The Island Bear B&B

We stayed at the Island Bear while doing a whisky tour in Islay. This bed and breakfast was beautiful, clean and located in a beautiful street in Islay. The owner couple were present every day and did everything they could to make your stay wonderful . The breakfast was freshly prepared every morning and it was delicious. The room was clean and comfortable. Just loved this place and hope to be back again!

We were not able to travel for our initial booking due to the pandemic. We had paid 73 pounds deposit. Fiona sent us a mail asking whether she should send the money back or she could keep it for a future booking. Because we intended to travel as soon as it would be safe again and because it was a very challenging time for hotels we let her keep it. In July 2022 I contacted her again to arrange a booking for our May 2023 trip to Islay. Fiona responded stating that she will transfer our deposit to the new booking and offering 2 alternative rooms. I wrote back clearly stating which room we want to take. However, attached to her mail was a form that I did not fill out. In January 2023 she wrote a mail asking whether we still wanted to come to Islay because she had rented all rooms to a large group. I couldn´t believe that she gave the room to somebody else without getting in touch. When I found another B&B and asked her to send my deposit back she said that she would rather forward it to our new B&B because of high fees for the bank transfer. Even though this clearly was not my problem I agreed and send her the name of the new B&B. Afterwards, she just kept the money and when I reached out again in May 2023 she stated that she had just found my mail in the junk folder. Also, she wrote that she didn´t have any contact details and could not forward the money. I could pick it up at her B&B. When I responded that this wasn´t acceptable to me she wrote that she can send me the money but would deduct 10punds fee from her side. After many mails I received just 31.44 of the 73 pounds I had paid in my bank account. I sent Fiona a mail asking for the rest to which she responed that she deducted 10 pounds for her effort and that the rest was banking fees. OUTRAGEOUS!!! I am sure she wouldn´t accept any guest just paying half the prize and claiming the rest was taken by the bank. Don´t book at the Islay Bear! I sure won´t ever again!

Stayed here three nights with a friend while on a 4 night whiskey tour. Fiona was extremely responsive from the beginning, answering my questions. There are only 3 guest rooms, so it's quiet. We had a second floor, "Lagavulin" room, AKA room 1. Bathroom was very large including a tub. Room was big spacious enought too, recently updated. Breakfast was to order, and ample. Fiona and her husband were extremely welcoming and hard working. They even mailed my postcards for me, as the PO was closed and I was leaving the island. It's location is central, just a block from the most popular bars and restaurants in town. Two blocks from the Bowmore distillery,

My son and I stayed for 3 days in July 2022. What a perfect location right across the street from Bowmore distillery, a whisky bottle shop, and several restaurants in the center of the town of Bowmore. Also right next to the water. Fiona and Duncan were wonderful hosts. They put out a pad for us to write on to indicate what we wanted for breakfast the next day. We had a full scottish breakfast one day and a smaller breakfast the other days. All the food was wonderful. I especially enjoyed the bread they used for toast, and of course the irish butter. wonderful. Our room was clean and the bathroom looked brand new. Our hosts provided great travel suggestions on Islay and were very helpful with info on buses, travel times etc. We would definitely visit the Island Bear again on a repeat visit.

my wife sue & I stayed here for 4 nights, could not have chosen better, wonderful hosts, choice of breakfast that set you up for the day of exploration (drove over 200 miles while on the island) of the scenery & investigation of where my ancestors once lived. Fiona was very helpful with my family tree research with help as to where we should visit to learn more, as well as sights to see and the wildlife to look out for; buzzards, red kites, deer & seals which we managed to see ourselves & more if you are lucky enough highly recommended AAA+++ rating. ian & sue