Port Charlotte Hotel

An absolute GEM of a hotel, positioned on the edge of the rocky, sandy shore with spectacular views across the loch to the Paps of Jura. We were a little apprehensive as all the rooms are billed as 'dog friendly' but the extremely comfortable room was immaculate and smelled beautiful and clean. In fact the whole hotel was kept extremely clean. Kudos to the housekeeping team! The atmosphere in the cozy traditional bar was spot on. Lively and fun without being overbearing. The staff could not be any friendlier; they're so welcoming and nothing too much trouble. As for the food...oh MY! If I could have smuggled their talented chef out in my suitcase, I would. The breakfasts were delicious and plentiful and dinner was the stuff of dreams. Dinner is a total MUST DO. Imaginative meal choices, beautifully presented and definitely something a bit different. The lovely Lorna recommended the saffron rice pudding with cinnamon sugar and Arran ice cream. One of the tastiest puddings we've ever had. Hopefully we will return to spectacular Islay and if we do, here is where we will stay. Highly recommend.

The Port Charlotte Hotel was a big part of our three-night stay on Islay. All of the staff go out of their way to be helpful, whether casually chatting with you about the local points of interest and whiskies, leaving you to quietly look out the window at dawn breaking over Loch Indaal, or helping you plan getting back to the mainland after popping a tyre on your rental late in the evening. The Port Charlotte was the home we came back to every night whether we spent the day on Islay's beautiful beaches, or ferrying across to Jura to see the red deer. Despite not planning it, we had dinner at the hotel every night. There was so much on the menu to try, and everything was delightful: a special mention to the Loch Gruinart oysters and the traditional fish and chips. The bar's whisky list is comprehensive, but there's a great selection of wines as well. Though we came to Islay for the sights and distilleries, meeting locals turned out to be a significant part of our trip, and Lorna from the Port Charlotte is a wonderful person to talk to if you get the opportunity. We will fondly remember our stay until the time comes to return to Islay and enjoy the Port Charlotte's special hospitality and atmosphere anew.

We stayed in this lovely hotel for five nights while visiting Islay and touring distilleries. The rooms are comfortable and well appointed. We enjoyed mixing with other guests and locals in the hotel pub. We started every day with a delicious cooked to order breakfast. We can’t say enough good things about the staff. They were friendly, attentive and efficient. Although all of the staff were outstanding, a few stood out in making our stay special: Lorna, Robin, Betti, Kate, Shannon, and all the barmen- Colin, Gary, and Tom went above and beyond. If you’re planning a trip to Islay, stay here!

The room was beautiful. Some of the original rock was exposed and added a beautiful touch to the appearance of the room. Not surprisingly the room was quiet and comfortable. Our room was just down the hall from the onsite pub and we didn't hear a thing - even on live music night. It is within walking distance to a major distillery, so take the walk and enjoy the samples along to the tour.

This a small island hotel. Our room faced the bay and was nice, though small. Restaurant dinner was not a good experience. Breakfast OK. We drove to Bromore for a restaurant the 2nd night. Registration staff very nice. The drive around the island was very picturesque.

We had a perfect 4 day stay at this beautiful hotel. The staff were so sweet, the whiskey was plentiful. The rooms were lovely and our view was amazing. The restaurant had delicious food for vegans and non vegans. Everything was lovely would love to go back.