47 entries.
from
26th August 2026
Another perfect stay at A'Chroit. This really is the dogs b*****ks of a place to stay on Islay. We have been coming here for many years but this year were so impressed by the great investment that Kenny & Margaret have made to even further improve what was already a wonderful place to stay. New carpets, new kitchen, new appliances the list goes on. In terms of location, quality and value for money you definitely will not find a better place to stay on Islay. We have already booked again for New Year. Kenny is the perfect host in terms of speed and helpfulness of communication and always so friendly. As two crinkly 70+ year olds we spent a wonderful week with our teenage grandchildren here. If you are looking for the best place to stay on Islay don't hesitate!!
3rd August 2026
What an absolute dream trip! My son and I finally ticked a major bucket-list adventure off our list—a father-son pilgrimage to Islay for the ultimate whisky tour—and staying at Kenny’s holiday home was the cherry on top!
We spent two nights here and honestly couldn't have asked for a better home base. The place was sparkling clean, super cozy, and packed with everything we needed: ultra-comfortable beds, a hot shower to warm up after exploring, a fully equipped kitchen, and a lovely living room perfect for kicking back with some telly.
Kenny was an absolute star on the communication front! He sent clear, super-helpful instructions covering everything from grabbing the key to firing up the Wi-Fi, water heater, and central heating—zero hassle from start to finish. He went out of his way to help us with dates when booking, and was also extremely generous.
Location-wise? Unbeatable! Nestled right in Port Ellen, we could easily stroll over to the local SPAR, Co-op, a couple of great pubs, the historic Port Ellen Distillery, and Ardbeg House. Plus, driving around the island was a total breeze—we reached Bunnahabhain in the north and Kilchoman in the west in under 40 minutes!
Staying at Kenny’s was a complete treat. If you're heading to Islay, do yourself a favour and book this place!
Slàinte mhath!
from
2nd August 2026
We blew into Islay on a breezy day in April to be warmly welcomed at the Holiday Home in Port Ellen by the Lowe family. The home is perfect and centrally located for easy access to the many good quality restaurants, cafe’s, bars and shops. The home is very well equipped with everything you would need during your stay.
As well as visiting a distillery (needs must!) we walked along many varied coastlines from the North to the South of the island. We saw abundant wildlife including Sea Eagles, seals and birdlife. The coastline on the North of the island was particularly stunning with its raised beaches.
There is no shortage of eateries around the island as many distilleries provide excellent lunch menus as well as all the local restaurants, in particular Bridgend Hotel and Ardbeg House to name a few.
We have already booked our return visit for next year.
from
1st August 2026
We happily rent this house every year when we return to the Isle of Islay. The house is very comfortable, well-furnished, and equipped with all the necessary appliances; it is also ideally located. I highly recommend this perfect spot for making the most of a holiday on the island.
from
30th July 2026
We were incredibly lucky in that my brother won a three day break at Kenny’s house and couldn’t use it, it’s the best present he has ever given me. The house itself was immaculate with all mod cons you could need for a comfortable holiday. It is in a great location on the main road with easy access to pubs, restaurants and a great Chinese takeaway. We spent the 1st day touring the island which is a must with some beautiful beaches and scenic views. The next full day we walked the 3 distillery way which starts on your doorstep and takes in 3 famous distilleries with a new one just to being completed at the start, which I would love to go back and visit. My only regret is that 3 days is too short, next time I would take our golf clubs as we visited Machrie golf club and it looked stunning.
Kenny was a great host and kept us updated with all aspects of the house and the ferries. The weather during our visit was excellent that allowed us to use the back garden which gets the sun late into the evening, but as you can guess this is not guaranteed but there is still plenty locally and in the house to keep you occupied even in the rain.
from
30th July 2026
Another fantastic stay (lost track of how many years we’ve been coming) in Port Ellen for the Fèis Ìle courtesy of Kenny. As always Kenny is a welcoming host and this year’s surprise was a brand new kitchen. Perfect location for walking / cycling to the 3 South Distilleries and good base on the island.
Copper Still coffee/food truck by the harbour serves excellent (home roasted) coffee and homemade cakes / food and is only a 5 minute walk away. Fantastic pizzas from SeaSalt Bistro again 5 minute walk away.
