Well all the awards are deserved and I feel I should know as I ran an award winning inn and have high expectations. These were exceeded! The reviews do the place justice and Graham & Emma still pour their heart and soul into the business, which after over 10 years is amazing.
The house is opposite the small airport but it is located in quiet place on Islay and I heard no noise. The views are impressive from the dining room and we were lucky in May to get a lot of warm sunny weather.
The opulence is very 1980's formal hospitality but delivered with a very personal and relaxed style. If you want a cool 21st century vibe, give the place a wide berth. I felt that some of the touches were OTT as the business could put money on their bottom line by removing them and a client would never notice. But hey...it's their business and they love what they do and deliver it with aplomb.
The bedrooms are spotless, bathrooms I could not get any cleaner myself (and that is praise from me!) and the lounges comfortable and sumptuous. The beds were firm and supportive; the duvets warm. In my room with two single beds you had nowhere to place a suitcase which I know would cause concern for some US travellers. The wardrobe in the room was HUGE so if you wanted to unpack there was everything you need even including a toothbrush amenity kit and two Tunnocks wafers to have with the complimentary tea/coffee. Fresh milk was offered...a lovely little addition.
We had supper at the property both nights and the standard of food was impressive and beautifully presented. I felt that the 10% optional added service charge was cheeky as I saw no evidence of serving staff. Personally I'd shove £5.00 on the set meal price of £49.50 (why not call it £50 as £49.50 is a silly amount?) and no one would notice. Some clients might feel short changed and that would take away from the excellent execution of supper. The wine list costs were reasonable and they offer a vast selection of whiskey.
Breakfast is a varied affair and there is plenty of selection, all cooked fresh to order. I personally found the breakfast table a little cluttered with items as you have all manner of cut glass containers, glass wear, jugs, condiments, tray with a compote selection on etc. so much so that I poured cream into my tea as I couldn't distinguish the jug from the milk jug. Also the tea pot being silver service needed a cloth to take the heat off the handle. That adds to cleaning (not eco friendly) their costs so why not replace with a more serviceable china pot. Result; I don't have difficulty pouring and they save money on laundry?
I make my observations in a positive light as I know you can always refine any hospitality business over the years as clients expectation mould and change. The fact that after 10 years the couple are not burned out, are happy to chat and regale a tall tail and do so with smiles is a credit to them.
Would I return......CERTAINLY. read more