Port Ellen Hotels

Top reasons to visit Port Ellen

• Stunning Beaches: Port Ellen boasts beautiful beaches with breathtaking coastal views, perfect for relaxation and beach activities.
• Local Golf Course: Golf enthusiasts will enjoy the delightful challenge presented by the local golf course.
• Cultural Immersion: Visitors can delve into the rich local heritage and explore informative visitor centres.
• Friendly Atmosphere: The vibrant local community and friendly locals enhance the charming experience of Port Ellen.
• Diverse Accommodation: A range of lodging options, including pet-friendly and LGBTQIA-friendly establishments, cater to various preferences.

Find great hotels in and around Port Ellen

Explore an array of accommodation options in Port Ellen, Islay Island, ranging from charming bed and breakfasts to welcoming hotels. Many establishments cater to diverse needs, including LGBTQIA-friendly and pet-friendly choices, ensuring a delightful beach vacation experience. Whether you're seeking a cosy retreat or a lively atmosphere, Port Ellen offers a variety of lodging to suit every traveller's preference.

• Another Place, The Machrie: Nestled in the scenic Port Ellen, Another Place, The Machrie is a luxurious 4-star hotel that caters to golf enthusiasts and relaxation seekers alike. The hotel boasts a golf-themed experience with an on-site course and spa facilities, making it a perfect retreat for those who wish to unwind. Pet-friendly amenities ensure that furry companions are welcomed, with features such as food and water bowls and specific dog policies. Guests can indulge in a variety of spa treatments, including deep tissue massages and facial treatments, ensuring a rejuvenating stay in a serene setting.
• Islay House: Located 17.7km from Port Ellen, Islay House offers a charming 3.5-star experience for travellers seeking a pet-friendly getaway. This historical property combines comfort with a warm atmosphere, allowing guests to enjoy the tranquility of the surrounding countryside. With amenities that cater to dogs, including food and water bowls, Islay House is a perfect choice for pet owners. The hotel’s inviting decor and welcoming staff provide a homely feel, making it an ideal base for exploring the beautiful landscapes of Islay.
• Port Charlotte Hotel: Situated 17.7km from Port Ellen, the Port Charlotte Hotel is a delightful 4-star accommodation that combines comfort with local flavour. Guests can relish free daily breakfast and enjoy meals at the on-site restaurant, along with drinks at the bar and lounge. The hotel offers various recreational activities nearby, such as hiking and fishing, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. With entertainment amenities like flat-screen TVs in the rooms, Port Charlotte Hotel ensures a pleasant stay with easy access to Islay's stunning natural beauty.

Where to stay in Port Ellen

Port Ellen, nestled on the stunning Islay Island, offers a captivating blend of romance, culture, and entertainment. Visitors can explore its attractive coastline and vibrant local atmosphere, enriched by friendly locals. Adventure enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities for exploration in the surrounding areas, making it an ideal destination for those seeking both relaxation and adventure. Whether you're strolling along the shores or indulging in local culture, Port Ellen promises a memorable escape.

• Islay Island: Nestled in the Inner Hebrides, Islay Island is renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and world-famous whisky distilleries. Port Ellen, your base, offers easy access to the island’s many attractions. Visitors are drawn to Islay for its romantic charm and cultural experiences, with opportunities to explore museums, monuments, and beautiful beaches. The island features several golf courses for enthusiasts and is dotted with quaint shops selling local crafts. Peak travel months include January, April, and July, making it a vibrant destination year-round.
• Lagavulin: Located a mere 3.2km from Port Ellen, Lagavulin is a picturesque village celebrated for its iconic distillery, famed for producing some of the finest single malt Scotch whisky. The village invites visitors to indulge in entertainment-themed experiences, with a strong focus on its whisky heritage. The local museum offers insights into the region's rich history and distilling legacy. Travel peaks during the summer months from July to September, attracting those eager to enjoy the scenic sights and flavours of Islay.
• The Oa: Just 4.8km from Port Ellen, The Oa is a charming village that embodies the tranquil beauty of Islay. Though modest in size, it provides an authentic Scottish experience with its stunning coastal views and walking trails. The village’s appeal lies in its serene atmosphere, ideal for those seeking relaxation in nature. Like Lagavulin, The Oa sees increased visitor numbers during the summer months, making it a perfect spot for enjoying the outdoors and immersing oneself in the island's natural splendour.

