to base a trip to Islay. It is situated at the center of town in Bowmore. The owners are very attentive and nice to talk with. The rooms are modern and very clean. Highly recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Convenient location
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very kind owners, easy check in and check out. Delicious home made breakfast in the morning. The room/bathroom was comfortable and homely. Location (in Bowmore) is ideal as a central location on Islay, and you have access to bus services.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Really friendly owners, a clean and spacious room. Parking was no problem, close to the Bowmore distillery. Got a fully cooked Scottish breakfast, tasty! Weather wasn‘t so friendly, but hey: It‘s Scotland! Enjoyed my stay and hopefully will come back again.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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