The Machrie

HiSorry did not actually stay but on Friday 23rd called the hotel twice to see if they could offer us a room as we arrived on Islay went to our place of stay only to find that it had been doubled booked .With nowhere to stay for the night we contacted the hotel the manager said that they did have a room available,But we asked if we could get a reduction on the price £300 !As it was 6pm and they would not have sold the room anyway it does not make business sense!We had to sleep in the car all night!Shame on you the management of the Marchrie HotelMr J Donoghue

Didn’t actually stay overnight but went for lunch, played the course then had dinner in the evening. Lunch was really good fast service and very friendly and welcoming staff. The course was in fantastic condition, so far the best course I’ve played, challenging course but suitable for any golfer. Went back for dinner and and the venison dish I ordered was the best meal I had over my long weekend stay on Islay. Will definitely be back again in the future.

Absolutely wonderful location where we stopped during a car run around the island.We visited the lounge and thoroughly enjoyed our time there.Staff were excellent and very friendly.

Me and wife visited for 2 nights in October for our Mini Moon and really loved this place. The food was fantastic (we had the best oysters we've ever had here), the location was stunning plus the staff were a real gem for this venue. Thanks Callum for those whisky recommendations - we'll be back to try some more next visit.

Had a really nice lunch on the balcony looking over the 18th on Monday. Stunning location,Gorgeous food and Superb service.Highly recommend!

This is a lovely hotel next to the golf links. Public transport buses do stop at the end of the road and it's a ten minute walk to the hotel. The food is excellent. You can practice your putting on the massive green at the back but watch out for the sprinklers. The hotel will lend you a putter and golf balls.

Islay is definitely a DIFFICULT place to wonder around without your own car. That being said, the really poor bus frequencies is something you want to sort out. The buses will only take you to the stop on the main road, and, if like us, you're on your feet, you'd have to walk almost a mile 'till reaching the hotel (note that sometimes due to shortage, some buses WON'T take you to where you have to go, they'll just take a different route).The rooms are quite good: cosy, super neat and tidy, and the bathroom was spotless. Good cleaning service. The aid from the morning recepcionist, by far the worst I've ever experienced (when asked for help to try to book a cab, he told us he was swamped at the moment" and just gave us a sheet with phone numbers).The restaurant

An enjoyable trip over from Ballycastle to Islay. The hotel lunch was yummy , great views , friendly staff & tranquil beach.

The hotel is in a beautiful location beside a gorgeous golf course. The pro shop and staff are total stars. David and his team remembered everyone’s names and made that part of the experience really special.The hotel is starting to look a little tired in places but still lovely. I just think more could be done to lift the experience.

Beautiful hotel, but the service was abject to say the least. The staff were very friendly but all on very short term agency contracts for days/weeks at a time and so there was no level of consistency. They also tried to get away with overcharging on dinner, cutting a starter in two and trying to pass them off as full servings. Having had the starter the day before, I knew what it looked like - twice as big - and although I’m not greedy, I don’t like being ripped off. £10 for a pot of tea was a joke having spent over £2k on three nights accommodation for three people. One English Breakfast teabag in the room, one packet of shortbread in the room which was a twin room… so usually two people would stay in there.They forgot to collect us from the airport, so we had to walk despite having emailed to confirm they would collect us. They forgot to offer us dessert one night, they forgot the bread that we ordered the next.It’s a real shame - I thought this would’ve been great, but the Islay Hotel is just so much better. No wonder it’s so popular! Will stay there again next time, no question.In the meantime, avoid the Machrie - as every local said to us when we told them where we were staying - “Lovely hotel, shame about the service”. Couldn’t put it better myself…