Things to do near Port Ellen

Port Ellen, nestled on Islay Island, offers a charming blend of romantic and cultural experiences. Visitors can enjoy the stunning beach and partake in various beach activities, all while soaking in the breathtaking coastal views. For golf enthusiasts, the local golf course provides a delightful challenge, and the ferry service allows for easy exploration of nearby attractions. Embrace the unique character of Port Ellen for an unforgettable getaway.

Shopping

In Port Ellen, you can enjoy charming local shops offering unique gifts and souvenirs, perfect for capturing the spirit of Islay. If you're up for a drive, visit the nearby town of Bowmore, where you’ll find more shops and artisan craft stores to explore.

Recreation

At Gigha Golf Club, situated 29.0km from Port Ellen, enjoy a scenic golf experience amidst stunning landscapes. The course offers a perfect blend of outdoor activity and relaxation, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature while honing your golfing skills.

Adventure

Explore the rugged beauty of the Islay coastline with a thrilling kayak tour, where you'll paddle along stunning cliffs and spot local wildlife. For a different perspective, hike the scenic trails around Port Ellen, offering panoramic views of the island's breathtaking landscapes.

Nightlife

In Port Ellen, the Islay Whisky Co. provides a laid-back atmosphere for whisky tastings, while The White Hart Inn offers a cosy pub vibe with live music. For a lively night, head to the Port Ellen Hotel for friendly banter and locally brewed ales.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Port Ellen

To save money on your trip to Port Ellen, consider visiting between December and February when accommodation prices are lower. Booking about a month in advance can help you secure the best rates, and Saturday is typically the cheapest night to stay. For spontaneous travellers, check Expedia's last-minute deals for great offers. Utilize Expedia’s search tool to filter options by budget and preferences, and consider bundling your hotel with flights and activities to save even more. Explore free local attractions and embrace public transport for an economical way to get around the island.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Port Ellen are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May and July to August, where prices are slightly higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel in Port Ellen about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Port Ellen is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay in Port Ellen is Monday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Certainly. Here’s a paraphrased version of the text in a trusted and attentive tone using British English:Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to easily identify the most affordable hotels first. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your selections by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel booking in Port Ellen with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions in Port Ellen

Port Ellen, Islay Island, offers a delightful blend of romantic and cultural experiences, perfect for a memorable vacation. Visitors can explore stunning beaches, the serene island surroundings, and informative visitor centres, all catering to those seeking outdoor adventures and cultural immersion. Whether you're relaxing by the shore or delving into the local heritage, Port Ellen promises an enchanting getaway for all travellers.

• Ardmore Islands: Experience the serenity of Ardmore Islands, a beautiful spot with sandy beaches and stunning outdoor vibes. Ideal for a peaceful retreat, the island invites you to explore its natural beauty and enjoy leisurely walks along the shore.
• The Singing Sands: The Singing Sands is a unique beach known for its soft, fine sands that produce a melodic sound when walked upon. This enchanting spot is perfect for sunbathing, beachcombing, and enjoying the tranquil coastal atmosphere.
• Kildalton Chapel: Kildalton Chapel offers a glimpse into Islay’s rich cultural heritage. This ancient church, famous for its stunning Celtic cross, provides a serene setting for reflection and appreciation of Scotland's architectural history.

Best time to go to Port Ellen

The best time to visit Port Ellen can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Port Ellen falls in August, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Port Ellen falls in February, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	44.1°F (6.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
February	43.7°F (6.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
March	44.4°F (6.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Average
April	46.8°F (8.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Average
May	50.5°F (10.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
June	54.9°F (12.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
July	57.2°F (14.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	57.7°F (14.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
September	56.3°F (13.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
October	52.9°F (11.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
November	48.7°F (9.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
December	45.7°F (7.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low

The nearest major airports for your trip to Port Ellen

Accessing Port Ellen on Islay Island is convenient via several airports. Islay Airport (ILY) is a mere 6.4km away, with nearby accommodation options such as Glenegedale House, a 5-star guesthouse just 805m from the terminal, and Another Place, The Machrie, a 4-star hotel located 1.6km away. Londonderry Airport (LDY) is situated 90.1km from Port Ellen, with quality hotels like the 5-star Bishop's Gate Hotel and the 4-star City Hotel Derry, both about 11.3km distant. Campbeltown Airport (CAL), 37.0km away, offers options like The Ugadale Hotel and Cottages, 3.2km from the airport, ensuring a smooth journey to your destination.