When nine high school friends who graduated 30 years ago booked a trip to Scotland to visit distilleries, we hoped it would be memorable. Instead, it was the trip of a lifetime, and the Lochindaal Hotel was a big part of that. Iain, Katie, Paula, and the rest of the hotel/pub/restaurant staff immediately made us feel welcome and helped us navigate the island. The downstairs pubs are delightful and we took full advantage of the wide variety of beer and whiskeys. The rooms were comfortable and the hotel served perfectly as a home base for the island. We can't say enough about the seafood dinner at the seafood kitchen - some of the freshest, most delicious seafood we have ever eaten. By the end of our stay, we knew the locals by name and felt like family. As others have observed, the pub can be noisy, but that is honestly part of the charm (and half the time it was our party making the noise!). Until next time!…
The Lochindaal Hotel is perfect for an Islay getaway with a pet. The bed was one of the comfiest I have ever slept in so I would recommend it in that alone! The bar is great if you want the busy pub experience and the lounge was excellent for a quiet drink. They also host a very impressive whisky selection so anyone visiting the island for the distilleries will definitely enjoy it. It was a bit odd walking to breakfast in the morning but since we were there for the veiws we didn't mind and the food was definitely worth the trip.
If you're looking for a Hilton this isn't it but it is class. The Hotel is small but that's part of the beauty of it, owners are great craic but also very knowledgeable about the island, so definitely worth just chatting to. Our room was massive with all sorts of extras to make the stay enjoyable. Bar makes a little bit of noise at night but to be honest the greats days out in the fresh sea air knocked us out each night, likewise we were directly above so some of the other rooms would be quieter. Breakfasts are brilliant.
The Lochindaal is a lovely little hotel. Our room was very clean and spacious. The beds were very comfy, the bathroom was spotless and the shower was excellent. Location is beautiful and the nearby Lochindaal kitchen is outstanding. The only downside is the noise from the hotel bar downstairs was absolutely outrageous. Don’t get me wrong, it sounded like everyone had a great night! That is until they started fighting and smashing glasses on the pavement outside. Not to forget the wheel spinning and car engines revving throughout the night and constant shouting and sweating. I’d have reported this to the management however they were nowhere to be seen at checkout. We did reach out to the hotel via PM on booking.com however they’ve ignored our message. I’m pretty sure the staff are aware of my displeasure when they seen me hanging out my room window watching the shenanigans, however they failed to apologise or acknowledge me. What could be a comfortable and relaxing hotel is spoiled by noise and poor management of the downstairs bar. I do hope that you get this is order.…
We were very disappointed to be told on arrival that our long-standing booking did not exist and that they had no room for the 7 of us (cyclists) . Recognising their error very quickly ,Katie and her staff managed to find a way to accommodate us and make the overall evening into one of the best on our 8 day trip. We started off in the lively hotel bar but eventually ate in the lounge bar where it was less lively. This is a bar that seems to be used by locals and everyone was extremely friendly. we were offered a choice of menus; either the hotels more simple one, or the one offered at the Seafood Kitchen, just down the road. We chose from the latter, food was bought up and then heated up in the hotel's own kitchen. Others were eating from the hotel menu and although we didn't really look at it, the food look very good. The menu we chose from was extensive and included a lot of fish and shellfish options. The food was great when it arrived. Alex and Sophie acted as perfect hosts and made the whole evening very memorable. Thanks you to everyone fora great night. We have now made two visits to Port Charlotte over the years. I hope we do get chance to come again one day…
My room was massive and luxurious, the bed was heavily just like the shower. The owner was nothing short of a gentleman with banter to match, he went above and beyond for us on our trip even helping with our work. The meals were fabulous and prepared to our individual taste every day with a smile. Will be back for the hospitality and to further explore beautiful Islay. Thanks for a great experience :)
Try not to be put off by the evasive booking process. The food is good, the beer well kept and whisky choices extensive. We couldn’t complete the huge seafood platter. We saw dolphins from the window. We would return.
On arrival, we were upgraded to the Kilchoman suite which had a large Queen size? double bed, and a seperate room with en suite and inter joining door, ideal for families. it was equipped with TV and DVD, also a fridge. We were pleased to hear that during these Covid-19 virus times, there is a 3 day gap between guests. Another hotel in same street had wanted to charge us more than double what we had paid, for a 4 night stay, and I doubt it would have been as good as our stay. Breakfast and evening meals during current Covid-19 crisis are being served at their sister restaurant just along the street, Seafood Kitchen. Bookings required. There is also a takeaway service from the restaurant, served at the hotel, if no tables available. Ian, our charming host and chef, went out of his way to get Black Pudding in for my next 3 breakfasts and bananas for my friend's breakfast. Paula who served us was very friendly. Ian's son Alexander is the barman at the hotel. There is a bell on each table, for table service, drinks come on a tray, and we lift our own glasses from tray. We saw tables and seats being wiped down frequently. Felt safe. The hotel is on main street, with free parking right at door. Port Charlotte very pretty, and within easy driving distance to Port Askaig and Bowmore, also to the ferry at Port Ellen, and a short drive to the picturesque village of Portnahaven, where we watched seals at play. Seafood Kitchen restaurant:- the food was wonderful garlic mushrooms on toast with stilton cheese sauce, delicious, I had this as my starter 2 nights running Cullen Skink soup Katie's Fish Pie Home made Steak Pie all were lovely, as were the breakfasts. free range eggs I noticed, by the yellowness of my scrambled eggs. There was a lovely roaring fire too. We would definitely consider coming back another time…
On behalf of John, Andrew and myself, Mary Rawlins, we loved every minute of our 4 night stay at the Lochindaal as we always do for the sa\me week in November each year. The rooms were warm and very comfortable. Paul looked after us each morning with very tasty breakfasts and Ian looked after us extremely well with the last mornings breakfast. The barmen, Paul, Gary and Pierre, were excellent!! The Hotel is located in a very good spot in centre of the village of Port Charlotte and stones throw from the sea. All the whisky distilleries are accessible by bus or car. We hope to return same time, same place, next year!
My husband and I stayed for 2 nights. The room was freshly renovated and thoughtfully decorated. You can’t beat the selection of scotch in the bar! The value for the money is excellent. Definitely plan ahead for taxis if you want to take one to and from distilleries.
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