Lochside Hotel Bowmore | 200+ Whiskies

Name: Lochside Hotel, Bowmore
Address: 20 Shore Street, Bowmore, Isle Of Islay, Bowmore, Highlands, PA43 7LB
Price range: US$413+
Rating: 8.7

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Key details

About the Hotel

20 Shore Street, Bowmore, Isle Of Islay, Bowmore, PA43 7LB

Close to Kilarrow Parish Church

Great

8.7

/10

4.3

Loved by Lochside Hotel guests

Friendly staff

Spacious rooms

Delicious meals

Comfortable beds

"GREAT selection of whiskies at reasonable prices and fantastic dinner at a reasonable price!"

Joel from United Kingdom

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"The rooms was sea view which was a nice surprise and it was well appointed although bijou"

Margo from United Kingdom

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"The restaurant served fantastic food and came with a whisky menu to make any enthusiast drool."

SaraJohnstone from United Kingdom

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3-star waterfront hotel in Bowmore, Islay

Accommodation

The Lochside Hotel offers 12 en suite guest rooms with scenic views of Loch Indaal. Five rooms provide captivating vistas that offer a unique snapshot of Islay's landscape. Additionally, Briarlea House features four recently-refurbished contemporary rooms, each equipped with en suite facilities and located a short five-minute walk from the main hotel.

Dining

The on-site restaurant presents menus highlighting local seafood with ingredients sourced directly from local fishermen. Guests can enjoy a variety of gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan dishes, as well as a dedicated children's menu. Each dining experience is accompanied by breathtaking views of Loch Indaal and Bowmore harbour.

Whisky Selection

The Lochside hosts an impressive whisky collection with over 200 bottles, featuring selections from each of Islay's distilleries. Visitors can explore unique and rare bottlings, along with curated whisky flights tailored to individual preferences. The hotel also provides a range of local gins and beers for guests to enjoy.

Location and Activities

Located on the shores of Loch Indaal, The Lochside serves as a strategic base for touring Islay's renowned distilleries. Bowmore Distillery is just a stone's throw away, while other distilleries are within a short drive. The hotel's proximity to local attractions enhances the exploration experience of this beautiful island.

Experience

The Lochside offers exclusive rates for direct bookings, ensuring guests receive the best value for their stay on Islay. The combination of scenic views, local dining, and exceptional whisky selections creates a compelling guest experience. An inviting atmosphere awaits travelers looking to explore Islay with all its cultural and natural attractions.

Highlights

Location: Nestled on the shore of Loch Indaal

Dining: On-site restaurant with local seafood

Whisky: Impressive collection of over 200 bottles

Accommodations: Four contemporary rooms at Briarlea House

“From what I've gathered, this is a whisky lover's haven, with a collection that would impress even the most seasoned connoisseur. The location is a real plus, placing you perfectly for exploring Bowmore and its famous distillery. I see a place where good food and stunning loch views come standard, making it a comfortable base for discovering Islay.”

Anna BlackEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel

Location: Perfect

9.4/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

DiningSeafood Heaven

The dining room has a beautiful view. The seafood was fresh and amazing! I really enjoyed the puddings. Book a table in advance.

Olivia Miller from United States

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Room FeaturesComfort Defined

My room was spotless with a comfy bed. I had hot chocolate and tea in my room and an excellent shower.

Kenji Tanaka from Japan

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BathroomExcellent Shower!

The big room had a big bed and an excellent shower! There were no hooks in the bathroom to hang the towels.

Fatima Silva from Brazil

Review on

DiningWhisky Paradise

The whisky selection is extensive. They have a whisky list to die for! You can ask for the whisky bible.

Angus MacLeod from Scotland

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Select your room type

Lochside Hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Deluxe Single Room
2 persons
6 sq. feet
1 Single bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Superior Double or Twin Room Sea View
2 persons
18 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Deluxe Double or Twin Room City View
2 persons
11 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Bathtub
Heating
room details

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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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September 2026 - September 2027

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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

Lochside Hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Great

8.5/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
No pets allowed

Sports & Fitness

Hiking

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Welcome drink

Dining

Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Packed lunches
Special diet menus

Children

Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

Beach access
Entertainment
Sun terrace

Room features

Heating
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Dining Onsite

At Lochside Hotel, dining becomes an exploration of Scottish flavor, where every meal celebrates local ingredients against a backdrop of stunning views of Loch Indaal and Bowmore harbour. From hearty traditional fare to seafood delights, guests are invited to indulge in authentic culinary experiences that reflect the rich culture of the region.

Restaurant #1
British, Scottish, Seafood, Steakhouse, European
Ambiance
Family-friendly with a traditional setting, offering sweeping views of the loch and harbour.
Key Offerings
Signature dishes include fresh local crab, mussels, and halibut from Gigha, as well as prime sirloin steaks and traditional favorites like fish and chips. A stellar wine selection complements the meals, making it perfect for family gatherings or romantic dinners.
Reservation
Recommended
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Lochside Hotel Location

20 Shore Street, Bowmore, Isle Of Islay, Bowmore, PA43 7LB

Explore Bowmore

Local Highlights Near Lochside Hotel

Bowmore Distillery

2 minutes' walk

Bowmore Distillery, one of Islay's oldest, offers guided tours showcasing whisky production. Tasting sessions available.

Kilarrow Parish Church

2 minutes' walk

Kilarrow Parish Church is notable for its beautiful architecture and serene graveyard, providing insight into local heritage.

Islay House Square

5 minutes' drive

Islay House Square features charming shops, art displays, and beautiful gardens, perfect for a leisurely outing.

