First of all, the good parts. This small inn has an excellent location just a short walk from the ferry terminal, with a stunning view in good weather across the Sound of Islay towards Jura. It is fascinating watching the coming and going of the ferries and fishing boats from the dining room window. I was greeted at reception by a friendly woman, who I took to be the owner, who showed me to my room and round the hotel before offering a cup off coffee and shortbread.

The twin room was compact, to say the least, with a tiny en suite shower room and toilet, which had obviously been added to the room some time in the past. The room was equipped with tea and coffee making facilities, and I was impressed to see a range of herbal teas as well as the usual selection. On the negative side, the television did not work, neither did the shaving light or the fan heater in the shower room. The flow of water from the shower was very limited, with little water pressure. The bedroom appeared to be furnished by MFI circa mid 70s. The bed was comfortable, and the sheets were clean.

On going down for dinner, I found the dining room empty, and I sat for about 15 minutes before someone appeared. As others have remarked, the menu was unexciting and overpriced. I settled for the mixed grill, which was quite tasty, and the steak was cooked as I had requested. Breakfast was again perfectly adequate.

This hotel needs a lot of money spent on it to keep up with the expectations of the modern travelling, especially the well heeled sort who are on the whisky or deer stalking trail. I suspect that the problem may be one of economics, with a short season and possibly little passing trade acting as a disincentive to investment. With some money spent on the fabric and a more imaginative menu this place could benefit from the rise in people having holidays in the UK rather than abroad, but the owners will need to up their game.

Plain and v basic. second visit 2009 and 2011. 2009 was much nicer food all round, shame as we came back for the local food. please improve so we can return.

Dirty beds - we found a hair in the bed, so clearly it had not been cleaned. The rooms were cold. And it was priced at a ridiculous level compared to what it offered. The only reason we didn't go somewhere else is because we checked in late and would have needed to get a taxi across the island.
One of the most manly hotels I have stayed in.

Expensive, fat smell pervaded the restaurant, eastern european staff were friendly and tried, bar staff had negligible knowlege of whisky - on Islay. Rooms clean but dated.