Port Askaig Hotel is a picturesque, family run Highland Inn on the shores of the Sound of Islay, overlooking the pier at which daily car ferries berth on arrival from the Scottish mainland. Due to its proximity to the ferry, the hotel offers easy access to Jura, Colonsay and the mainland. The hotel has been in family ownership for over 50 years. Situated in arguably the best coastal location in Islay this old drove inn offers a mix of 13 double/twin/family rooms + 1 single room - all with en-suite facilities.
Services
There was an Inn at Port Askaig four hundred years ago. This is now incorporated within the Hotel as the public bar and is the oldest licensed premises on Islay. Live music is often played in here, so why not come in and meet the locals? The rest of the building dates back to the eighteenth century and has been extensively adapted to provide a comfortable standard with modern kitchens. Great care has been taken to preserve the character and peace of a bygone age with the use of fine antique furniture and other items of interest.
Our 'Port' Bar is the oldest continually licensed premises on the island (dating from the 16th Century) and carries an extensive selection of Islay Malts in addition to a display of old and rare bottles, which may interest the visitor. We also sell a good blended whisky at only 1,50 per dram. Our 'Starboard' Restaurant is are open all year to non residents with group bookings for mixed or purely seafood buffets and Malt Whisky parties catered for.30 covers maximum in the Bistro but food can also be served in either bar or our harbourside beer garden.
All room rates include a full Scottish selection which is served in our Starboard Bistro between 7.30am and 9.30am daily. Breakfast may be available earlier by prior arrangement. Packed Breakfast is available for all guests departing for the 7am ferry - please order this in advance latest by 8pm on the evening prior to departure.
The Erskine Bridge is a good starting point to guide you from, whether crossing over from the M8, or passing by on the A82. Follow the A82 along the edge of Loch Lomond to Tarbet, then take the A83 through Arrochar, over the "Rest and Be Thankful" on to Inveraray and down Loch Fyne, passing Lochgilphead and Tarbert.
Reviews (15)
F. C.
Jun 09, 2022
Visited for lunch today I believe I was greeted by the owner of the hotel, who kindly acknowledged me. The other 3 people having lunch with me were outside. I asked if I could sit at any table. her response was (well there is only one table isn't there) I didn't know if they had other tables in another room etc. After being showed the menu I was asked 3 times if I was ready to order food within about 3 minutes (the rest of the party was still outside not having seen the menu) Felt very rushed and her tone was extremely sarcastic and self righteous! Terribly unprofessional and doesn't give the right tone for hospitality on such a small island that relies on tourists!
However the other pubs and hotels on the island have been more than welcoming offering humble and genuine service! The food was average at best! And the seafood prices are comparable to London best restaurants! The other blonde bar lady was very polite and courteous
However the other pubs and hotels on the island have been more than welcoming offering humble and genuine service! The food was average at best! And the seafood prices are comparable to London best restaurants! The other blonde bar lady was very polite and courteous
Allen Ely
May 04, 2022
Stayed here for 3 nights about 12 months ago. Marion and Ian, the proprietors were absolutely fantastic, as were all the staff. Room was clean, nice and comfortable overlooking the harbour. Food in the restaurant and breakfast room was excellent (you won't leave hungry). I will go back, although the drive from Merseyside is not for the faint hearted. All in all, a wonderful short break and I would recommend anyone going to Islay to give this hotel a visit.
Christine Neilson
May 02, 2022
Norman Jones
Apr 21, 2022
Tim Pies
Apr 16, 2022
Reinhardt Sillinga
Aug 31, 2021
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 22, 2021
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 didn't like guests! Extremely passive-aggressive and sour faced.
Only reason this place doesn't 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.
Only reason this place doesn't 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
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!
Laura Watson
Jan 02, 2021
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.
Daniel Sawko
Jan 01, 2021
Sarah Walton
Jul 07, 2020
James McCrery
Dec 06, 2018
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!
Steve Konig
Oct 05, 2018
While waiting for the ferry we had a drink and the cheeseburger. I was pleasantly surprised since they are in a position to do the high price low effort thing. But they don't. The price is alright and the burger was tasty. The service is fast and friendly and of course the small harbor ambiance outside is nice, too.
Xafi
Aug 19, 2017
We went in waiting for the ferry and ate some wonderful scallops - lovely food and roaring fire. Good bunch of staff! Great! Just went back again in September and the staff were very accommodating.we arrived as the kitchen was closing and they rumbled up some fish and chips for us. We returned the next day for a seafood platter and it was marvelous. My friends from Italy were raving about it. Lovely place. Thanks for your kindness.
Aug 14, 2017