Museum of Islay Life

17 minutes' drive

Museum of Islay Life showcases the island's history and culture with engaging exhibits and artifacts.

Whisky Tasting Tours

5 minutes' drive

Whisky tasting tours at local distilleries reveal the art of Islay whisky-making-advance booking recommended for group sizes.

Nature Walks

5 minutes' drive

Stunning coastal and nature walks are perfect for relaxation and enjoying Islay's natural beauty.

Diving Adventures

15 minutes' drive

Diving adventures are available for thrill-seekers, showcasing Islay's underwater life-gear rental is available.

Lochside Inn Hotel Restaurant

1 minute' walk

Lochside Inn Hotel offers a relaxed atmosphere with local seafood and traditional dishes. Reservations are recommended.

Taj Mahal

1 minute' walk

Taj Mahal serves flavorful Indian cuisine in a comfortable setting. Vegetarian options available.

Harbour Inn

2 minutes' walk

Harbour Inn features classic pub fare and local beers with a cozy vibe, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.

Bowmore Hotel Restaurant

5 minutes' walk

Bowmore Hotel hosts regular live music events, creating a lively atmosphere for guests to enjoy an evening out.

Local Pubs

3 minutes' walk

Local pubs feature a vibrant atmosphere with opportunities to meet locals and enjoy traditional music sessions.

Getting around

City Centre
Bowmore 2 min · 400 ft
Airports
Glenegedale (ILY) 14 min · 5.6 mi
Colonsay (CSA) 70 min · 28.7 mi

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-23:59

Check-out

from 06:00-10:00

Guest Parking

No parking available.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.

Children & extra beds

There are no extra beds provided in a room. There are no cots provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Number of rooms:

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Lochside Hotel from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

The Lochside Hotel enjoys a beautiful waterfront location in a cool town, offering comfortable and clean rooms, some with lovely loch views. Guests often appreciate the modern bathrooms and powerful showers, and many highlight the excellent food and drink selection, including a vast choice of whisky at the bar. The breakfast is notably abundant, and the restaurant is considered top-notch by many; however, some guests have occasionally found themselves in rooms located in a separate house a short walk from the main building.

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Review score

Based on 156 verified reviews

8.4 /10

Great

84 %

Recommend

Location

9.4/10

Staff

9.2/10

Value for money

7.6/10

Facilities

8.5/10

Pros

Excellent menu

Comfy beds

Whisky selection

Cons

Unclean room

Noisy generator

Mike from United States

Double Room Sea View

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 20, 2026

9/10

local whisky fresh towels daily cleaning

the breakfast had many options and the food tasted very good. the staff at the bar were friendly and made great recommendations for local whisky. my room was cleaned daily and fresh towels were provided. the hotel bar offers a superb scotch selection!

0 Helpful

Jason from United Kingdom

Couple

Deluxe Double or Twin Room City View

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 17, 2026

6/10

significant noise limited breakfast

The room allocated was not ideal. It was located directly above the entrance. This resulted in significant noise from smokers congregating outside. The noise persisted late into the night. Breakfast presented another issue. Porridge was the only hot option. I requested a bacon roll, but it was denied.

0 Helpful

Andrew from United Kingdom

Single

Double Room Sea View

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 01, 2026

6/10

Acceptable Hotel Experience

easy check-in unreal selection excellent staff constant music ticking noise heating system

The staff were excellent. My check-in process was easy, and I felt very welcome. The selection of whisky at the bar was unreal, which I appreciated.

My room was located over the bar. I experienced constant music vibrating through the room until after 23:00. The heating system also made a ticking noise throughout the night.

0 Helpful

Jim from Australia

Single

Double Room Sea View

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: November 23, 2025

7/10

fabulous view thoughtful staff small room small bathroom

the dining room had fabulous views. i also really liked that the staff helped me find a phone charger i left during a previous stay (so thoughtful!).

The room i had was quite small. the bathroom was also small. It would not be suitable for a fairly tall person (i am 6'2'').

0 Helpful

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Questions of the users

About Lochside Hotel

Are small dogs permitted at the hotel?

12 February 2024

Dogs are allowed in specific rooms and areas of the hotel. It is advisable to call in advance to confirm if a particular room is suitable for pets.

Is there a ground floor accommodation available for guests with mobility difficulties?

20 March 2024

Yes, there is one ground floor room that is wheelchair accessible. It can be accessed from outside the building.

Are there taxi services available on Islay?

5 April 2024

Yes, there are taxi services on the island. It is recommended to arrange for one in advance to ensure availability during your stay.

What are the check-in times, and is early check-in possible?

17 May 2024

Check-in starts at 3:00 PM. However, if your room is ready earlier, an early check-in may be accommodated.

Is there a secure area for bike storage?

1 June 2024

Although there is no dedicated bike storage, a covered alleyway adjacent to the hotel provides some protection. It is advised to use locks for added security.

What are the breakfast hours?

10 July 2024

Breakfast is served from 7 AM to 9:30 AM on weekdays and from 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM on weekends.

Is there free parking available near the hotel?

22 August 2024

Yes, street parking in Bowmore is free of charge and readily available for guests.

Can dinner reservations be made prior to arrival at the hotel?

15 September 2024

It is recommended to book dinner in advance to ensure a table, as the restaurant operates daily from 1 PM to 8:30 PM.

Are there any vegetarian or gluten-free dining options available?

30 October 2024

Yes, the menu includes a great variety of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.

What local attractions should not be missed while visiting?

12 November 2024

Islay is famous for its distilleries, breathtaking landscapes, and wildlife. Key attractions include Bowmore Distillery, the picturesque beaches at Machir Bay, and stunning views of Loch Indaal.