Islay Frigate Hotel

Hotels
7.6 (581 reviews)
Harbour Street , Tarbert , gb

Free
Children allowed

Facilities

Offsite parking discounted rates available
Non-smoking rooms
Terrace
Family rooms
Express check-in/check-out
Non-smoking throughout
Outdoor furniture
Pet bowls
Staff adhere to local safety protocols
Guest rooms disinfected between stays
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Friendly staff
Great location
Convenient amenities
Cons:
Cleanliness issues
Small room sizes
Bathroom concerns

Categories

Cleanliness
6.49
Several mentions of cleanliness issues including mouldy smells and shared bathroom concerns.
Service
8.46
Friendly staff consistently mentioned across reviews, indicating good service.
Location
8.5
Great central location with multiple references to nice views and convenience.
Room Quality
6.95
Rooms described as small and outdated by several guests.
Amenities
7.48
Basic amenities provided, with feedback indicating mixed feelings about available services.
Value for Money
7.44
Good value noted for size and flexibility, despite some concerns about amenities.
Food and Beverage
7.49
Breakfast was mentioned positively but lacking in options for some reviews.
Overall Experience
7.96
Overall positive experiences with some areas for improvement discussed.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-16 08:19

Property Description

Picturesque Location
Nestled in Tarbert, Islay Frigate Hotel offers a serene escape with stunning sea views and beautiful gardens.

Comfortable Accommodation
Relax in well-appointed rooms with modern amenities, including flat-screen TVs and cozy bedding. Some rooms even provide breathtaking views of the sea.

Delicious Dining Options
Start your day with a delectable à la carte, vegetarian, or vegan breakfast, served fresh every morning at Islay Frigate Hotel.

Book your stay at Islay Frigate Hotel now to experience a perfect blend of comfort and charm in Tarbert.

Important information:

Please note that this propert does not accept dogs

Check-in and check-out hours:

Property Policies

  • Parking

    Free public parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

  • Pets

    Pets are not allowed.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 2 years old stay for free when using an available cot.
    Children up to and including 2 years old stay for free when using an existing bed.
    Children from 3 years old to 16 years old stay for £15 per person per night when using an existing bed.
    You haven't added any extra beds.
    Any type of extra bed or child's cot/crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.
    Supplements are not calculated automatically in the total costs and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.

Location

Guest Reviews

7.6
Based on 581 reviews
Cleanliness: 6.49
Service: 8.46
Location: 8.5
Room Quality: 6.95
Amenities: 7.48
Value for Money: 7.44
Food and Beverage: 7.49
Overall Experience: 7.96
S
Stephen family_with_children gb
10
excellent customer service
Pros:

There was an issue with the booking, but the manager was excellent and when above and beyond to resolve the situation, excellence customer support.

Cons:

The weather, but that's not the hotel's fault

2026-02-22 via Nuitee
Y
Yorick extended_group nl
1
2026-01-20 via Nuitee
N
Nathan family_with_children gb
1
Seriously overpriced and extremely disappointing - we will never return!
Pros:

The location is excellent. Tarbert is a lovely little village.

Cons:

When we arrived we were told that they no longer did breakfast (even though we had it included). One staff member told us the kitchen was being refurbished and the other told us they had had staff walk out so couldn’t provide it. We were then also told that they hadn’t done breakfasts for weeks. When we challenged the lack of breakfast they apologised and said they would give us a takeaway breakfast (when we collected this it was a warm chicken sandwich, 2 packets of crisps, a bottle of water and a can of red bull! - not at all breakfast suitable, especially for the children).
There was no hot water in the bedroom, and only one of the children’s beds was made (we asked for bedding which was rectified) and one of their mattresses was so soft our son was touching the base of the bed through it. The towel rail in the bathroom was missing (the fixture was there but no rail) and there was no plug in the sink. There was a funfair being set up outside our window very loudly between 10pm and 1am! The hotel would have still felt expensive at half the price!

2026-01-19 via Nuitee
C
cyril extended_group fr
7
2026-01-19 via Nuitee
E
Erin couple us
10
Great location and friendly staff.
Pros:

Had a late check in and they accommodated it. Great location.

2026-01-19 via Nuitee
T
Tanya couple gb
10
Great stay would defo be back
Pros:

Room was just what we needed good customer service

Cons:

They weren’t doing breakfast as they were short staffed

2026-01-19 via Nuitee
A
Alexander solo_traveller gb
7
2026-01-19 via Nuitee
J
John solo_traveller gb
7
2026-01-19 via Nuitee
D
David extended_group dk
8
Pros:

Morgenmaden var god. Det var fine værelser, selvom de var små. Ikke så store senge, men de fungerede efter hensigten.

Cons:

Værelserne var små. Sengene var lidt for bløde.

2026-01-19 via Nuitee
S
Sean couple us
7
We wish we could have stayed longer.
Pros:

Our room was very clean and neat, and check-in was simple/easy. The outside and downstairs gathering areas were great and we hung there a bit. We knew that food was no longer being served, and this was not a problem as the manager there gave us several recommendations.

Cons:

The downstairs bar had to close early due to staffing issues - which we certainly understand - but we were disappointed that we did not get to 'hang there and chat up the local. And the hot water/shower was a little challenging.

2026-01-19 via Nuitee
J
Julie family_with_children gb
10
2026-01-19 via Nuitee
N
Natalie solo_traveller gb
6
2026-01-09 via Nuitee
B
Barend couple za
9
Pros:

Friendly staff and a great stop-over!

2025-12-31 via Nuitee
G
Geraldine extended_group gb
7
2025-12-03 via Nuitee
V
Victor & Valeria family_with_children gb
7
Fair one-night stay
Pros:

It was a great location in the middle of the town and nice views of the harbour from our room. It was conveniently located on the way to the ferry terminal. The boy at the pub who gave us the keys was very friendly.

Cons:

The bathroom was tiny and outdated. There was not hot water in the tap. The shower had low pressure.

2025-12-02 via Nuitee
E
Elizabeth family_with_children gb
7
Basic but effective stay.
Pros:

Breakfast. Location.

Cons:

Cold, smell on arrival.

2025-11-17 via Nuitee
H
Heather solo_traveller gb
1
Pros:

Their flexibility

Cons:

The screaming and running about all night. Up and down the stairs and in the corridor.

Knew it was a shared bathroom but we're told "don't worry you will be on this floor on your own" the next thing I know there is a group of people standing outside my room

2025-11-15 via Nuitee
J
julie family_with_children ie
3
2025-11-02 via Nuitee
K
Kenneth couple gb
9
Loved the drive to an impressive location
Pros:

Its atmosphere and vibe

Cons:

N/A

2025-11-01 via Nuitee
E
Eve couple ch
10
Pros:

Super emplacement, personnel très sympa. Chambre propre. C'était super et je recommande sans hésiter !

2025-11-01 via Nuitee