Reviews of Islay House

We loved the mansion. Our room was So charming and with character , we had an amazing time. Thank you

Clean room, decent facilities.

The building is falling apart. The reception staff not properly trained to welcome guests. If I didn't ask where my room was I would still be looking for it. Breakfast not available till 7.30 am, no very convenient for guests who have an early start.

Stunning property, rich in magnificent architectural features and history. We had a beautiful bedroom with and amazing bathroom. The staff were incredible, they went above and beyond to make us and our little dog feel welcome. Breakfast was superb. Ignore reviews saying the property is under refurbishment, it is a huge project that the owners are certainly working on but all public areas currently in use are in excellent condition. The bar was open and we chatting with several other guests. It was an honour to stay here. Thank you to the staff especially Ali.

The on road signage is not yet in situ but has been ordered from the mainland and is to be installed soon.

An amazing place. Huge old house from a bygone era. A real highlight of our trip. Service was excellent and great value for money.

For some odd reason Google maps ignores the front drive and kept trying to bring us in the road that leads past the artists studios in the old stable block to the back door.

the location was great.

the bar, which had just opened did you have any draft beers or cider.

Islay House is a beautiful property with huge potential. Very motivated and hard working staff

The house was a luxury hotel until a few years ago, but was closed for about 2 years. It gives the impression that the new owners have simply unlocked the doors and left everything as it was when it closed 2 years ago. During our stay we could already see small improvements (dead flies in the stairwell were vacuumed away, lawn was mowed), but the house still needs a lot of renovation and the service is severely understaffed. The very small team around Ali is very friendly and endeavoured (e.g. they even opened the bar for us, to give us a better experience), but simply overwhelmed with the multitude of tasks in this huge property. At first glance, everything looks very luxurious and beautiful, but if you take a closer look, there is still a lot to do. The prices (we paid 190€ / night) are therefore currently too high.

Finding it was a bit tricky but upon arival I found a charming quaint hotel with tons of character. The room was large and comfortable and the price was a bargain. Nice breakfast was included. Staff of 2 were nice and couteous when present...

Room was a bit hot and stuffy on entering but after opening the window it got better. I was traveling light but if you're packing heavy and your room is on the upper floor you should better be pushing some iron in the gym...

Beautifully appointed reception rooms, bedroom and en-suite.

Challenging getting baggage to top floor room…many stairs and awkward doorways. Accommodation was spotless but windows were filthy.

The room was lovely and the hotel had a great period charm. The cooked breakfast was perfect.

Breakfast choice could have been better the coffee machine was somewhat temperamental.

The hotel is located just off the main road. The rooms are spacious and clean with a large well equipped bathroom. The breakfast menu was extensive and well prepared.

Central location on Islay is ideal. The bedroom and bathroom are a good size. The breakfast was excellent although the coffee machine was out of capsules so Nescafe was the alternative. Bed was comfortable.

There was a bit of a smell in the bedroom. .

Lovely experience in a traditional environment. Location excellent. Breakfast was great. Room large, clean and lovely products for toiletries.

The place needs some maintenance but works were ongoing. It maybe also needs more personal since we only saw one person who was great but the place is just too big to manage alone and not keep people waiting.

Breakfast tasty , impressive entry hall.

....At breakfast, no butter/ jam etc. Coffee machine needed refilled... A good hoover wouldn't have gone a miss!

Reception and breakfast staff were friendly and helpful. Breakfast was good and hotel is in a good location.

Most of the hotel is in need of major refurbishment. There was a large damp patch on the carpet at the bathroom entrance in our room, which made the whole room smell of damp. Although the staff were friendly, our room was located beneath the staff accommodation and there was a lot of noise which quietened down after 10pm, but didn't stop until midnight. It was cheaper than other hotels on the island, but I was expecting better.

This is an amazing building with great potential once it is refurbished. The room was large, very well appointed and many good features such as the large bed, occasional furniture, coffee making facilities and luxurious bathroom with very nice toiletries. The breakfast room was nice and staff were friendly and helpful. Look forward to seeing it when completed. Good communication with hotel staff prior to arrival which had been disrupted by a cancelled ferry.

The hotel is not well signposted from the road, the driveway has many potholes, it was not clear where the reception was as there was no signpost. The bedroom ceiling needed replastered/ painted. There was a dank smell in the room which was probably due to recent painting of the walls. Breakfast was adequate and I am sure it would be improved if the hotel owners achieve their ambition to create a 5 Star spa. A kettle would be good to have in the rooms as the coffee maker did not produce water at the right temperature to make tea.

The aged outside of the building hides to gem inside. The breakfast was 'exceptional' as advertised :)

Signage for the entrance

Plenty hot water. Comfy beds.

No lift access. No bell at front desk to contact staff.

Nearly slipping in the shower , where shower is there is nothing on the floor of shower to stop you sliding all over the place , luckily I didn't fall but that's not saying someone might, if anybody was walking around the big lawn out the front t of the hotel, they would be able to see me in the shower also people could probably watch me while I sit on the toilet, lucky for me it the hotel wasn't to busy, also there is no clear directions to take you to the hotel , Google maps could not direct me into the proper drive for the hotel , took me round the back on a gravel track full of pot holes .