Port Charlotte
About About this youth hostel ....
Housed in a former distillery warehouse in the centre of the village, Port Charlotte Youth Hostel sits next to a safe sandy beach and boasts wonderful sea views. This spacious and friendly hostel offers a range of accommodation from comfortable private rooms to spacious shared dorms. None of the rooms are en-suite but there are ample shower and washroom facilities available.
WiFi is free for all guests and other facilities include: a large comfortable and cosy sitting room with stunning views of the Bay of Loch Indaal, a laundry, drying room, and secure cycle storage for up to 30 bikes. The hostels also has onsite parking for up to six cars and it is possible to park on the adjacent roadside. Basic provisions, confectionery and soft drinks along with pizza and ice-cream are available to purchase at reception.
‘Wee Breakfast’ and 'Heat & Eat Pizza available (Please remember to pre-book breakfast)
The hostel is also available for exclusive private rental.
Why stay?
- Fantastic beachside location
- Whisky lovers paradise!
- Sunrise over the Paps of Jura
- Friendly team with expert local knowledge
- RSPB nature reserve on the doorstep
Please remember to book your ferry before you travel.
For more information on the hostel, accessibility and the local area please click here
Port Charlotte Youth Hostel
Facilities & Services
Season
March to September (RentaHostel available)
Reception Hours
08:00-10:00 and 17:00-21:30
Check in
17:00 - 21:30
Check out
By 10:00
Access Hours
Late arrivals and access outside opening hours available by prior arrangement.
Amenities
Free Wifi
Family Rooms
Lounge/TV Room
Drying Room
Bike Store
Free Parking (nearby or onsite)
Private Rooms
Catering
Laundry Room
Towel Hire
Shopping Nearby
Guest Reviews
15/07/2024
Perfect stay for a family of four.Gabriel
15/07/2024
The hostel is in a great location - Port Charlotte is a beautiful wee village with a lot of charm. Lorna and Karl really look after the hostel and everyone who stays there. Always a pleasure to return there.Mary
13/07/2024
We stayed in July on a cycle tour of the islands. Hostel provided an excellent base for a few days and met all our travelling needs. Clean, well resourced, comfortable and easy to use.Karl and Lorna provide an experienced management service combined with the warmest of welcomes that added greatly to our memorable journey.Michael
11/07/2024
This was my first time on Islay and the Hostel exceeded my expectations. I would want to stay there on a return visit. The way that Lorna and Karl, the hosts, run the Hostel makes it special. You will find a warm welcome, relaxing atmosphere, excellent facilities, and great value for money. It is the ideal base for its scenic location, the bus service and a choice of excellent bars and eateries on the doorstep. A wonderful experience.Nina Graham
11/07/2024
Beautiful location on the beach, great kitchen and dining room, beautiful big lounge full of books and resourcesJohn Campbell
07/07/2024
I cannot rate this Youth Hostel highly enough! We were a large group staying for 4 weeks and our stay was extremely comfortable. It was like a home from home! The hostel managers looked after us exceptionally well and were always on hand to answer any queries or help to make our stay more comfortable. The facilities were top class, ansd the hostel location is second to none. We highly recommend this hostel!University of Reading, Department of Archaeology
30/06/2024
Outstanding in all regards.Guest Review
06/06/2024
Always look forward to staying here every year. Karl and Lorna make us feel so welcome and can't do enough to help out.James
04/06/2024
I had a very good time again.Gerrit
03/06/2024
for me, it`s the best place on Islay to stay because you can find so much friendship and speaking with people from all over the WorldOliver Peters
03/06/2024
Karl and Lorna really make this hostel so special. Its so clean and comfortable and perfectly located. Highly recommended.Madeline
03/06/2024
Everything was perfect, we didn´t find anything to complain about.Florian
01/06/2024
I'm well into double figures the times I've stayed at this hostel and the high standards are always maintainedEddie H
30/05/2024
This is a jewel of a hostel, and well worth a visit. The wardens are the loveliest people, so helpful and kind. The location on Islay is perfect.KB
26/05/2024
Proximité de la plus intéressante distillerie de l'île (Kilchoman) et belle route jusqu'à Portaven.Carnets
26/05/2024
This is a very welcoming hostel in a fabulous location. It is clean, friendly and has everything you might need. The hosts, Lorna and Karl are knowledgeable, kind and very helpful. There is a variety of sleeping accommodations to choose from.MaggieJane
25/05/2024
Very comfortable and welcoming 4 day stay in Port Charlotte youth hostel. Thanks to the exceptional managers Lorna and Karl for making our stay so enjoyable.Conall and Dara Mac Riocaird
25/05/2024
Great stay with really helpful staffCyclist
23/05/2024
Had a great stay at this hostel on Islay and the staff helped to make it a memorable holiday. They are always on hand to help with any issues and able to provide information/advice about local services, places to go, etc. Very friendly and professional.Stuart M
23/05/2024
Great place to stay and meet fellow traveler's, especially good when the sun is shining.Harvey
21/05/2024
Thank you Lorna & Karl for a relaxing 7 night stay in a stunning location.Dugswell2
21/05/2024
ExcellentAsh
20/05/2024
A wonderful place on a wonderful island with wonderful people.MrG
16/05/2024
One of the best hostels that I have visited. The wardens could not have been more helpful.Dendro
16/05/2024
It was very peacefulGuest Review
15/05/2024
Absolutely fantastic stay thanks to Karl and his wife. Amazing setting, close to the bus and shop. Spotless.Michaela
07/05/2024
There were 24 of us all from the Grampian mountaineering club , Dundee . All 24 agreed that the hostel was fantastic and Karl &Lorna were so lovely - we had a wonderful stay in Islay. The location is perfect too . No room for improvementPauline McEachen
30/04/2024
It was most enjoyable and would hope to do it againGregor
30/04/2024
Fantastic hostel with great facilities, staff and locationGuest Review
27/04/2024
Fantastic clean and comfortable hostel in a magical location, ideal base for touring Islay by car. Good hotel pub for food, another bar and a famous distillery nearby. Great stay.Tallscottishguy
Reasons to visit
With endless white sandy beaches, towering cliffs and an RSPB nature reserve, Port Charlotte is the perfect base for families, outdoor and wildlife enthusiasts to explore and discover Islay.
Finlaggan, three miles from Port Askaig, features the tumbledown ruins of houses and a chapel on an islet in a shallow loch marking what remains of the stronghold of the Lords of the Isles. The setting is beautiful and the history fascinating!
Islay is probably best known as the home of some of the world's best Scotch whisky. With nine active distilleries, the island is a pilgrimage for whisky lovers. Take time to explore them all, but don't forget to pace yourself!
Islay is known for its fine food with fresh seafood a popular choice for most visitors. Other attractions not to be missed include:
- Museum of Island Life
- Kildalton Cross
- Kilnave Cross
- The American Monument
- Machir Beach
- The Round Church
- Outback Art Gallery
- Islay Ales Microbrewery
Enjoy a birds eye trip!