First look inside 'stunning' Ardbeg House as island whisky hotel opens for bookings

The former Islay Hotel has been transformed into the home of Ardbeg.

Ardbeg House has now opened for bookings for those seeking to experience famous green-bottled Islay whisky, with the doors of the newly renovated hotel opening in the autumn.

Guests can now secure their reservations to be among the first to enjoy the ultimate Ardbeg experience featuring eye-catching accommodation, food, and drink, designed to honour the spirit of Islay and share the stories in which the distillery is steeped.

The news coincides with Ardbeg revealing three new images of the proposed refurbishment, offering a preview into the creative vision for the interiors, crafted by the renowned interior designers, Russell Sage Studio, who are the brains behind the Fife Arms in Braemar.

The distinct restyling includes a reworked bar with a courtyard, a new-look ground floor restaurant, twelve unique bedrooms each exploring the history of Islay and Ardbeg. 

Additionally, guests can enjoy two new and exclusive whiskies – one only available at the hotel, and the other at both the hotel and the Ardbeg Distillery Visitor Centre.

Ellie Goss, director of external affairs and hospitality at the Glenmorangie Company, said of the house: ‘Ardbeg has been crafting its distinctive smoky whisky on Islay for over 200 years. 

“As we celebrate this next chapter in our journey, we are delighted to welcome guests to Ardbeg House and honour the very best of Islay.”

Plans for the hotel were unveiled in the spring of 2024 with work being done over the last few months.

The booking system for Ardbeg House is now live. To find out more and book, visit the Ardbeg website.

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The Islay Hotel, Charlotte Street, Port Ellen, Isle of Islay, UK
The Islay Hotel, Charlotte Street, Port Ellen, Isle of Islay, UK, PA42 7DF
Location:
Known for cake making, experimental jam recipes, Champagne, whisky and gin drinking (and the inability to cook Gnocchi), Rosalind is the Food and Drink Editor and whisky writer for The Scotsman, as well as hosting Scran, The Scotsman's food and drink podcast.
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