The Machrie Hotel and Golf Links

Just returned from 3 night golf break at The Machrie, I had been over on a number of occasions with my wife but after years of me praising the course & hotel some of my fellow golfers decided to make the trip, I was a little apprehensive due to recent change of ownership no need The Machrie didn’t disappoint. Firstly I must thank Ian who could not have been more understanding when one of the guys had to drop out at the last minute due for health issues 👍. Last year I had a few issues with service in restaurant & bar all has been resolved staff were excellent, couple of guys we need to mention Joe & Conor very helpful, sorted out issue when local mini bus company didn’t show 👏. Rooms and bedding excellent well maintained good house keeping. Couple of the guys disappointed that 4 greens off but these were newly laid last year and had not bedded in temp greens smaller but good, also practice area was out of action prior notice would have been nice. The course played first class as it had on my previous visits, my fellow golfers had nothing but praise for it and are looking forward to a return visit fortunately mine is already booked. I was disappointed that the golf pro David & his son Dale had left they added that little bit extra to the experience, wishing them and Janette all the best.

Lovely accommodation, excellent staff , great golf - but! The Machrie has been on our must visit for a while. The 4 of us stayed in a lodge which was excellent. Very well equipped, nicely furnished and lovely bid comfy beds. Staff were very friendly and pleasant. Excellent breakfast. The golf did not disappoint. Superb old style links with lots of variety and wonderful views. Now the not so good. There were 3 temporary greens and we weren't told beforehand. Still loved the course but having been in the golf industry for nearly 50 years that is a no no. Evening meals were a disappointment. They promised much but didn't deliver. Chewy lobster. Tough steak etc. Didn't have the desert wine we ordered and no alternative! We would still return but would eat out if dinner doesn't improve.

Beautiful hotel on a beautiful island. Rooms are great and the staff are so welcoming. We loved our stay here! You don’t need to be a golfer to enjoy this place. The views are stunning and it’s a great place to relax and enjoy the Islay lifestyle

We spent 5 nights here and it was genuinely one of the best and most memorable stays anywhere that I have been. The staff is wonderful through and through - helpful, friendly, and attentive. I cannot possibly speak highly enough about all of them, just so nice. Food was good, whisky list is extensive, and the golf course is fantastic (very challenging and well kept). Weather can obviously be unpredictable on the Scottish coast but prepare for it and you will be fine. The hotel has a big lounge room on the second floor which overlooks the 18th green and the stunning ocean landscape behind. The hotel is relaxed and quiet, small enough that the staff will get to know you and your preferences after a couple of days but big enough that if you want to socialize a little there are other people around most of the time. The hotel has a relaxed vibe, don't expect them to coordinate things for you outside of the property but they will take great care of you on site. Spa was closed when we were there (didn't affect us) but may want to verify that if you're expecting that to be a part of your stay. I brought a rental car from the mainland which I would not do if I visit again as the ferry canceled a reservation due to an issue and since we couldn't just hop on the next one as a foot passenger we got stuck. Oops. Was nice having a car for the further away distilleries but that was a mistake. If you have flights to make don't count on making it off the island that day - give yourself a little breathing room. Be relaxed and take what you get or it will sour your experience. Nearby the Machrie there is Port Ellen and Bowmore which are both about a 10 minute drive in each direction. Each have a couple of restaurants so if you're here for a few days you can try a few different things. Make reservations for everything. If you're from a big city in the states you may not expect that to be necessary, but people tend to take their time and there is limited seating. The "3 distillery walking tour" is nearby (Laguvulin/Ardbeg/Laphroaig) which is an absolute must do if you like peated whisky (and if you don't, what are you doing here?). Try Cathy for a taxi, the transport to/from the hotel is not really set up or coordinated, but they were super helpful to find us a cab a couple of times (no real shuttle service at the time we were there). Cabs on the island can be hit or miss and some groups will book them for the day and you'll have trouble. Anyway fantastic stay. Will be back and cannot recommend this place and their wonderful staff highly enough.

It is difficult to fault The Machrie. We had a wonderful stay - 2 nights in a Comfy Luxe room. The superking-size bed was amazingly comfortable. The bath was deep, the shower was powerful - and the views over the golf course towards the coast were dramatic. The food was superb, the atmosphere refined but relaxed, the staff professional but friendly. Of course, it’s not cheap - but for isolated, full service bliss, I can’t think of a better venue.

Enjoyed an overnight stay in relaxed, luxurious surroundings. Excellent food, both for evening meal and breakfast, served in an area with incredible views. A side note would be, not every dish needs to include whisky. Not everyone visits Islay for whisky. Professional, attentive staff, especially the friendly Ileach receptionist who guided us to our room on arrival. Only downside was a mix up with being presented with the wrong bill at checkout.

Horrible customer service and will not help on when they can this is something they could have easily fxee and chose not to. Now they are putting me in a financial burden and will not ho me out. They need to work on their customer service!!!!!!!!