The Port Charlotte Hotel is a small 4 star hotel located in a charming, beachside location in the conservation village of Port Charlotte, on the beautiful island of Islay, also known as "The Queen of the Hebrides". The front part of the hotel was built in 1829 as three cottages before it was transformed into a hotel. The hotel is awarded 4 stars from the Scottish Tourist Board and is accredited wi
th the Investors in People Award and Investor in Young People Award. We host live traditional music sessions on Wednesday and Sunday evenings throughout the summer season and occasional guest bands. We also host the annual Islay Music sessions in November each year showcasing the best of Scottish Traditional music and song. Displayed throughout the hotel is artwork by contemporary Scottish artists. Nine of our 10 beautifully appointed and comfortable bedrooms have sea views. The other large, light room, has a view of the village. The hotel welcomes dogs in the bedrooms and there are lovely walks on the beaches and countryside on the doorstep. We have a cosy whisky bar, beautiful airy conservatory and delightful dining room, as well as a comfortable residents' lounge and a stunning terrace overlooking the sea - perfect for eating and drinking outside on a summers' day. Meals are served throughout the day and we specialise in locally-sourced produce including a range of quality meat dishes, fish and seafood and vegetarian options. Our seafood platters are a speciality of the house. We have an extensive and eclectic choice of fine wines and stock a wide range of whiskies and gins from Islay and Jura. Guests start the day with a fantastic breakfast - with choices including the Full Scottish to kippers or smoked salmon and scrambled egg - and of course freshly ground coffee or speciality teas. Breakfasts are cooked to order and served in our elegant dining room. We serve meals every day in the dining room, conservatory and in our cosy whisky bar, with menus specialising in local produce including venison, beef, Gruinart Oysters and freshly caught seafood. Whether it's a midweek getaway or a luxury long weekend to get a taste of Islay life or a longer stay to immerse yourself in the island, there is always plenty to do. In early summer the days are long this far north - it never seems to go dark - and the sunshine here makes for stunning days on the sandy beaches ending with evening barbecues looking out over sparkling turquoise waters. In September the sea is at its warmest and the crystal clear waters are perfect for wild swimming. You'll find plenty of people fishing, paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing and generally messing about in and around the beautiful bays and coastline. The quieter months of the year - like October and November - are perfect for gentle exploring and admiring the stunning autumnal colours. And there is still plenty to see and do - not least visiting some of the island's famous distilleries (did you know we have nine now on Islay with relative newcomers like Ardnahoe joining famous names like Bowmore, Bruichladdich and Laphroaig?). Christmas and New Year are popular times to come to Islay - and the hotel is always a focal point for Hogmanay celebrations. In Spring the wildlife and wild flowers are abundant - April and May are wonderful months to explore the island with lengthening days perfect for walking, exploring and relaxing. May is the busiest for visitors coming to the island's famous Feis Ile - the whisky festival. There is history wherever you go from standing stones to Kildalton Cross (one of the best early Christian crosses in Scotland) to the American Monument at the Oa peninsular - erected to honour those souls lost when two troopships sank in 1918. The sites of bloody battles, ancient burial grounds, remains of Viking harbours, and settlements thousands of years old can be seen as you wander over the island. Finlaggan is the seat of the Lords of the Isles and has a visitor centre where you can learn much more about Islay's fascinating ancient past. More modern history is told at the Museum of Islay Life. The Natural History Trust has a visitor centre and activities through the season. Then there are the visitor centres at the distilleries, wonderful local shops, galleries, shops and workshops for artisan crafts from weaving to wine making. An abundance of wildlife can be seen on the island, not least our famous geese. Thousands of barnacle geese and a quarter of the world's threatened population of white-fronted geese make Islay their winter home and you could see (and hear) them, and magnificent Whooper Swans flying over the winter skies. The RSPB reserve at Gruinart is a must for the amateur or serious Twitcher. At about 25 miles long the island is perfect for cycling and there are many, many lovely walks in the hills, along the coast or round the inland lochs. The Islay Sessions folk festival gives a platform for traditional music at venues across the island including our hotel. (we have no dates yet for 2021). There is also a literary festival, agricultural shows and other events throught the year. To make a reservation or look into availability please telephone our reception desk on 01496 850360 or email us at [email protected]
