Business Details
Port Askaig Hotel - Your Gateway to Islay's Beauty
Port Askaig Hotel is a family-run Highland Inn with over 50 years of heritage, offering comfortable accommodation and authentic hospitality on the shores of Islay. Our establishment combines historical charm with modern amenities, featuring 13 en-suite rooms, two refurbished annex rooms, and a range of dining options showcasing local Islay produce. The hotel's strategic location adjacent to the ferry pier provides seamless access to Jura, Colonsay, and the Scottish mainland. Our Port Bar, the oldest licensed premises on Islay, boasts an extensive collection of Islay malts and rare whiskies, while the Starboard Restaurant delivers bistro-style dining with fresh seafood and regional specialties.As a trusted local business, we curate unique experiences including private whisky tastings, guided tours, and seasonal events to enhance your stay. Our commitment to preserving the island's traditions is reflected in our antique furnishings, Gaelic-speaking staff, and dedication to showcasing Islay's natural and cultural heritage. Whether you're here for the Malt Whisky Trail, coastal scenery, or historical landmarks, our team ensures a memorable and comfortable visit rooted in genuine island hospitality.
Services
Accommodation
Dining
Whisky Bar
Private Tastings
Island Tours
Highlights and features
- Family-run for over 50 years with deep local knowledge
- Prime coastal location overlooking the Sound of Islay
- Extensive selection of Islay malts in historic Port Bar
- Direct ferry terminal access for island explorations
- Curated whisky tastings and guided island tours available
Services
Accommodation
Our 15 en-suite rooms include superior sea-view options, family configurations, and annex harbour-view rooms with shared lounge access. All accommodations feature modern amenities while preserving historic character through antique furnishings and traditional decor. Guests enjoy complimentary WiFi, parking, and breakfast options ranging from full Scottish to packed meals for early departures.
Dining
Starboard Restaurant offers bistro-style meals using local Islay produce and daily seafood catches. Menus feature light snacks through to gourmet lobster lunches, with hot dishes available beyond standard hours. The Port Bar serves whisky pairings alongside casual dining options in a historic 16th-century setting with live music events.
Whisky Bar
Port Bar houses Islay's oldest whisky collection, featuring over 100 malts including rare bottlings. Our 'Best in the West' bar offers dram tastings from 1.50, with expert staff guiding guests through regional flavour profiles. Special events include private tastings for groups and whisky-themed evenings with local distillery connections.
Private Tastings
Exclusive whisky sessions available in our dedicated Whisky Lounge or Old Port Bar for groups of four or more. These curated experiences showcase Islay's distinctive peated malts, with options to pair tastings with local seafood canaps. Bookings require advance reservation during peak seasons.
Island Tours
We arrange professionally guided tours to distilleries, historical sites, and wildlife hotspots with local drivers. Options include car tours for 1-4 guests or minibuses for larger groups, covering whisky trails, coastal scenery, and cultural landmarks across Islay and neighboring islands.
Questions
What dining options are available?
Our Starboard Restaurant serves meals daily, with bar snacks available throughout the day in the Port Bar or Snug Bar areas.
Are whisky tastings available?
Yes, private whisky tastings for groups of four or more can be arranged in our Whisky Lounge or Old Port Bar with advance booking.
Can I access nearby islands from the hotel?
The hotel's location adjacent to Port Askaig pier provides direct ferry connections to Jura, Colonsay, and the Scottish mainland.
What amenities are included in rooms?
All rooms include en-suite facilities, hairdryers, hospitality trays, and sea or harbour views depending on room category.
Are guided tours available?
We offer arranged tours to distilleries, historical sites, and wildlife locations with local expert guides for small or large groups.
Reviews (7)
Reinhardt Sillinga
Aug 31, 2021
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Spent a couple of hours there because ferries never went as scheduled. Kids had mac&cheese and burgers. We had various seafood dishes and they were all very good! (i think) The owner who served us was very friendly and attentive. So if you are stuck at askaig, haste there and get a table and order all the seafood.
Cameron
Aug 21, 2021
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Cannot comment on staying as I did not stay in the hotel but went for food and dinner. Dinner was average possibly because of what I ordered but the service at the bar buy what I assume was the owner was pretty terrible. The rest of the staff seemed lovely but the owner seemed like she didnt like guests ! Extremely passive-aggressive and sour faced. Only reason this place doesnt get one star is because of the rest of the staff being so lovely. I recommend she either works on her customer relationship skills or spends her time behind the scenes if she wants people to enjoy their time there
Dmitry Morgunov
Jun 18, 2021
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We recently stopped at the Askaig Hotel, Old Port Bar before getting the ferry back to the mainland. The selection of whisky is rather incredible, and it was a great chance to try some rarer drams at a time when the distilleries which produce them were not open to visitors. Marion, who was manning the bar, was a font of Islay knowledge and an absolute delight to talk to. We look forward to visiting again!
Daniel Sawko
Dec 28, 2020
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Amazing dinner. Cannot recommend the seafood platter enough (the Cullen Skink and Sticky Toffee Pudding were also very tasty). Both the owners and chefs were really really friendly and the chefs exceptionally gifted! Cannot wait to return.
Laura Watson
Jul 24, 2020
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We had an amazing outdoor meal last Wednesday evening (14th October) by fire pit!! The burger I had was homemade and tasted brilliant - the best burger I've had in a long time! My husband and sons also thoroughly enjoyed their meals. The service was good - we felt very cared for. It was great to meet Marion the owner and have a drink and a laugh with the other locals. It was a fab wee cosy night! We would highly recommend Port Askaig hotel if you visit Islay.
Sarah Walton
Jul 07, 2020
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Great pub overlooking the port. Nice outdoor seating area with good views. Local ale available. Service excellent - friendly staff who made us feel very welcome. Thank you
James McCrery
Dec 06, 2018
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Stayed with friends in a total of three rooms recently. Very nice people. Staff and owners most pleasant and genuinely welcoming. A welcome blend of local working people and island visitors. Rooms are good but the best things here are the people, the bar, the snug and the breakfast. You will not go hungry and the food is fresh and well prepared. Fresh seafood from the boats in the small harbor right outside the door. Spectacular views of the hills of Jura across the channel. Very convenient to the ferry. Thank you, Marion!