Look forward to coming back for years to come.
Cheers!
29th July 2026
We had a great time on Islay in May. Kenny was very helpful and generous. The house is perfect situated to visit 5 distilleries by foot. Just out of the backdoor you are are at the beach. And on the front door there is the Ardbeg Hotel and BAR. Thank you Kenny…. I‘ll be back!
from
27th April 2026
The house is in a brilliant location in Port Ellen. Kenny was an incredible host offering us lots of local knowledge. The house was beautiful and the communication throughout was top notch. Couldn't recommend more highly!
from
30th March 2026
We enjoyed a week of sheer joy. The location of this superb property is so handy. Two very close beaches. Everything you need close by. The bedrooms and living room are super cozy. The bathroom was spotless and the kitchen, just wow 🤩
Luxury technology and plenty of space to dine. All the information and details were clear and this has now become our new home from home. The added joy of nature, sea and beautiful walks and of course the isle of islay rum, gin and whisky the place may be small but you could spend a lifetime revisiting to explore. I cant wait til then. Cant recommend highly enough 👌 🏴
Admin Reply by: Kenny Lowe
We're glad to hear you enjoyed your stay with us on Islay, and look forward to your return.
Kenny & Margaret
from
17th March 2026
The house was in a very good location for the ferry and airport. A'Chroit was equipped with everything you would need, many kitchen appliances, washing machine and even a hair drier. The new kitchen was first class but we weren't brave enough to try the new air fryer. Kenny, our host, kept in touch and was very helpful. We would highly recommend staying at A'Chroit.
Admin Reply by: Kenny Lowe
Thank you for your kind review. We are glad to hear you had a lovely stay.
All the best, Kenny & Margaret.
from
3rd January 2026
We chose Kenny and Margaret’s house to be close to family in Port Ellen for Christmas and we had a wonderful week. The house is very comfortable indeed and the brand new kitchen a pleasure. Lovely new carpets had just been installed in the lounge and bedrooms.
The location is perfect, near the local shops and 2 mins from the beach. I would certainly recommend this house and look forward to coming back again. Thanks Kenny
from
11th October 2025
We had a lovely stay at Kenny's and Margaret's place! I only wish we had more time to explore Islay. If there will be another chance to come to this beautiful island we will certainly choose the same accomodation. Thank you Margaret and Kenny 🙂
Slainte!
from
31st August 2025
Stayed a week here in Aug 25 and it is an absolutely fantastic place. The house is a great size, well appointed and absolutely spotless. Its a perfect base for many walks I did around Port Ellen and beyond. Its within 2mins walk of 2 pubs, a bistro, a Chinese take away and a supermarket. The owner was a great communicator thoughout the process from initial booking to the final day. Ifyou are going to Islay, I thoroughly recommend staying in this holiday let. I'll definitely be back.
from
10th August 2025
Thankyou, Kenny, for the lovely accommodation on Islay. Cosy, clean, well equipped and central in Port Ellen. Nice garden with table and chairs.
Lots of interest on Islay. Great walking/cycling path from Port Ellen linking a few distilleries including our favourite - Laphroaig. Enjoyed a geology talk/walk learning much about the connection between the geology, agriculture and how life developed on the island. We'll be back!
from
1st August 2025
Great house in the beautiful village of Port Ellen. Well equipped for self-catering needs. Clean and tidy on arrival.
Visiting family who live here had a lovely stay. Weather was good to got plenty walking done. ...and a few beers too.
from
4th July 2025
We were looking for somewhere to come on holiday near to where my family lived in Port Ellen so that we had our own space. Kenny’s place was absolutely perfect and so close by too! We were very comfortable and extremely happy with the lovely wee garden. Perfect spot for visiting the beaches, touring some distilleries and seal spotting! Kenny offers the perfect little spot and I won’t hesitate to book again if I’m coming back with friends!
Thanks Kenny 🙂
Admin Reply by: Kenny Lowe
Thanks for your kind words and glad you enjoyed the house.
We look forward to seeing you return.
from
26th June 2025
We normally don't write reviews, but Kenny's place definitely deserves a quick word of praise: spacious, clean, comfortable, and simply but thoughtfully equipped for self-catering - everything as straightforward as the friendly communication with the host.
