Stay at The Lochside Hotel & Restaurant, a 4.4-star chic hotel in Bowmore with harbourside dining, whisky bar, free Wi-Fi, parking, and stunning Loch Indaal views.
Visitors appreciate a welcoming atmosphere, quality dining, and comfortable rooms with lovely waterside views, though some note variability in bar service and occasional staffing limitations.
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Rooms, shared spaces, dining and exterior — grouped so you can skim quickly.
Set along the harbourside at 20 Shore Street in Bowmore, the Lochside Hotel & Restaurant offers chic accommodation with serene views over Loch Indaal. Its whitewashed exterior complements the surrounding waterfront, placing guests just a short walk from the Bowmore Distillery and within easy reach of Islay Airport. This location makes it convenient for visitors interested in exploring several renowned nearby whisky distilleries, such as Kilchoman, Lagavulin, and Laphroaig, all offering guided tours and tastings.
The property features a combination of hotel rooms, a restaurant, and a whisky bar, catering to guests looking for comfortable lodging paired with on-site dining and drink options. Free Wi-Fi, breakfast, and parking enhance the practical aspect of a stay here, while the smoke-free environment and accessible facilities support a broad range of needs. The hotel is pet- and kid-friendly, appealing to families and travelers accompanied by pets, though it does not offer air conditioning, a fitness center, or a pool.
Guest feedback highlights the welcoming atmosphere and attentive service, particularly praising the restaurant’s quality offerings and knowledgeable bar staff. Some reviews note occasional service inconsistencies, likely linked to staffing, but many appreciate the cozy rooms and the hotel's waterside charm. This balance suggests the hotel is well-suited to those seeking an authentic local experience with comfortable amenities and a strong focus on whisky culture.
Checking in from 14:00 and departing by 10:00, visitors can enjoy a well-located base for exploring Islay’s attractions or relaxing by the loch. Having a veterinary surgery onsite adds convenience for guests traveling with pets. Overall, the Lochside Hotel & Restaurant combines practical facilities with a scenic setting, making it a suitable choice for whisky enthusiasts and travellers seeking a peaceful yet central spot on the island.
The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.
Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.
Excellence abounds! Spending a few days in Islay and we couldn’t be happier to have chosen Lochside. Lovely hotel with genuine charm, a top-notch team and an outstanding restaurant and bar. Located waterside with serene views of the water and countryside across the bay. Big shout out to the kitchen. I’ve had a steak and also the scallops, breakfast, and my wife has greatly enjoyed her meals like crab linguini also smoked haddock chowder. Ben has an incredible knowledge of whisky, and is a delight. I had the pleasure of watching the general manger keep a busy restaurant humming and even calming down a group of man babies while remaining professional and calm. Whether it’s a meal, a drink, or as a guest of the hotel, Lochside is the place to be.
What a lovely stay we had at the Lochside!!! The staff and service was excellent, tons of small attention and made us feel right at home. Food was very good and the whisky cocktails were top notch. Beds are super cozy and rooms are perfect. I would stay again and would go back just to hang with the hotel staff !
Good place to stay on the island! Nice food and drinks. The room was super comfortable
A great place to stay on Islay - close to all the action in Bowmore - and the famous Bowmore Distillery. No more than 20 minutes from the airport, or 30 to the ferry. Clean, modern, comfortable, friendly atmosphere. Food really good, and a well-stocked bar. Room 11 is up two flights of stairs, but is super-spacious and with an en-suite set of ablutionary accoutrements. Obviously it's a pub/restaurant, and there are many liquid distractions, so some excitement and bonhomie are both welcome and to be expected. If it is peace and quiet you crave, the local cemetery is 5 minutes crawl away!
My husband and I stayed at Lochside while on Islay for our Honeymoon, and we are so glad that we did. Everyone at Lochside was so incredibly accommodating. The room exceeded all expectations. The view was absolutely stunning. Breakfast was so convenient AND delicious! We would stay here again in a heartbeat!
Popped in for dinner! Delicious food, great drinks variety and amazing service and atmosphere! Fantastic night! Thank you to the whole team at The Lochside Hotel & Restaurant!
We had a dinner at the restaurant and a few drinks at the bar section 2 seperate nights. The food and the waitress that tend to us at the restaurant were good. But I can't say the same thing for the other waiter and for the bar. It does have a variety of whiskies and fair prices but service was not good there. 1st night the waiter told us restaurant section is closed but he didn't show us somewhere to sit. Luckyly one lady left and we sat at her table. Then he didn't wipe the table at first even if there were a lot of stains from before. We told him and then he did it but in a very nonproffessional way. We ordered some snacks and he dropped 4 plates on one corner of the table with the forks and left. We were shocked but we moved on. Actually the location, the atmosphere, the food was very nice and I think they really have big potential. But they must at least educate their employees.
The food was good. The service was slightly erratic as they were short staffed. Disappointing not to offer decaffeinated coffee
Set in a whitewashed property overlooking Loch Indaal, this chic hotel is a 3-minute walk from Bowmore Distillery, 11 miles from Port Askaig and 6 miles from Islay Airport.
Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in United Kingdom. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.
465 reviews Rockside Farm, Bruichladdich, Isle of Islay PA49 7UT, United Kingdom
733 reviews Lagavulin, Isle of Islay PA42 7DZ, United Kingdom
630 reviews Laphroaig, Isle of Islay PA42 7DU, United Kingdom
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