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Hotel
3 star

Lochside Hotel

Bowmore harbourfront · Hotel

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Photo: The Lochside Hotel & Restaurant

An Islay institution on Bowmore's harbour since 1884, with a whisky bar rated among the best in the world.

Photos

Photos via Google

About Lochside Hotel

The Lochside Hotel has stood on Bowmore's Shore Street since 1884, overlooking the harbour and Loch Indaal, and remains a genuinely local institution as much as a hotel for visitors. Its twelve guest rooms have been refurbished in recent years while the hotel has kept its traditional bones, with two bars and a restaurant that draws both islanders and travellers.

The whisky bar is the hotel's calling card, widely regarded as one of the great whisky bars anywhere, with a collection built up over decades that ranges across every Islay distillery and beyond. The restaurant and outdoor terrace look directly over the harbour towards the loch, making it a popular spot to watch the light change over the water.

Being in the centre of Bowmore, the Lochside is within easy walking distance of the town's shops and Bowmore Distillery, and a short drive from Port Charlotte, Port Ellen and the Loch Gruinart nature reserve.

Reception hours

Monday
7:30 AM – 12:00 AM
Tuesday
7:30 AM – 12:00 AM
Wednesday
7:30 AM – 12:00 AM
Thursday
7:30 AM – 12:00 AM
Friday
7:30 AM – 12:00 AM
Saturday
8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Sunday
8:00 AM – 12:00 AM

Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.

What guests say

james sherry

We just finished a fantastic dinner and couldn't have been happier! I had the fish and chips with prawns, and everything was cooked to perfection. The fish was beautifully flaky, the chips were excellent, and the mushy peas were a great accompaniment. My wife chose the burger, which was packed with flavour and thoroughly enjoyed every bite. To start, we shared the haggis and neeps, which were absolutely delicious and a great way to begin the meal. The service was outstanding from start to finish. The staff were incredibly friendly, attentive, and made sure we had everything we needed throughout our visit. If you're visiting Bowmore, this place is an absolute must-stop for a wonderful meal and warm Scottish hospitality!

2 months ago · via Google

Andy

I’m so glad I chose this place for our first Islay trip! My family and I had rooms 9 and 12 with great views of the loch. The rooms were clean and well appointed, and the windows let in plenty of fresh island air. The sit down breakfast was always a nice way to start the day, and we were given bagged to-go breakfast for our early checkout on our last day. The restaurant was also our go-to for dinner every night, there were some dishes I had multiple times and the staff were always kind and quick! The bar had every Islay whisky imaginable and plenty of good gin too. I will be returning again for certain, it was a delightful “home base” to have for exploring Islay. Pro-tip: if you’re visiting Scotland in the summer, bring a sleep mask. Even the best curtains in the world won’t keep a 4:00AM sunrise out.

2 months ago · via Google

Ja Pi

This is the perfect launching point to visit all your favorite Isla distilleries. Great service and the food is absolutely delicious! The porridge is the best I have ever had for breakfast. I definitely recommend the crab pasta - fresh with a hint of spice. The rooms are quiet and with a wonderful view of the sea.

2 months ago · via Google

tania johnson

My husband and I had a wonderful stay at the Lochside Hotel. We had a lovely room overlooking the water. However, the best part of the hotel was the staff. They are warm and welcoming! I can't say enough about the manager, Sophie! She is extremely personable and her enthusiasm is certainly contagious. We enjoyed both breakfast and dinner- the food was varied and delicious and the waitstaff was attentive and accommodating. A stay at the Lochside Hotel will not disappoint you. It's a warm comfortable hotel to enjoy.

3 months ago · via Google

See all reviews on Google →

Guests mention this hotel offers comfortable rooms with great views and delicious food, including excellent seafood and varied breakfast options. They also highlight the wide selection of whiskies, the welcoming staff, and the pleasant atmosphere.

Some reviews mention the service can be inconsistent.

Summary via Google

At a glance

Address
20 Shore Street, Bowmore, Isle of Islay, PA43 7LB Get directions
Property type
Hotel
Location
Bowmore harbourfront
Star rating
3 star
Guest score
8.4 / 10 (700 reviews)
Prices from
£120 per night
Good for children
Yes
Destination
Isle of Islay