Perfectly located right in the middle of Port Ellen for Islay's best mini-pub crawl (No. 1 Ardview, rinse & repeat), and of course, within walking (or staggering) distance of Laphroaig, Lagavulin, and Ardbeg.
We spent a wonderful first week of March there. Oh, and cheers to Caro & Peter!
Admin Reply by: Kenny Lowe
Thanks guys, 😉
With a kind review like that you’re welcome back anytime 🤣
Glad you enjoyed your time on Islay and hopefully see ye back 😉
All the Best 🇩🇪 🍻 🥃🏴
from
24th June 2025
We spent a great week at A'Chroit as a group of friends visiting the distilleries. The house was perfectly located and provided all the facilities that we needed. The garden patio was perfect for sitting out to enjoy the evening sun
Admin Reply by: Kenny Lowe
Thanks for your great feedback Nigel. The sun was out for you indeed at the end of April. Glad you were able to sit out the back and get some evening rays.
Slainthe 🥃
from
24th June 2025
We enjoy every stay in that very nice house, well furnished and well located to visit Islay. We come back every time we can. Congratulations for all the improvements made recently by Kenny.
Admin Reply by: Kenny Lowe
Merci Germain! for your kind words. You are always very welcome, and next time we will have more surprises in store. Hope you all got home safe.
Best Wishes,
A Beintot
from
24th June 2025
Really enjoyable week in Islay, thanks for the comfortable home. Right by the beach, near lots of great walks, food spots and pubs. Hopefully be back one day!
Admin Reply by: Kenny Lowe
Great to hear you had a good time.
Look forward to seeing you soon.
Thank you.
Name: Brett Banacka
Comments:
I can’t even thank Betty enough for her hospitality, the house was very comfortable and warm for the snowy period we stayed. Port Ellen is wonderful and welcoming, and you feel like you are part of the community. (At least at the time of year when we stayed) It was easy to get out and about, plus it is just down the block from the ferry terminal.
You do feel like you are staying at a family home out on the island.
Name: Annmarie Duffy
Comments:
Our stay on Islay was fantastic first time on the island the house was very comfortable and welcoming the island it’s self had much to offer no matter the weather however we were very fortunate and had mostly good weather.A great house/ home and a fantastic island x
Name: Graeme Gordon
Comments:
Really loved our stay on Islay. The house was very comfortable and in a great location for enjoying Port Ellen and exploring the Island. Betty made us feel very welcome and made sure we had everything we needed to enjoy our stay. It was so good I’ve booked up to stay again in the autumn!
Name: Lorraine Rafferty
Comments:
We have just returned home following our third stay at this lovely home and have booked again for next year! The house is very comfortable and will benefit from wifi next year! Everything is supplied to make your holiday, including the lovely Betty nextdoor. I would happily recommend this property.
Name: Germain Guerit
Comments:
We had a very pleasant stay, like every previous time we went to this place. The house is well located near the harbour, also very comfy, and Betty is a very nice and helpful person. We really felt at home, and we recommend this rental to anyone who wants to visit the island. We’ll be back there as soon as possible.
Name: Uwe Melchert
Comments:
It was the second time in this wonderful house in Port Ellen. It was feeling like coming home! The perfect place to explore this beautiful island and the distilleries of Islay! Thanks for Kenny and his perfect arrangement. And a very special thank you for the very lovely Betty!!!😚
Name: Phil Garnett
Comments:
Highly recommended accommodation with a great location in Port Ellen for exploring what Islay has to offer especially the distillers along the south coast of the island. Having spent two holidays here for the Feis weeks in 2016 & 2017 we would happily return. Many thanks to Kenneth and Betty for providing an excellent place to stay.
Name: Jackie, Mike and John
Comments:
Wonderful welcome from Betty, who had bought a few necessities so we didn’t have to rush out to the shops. Cottage ideally placed in center of village – near shops, pubs and bus stop. Well stocked kitchen with everything you could want. Lots of space and very homely. Great garden with starlings nesting in the wall.
Everything you could need – hope to return!
Everything you could need – hope to return!
For further guest comments, check out our Trip Advisor page