Lochside Hotel

The family suite was large and comfortable. However, there were no handrails on the third floor stairs leading to the room making it challenging. The staff were very helpful with the luggage. The shower was small and hard to get into. The view was great. The breakfast was very good. Recommend staying on a lower floor.

We stayed here for one night, following our whisky tasting experiences! It’s about a 20 minute drive from the Port Ellen ferry terminal, and an easy drive through the Islay. This hotel was bustling with people, and much busier than I anticipated! We were promptly greeted and checked-in, given instructions (especially regarding sensitive smoke detectors) and were made a dinner reservation. The room was small but comfortable, and the bed was large and cozy. Dinner was convenient and delicious (though it was an added expense for us, and not included in our stay). Seating is limited and best to book in advance. The hotel is located close to many shops, the Bowmore distillery and the shoreline. There’s an attached bar (Duffy’s Pub), which was boisterous and seemed like a fun time. Our room was up the stairs, at the top of the hotel. Unfortunately, the walls seemed extremely thin and there was quite a bit of noise and very loud voices between 2200-0000. It was a little annoying, and made it hard to sleep. Breakfast was included in our stay, which we took advantage of. It took quite awhile to have any service once we were seated, and the gentleman serving us seemed like he wasn’t paying much attention. Scrambled eggs came out over easy, coffee was never refilled, and we weren’t checked on once the food came out. We were seated with a little view of the water this time, which was nice. We did enjoy our stay here, and would return if we had the chance.

Booked accommodation for three nights in the spacious attic bedroom. We were disappointed the room didn't have any seating area, which the room was large enough to cope with but instead had two additional beds at different heights which went unused. The hotel knew there were only two guests booked and not a family of four. The room had a fab view apart from overlooking the metal roof of the hotel kitchen and noise from 6:30 am - 8:30pm of the kitchen fans. The room had a damp smell and unfortunately the biggest issue was the velux window didn't have a blind. The first morning we were awake at 4:30ish, sunrise and when asked for a solution or moving to an alternative room the staff member offered to cover the window in foil. When arriving back into the room a blanket/duvet cover had beef wrapped over the window. Paying £220 a night felt like a lot, especially when the room was so disappointing. The staff were friendly but inexperienced in working in hospitality and hadn't been fully trained.

I stayed in The Lochside on a solo trip at beginning of September, before reviewing, I'd like to say a special thank-you to all the staff, including Gema (front of house) and chef Dan. Enjoyed the beers on Tuesday night and the Aidan breakfast, Wednesday morning. (Mr McG). If reading this, Gema will understand. From my arrival early on the Monday morning, late breakfast which was prepared to the early morning breakfast, on the Thursday morning, when leaving to catch a flight, my stay couldn't have better been looked after. I think I stayed in room 12 on the top floor, a super spacious room, with a single bed, super king bed, and a seating area, with great views over Loch Indaal. The room was well tastefully decorated and modern. On one morning, other rooms were open, whilst being prepared for new arrivals. Whist smaller, they all looked well decorated also. I had dinner booked in the hotel on 2 of the 3 evenings. The haggis, neeps and tatties tower and katsu curry were very tasty. They also had a couple of fish specials on each evening. The only minor issue, it would be useful to put some type of blind on the bathroom window. This faces directly into the living quarters of the Indian restaurant across the road. I probably met most of the staff having beers on the Tuesday night, sorry I can't remember your name, but thanks for all the service. This may have been my first visit to Islay (bowmore), but certainly won't be my last. Hope to see you all again in 2024. -aidan

The Hotel is outstanding the staff are fantastic friendly and can’t do enough for you we had room 9 it was huge great view and fab shower and bathroom The breakfasts are really good and huge the evening food 5 star plus the seafood specials huge and very tasty Thanks so much to all the staff