Lochside Hotel

This delightful small hotel stays open when just about everything else is closed! It’s a real hub of the local community in a stunning waterfront location. We loved everything about it, from the warmth of its welcome to its cool ‘boutiquey’ vibe (it’s still a proper wee Scottish hotel though). Nothing was ever any bother to its mainly young team. How professional were they! Food was great, especially the breakfasts. If you did want to eat out, there are other choices nearby and a dream of a coffee/gift shop just steps away. Stay here!!

Enjoyed an excellent stay at the Lochside while visiting Islay and the distilleries. The room was very comfortable and clean with plenty of space (I was in the family room). We ate 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 2 dinners in the hotel and all were excellent! There was a wide choice on the menu that catered for all tastes in our group. The views from the hotel are second to none and I was lucky enough to see them on a lovely day although I imagine they are just as good on a stormy day! The bar has an amazing whisky collection and the barman was very knowledgeable about them all. What made the stay though was the staff. They went out their way to make sure we enjoyed our stay as much as possible. I thoroughly recommend the Lochside and will definitely stay again!

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.

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 had the best 4 nights at this hotel this week. It is located within a 5 minute walk of anything you'd need in Bowmore. The views across the loch from the restaurant were a fantastic accompaniment to wonderful food. The bar stock is equally impressive and we would regularly request the 'whisky bible' to choose a dram or two. The staff were all incredibly friendly. We had several interactions with Richard who went above and beyond to ensure that we had the most enjoyable stay possible. Thank you to all the staff at the hotel for making our visit so relaxing and pleasant.

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