Islay Airport: where to stay, areas and recommended hotels

Islay is a small island in the Hebrides, and the airport essentially serves just one village, Port Ellen, plus a few isolated properties along the coast. Anyone wanting golf and a spa resort finds it all at Machrie, just 5 minutes from the terminal. Anyone preferring the village, with the ferry, the shops and the Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg distilleries reachable on foot or by bike, can choose one of the small guest houses in Port Ellen, about three miles from the airport. On such a small island there are no real city alternatives: the choice is simply between these two areas.

Machrie

Airport area · About 5 minutes by car from the airport (3 km); no direct bus, the hotel offers a transfer service on request.

Best for: for anyone wanting to play golf or indulge in the spa while staying 5 minutes from the terminal

Pros

The closest to the airport of the island's two areas
A historic golf course and spa on the same property

Cons

A long walk from the village and the Port Ellen ferry
Higher prices than the village guest houses

Recommended hotels in this area

Another Place, The Machrie: A resort with an 1891 links golf course and spa, 5 minutes from the terminal and a view of the beach.

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Port Ellen

Nearby town · About 3 miles (10 minutes by car or taxi) from the airport; no direct bus to the terminal.

Best for: for anyone arriving or leaving by ferry who wants to visit the Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg distilleries on foot

Pros

Just steps from the Calmac ferry pier
A coastal path on foot to three distilleries

Cons

Few rooms at each property, they fill up fast during festival weekends
B&B kitchens limited to breakfast, dinner is out

Recommended hotels in this area

No. 1 Charlotte Street: Bed, Breakfast & Bar 2 minutes from the ferry, with views over Kilnaughton bay.
The Trout Fly Guest House: A guest house in the heart of Port Ellen, with en-suite rooms and a breakfast that's very well reviewed.
Eilidh's Guest House: A family-run guest house with views over Port Ellen bay, a hundred metres from the beach.

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