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
19/09/2025
ExcellentLJ
08/09/2025
Lovely place; felt very at home.Yes
07/09/2025
A big thank you to Lorna and Karl who made our stay a very pleasant experience. They are very welcoming and keep the place immaculate. The hostel itself has everything you could need and I would recommend to anyone.Paul F
06/09/2025
A place to visit again!Pete
30/08/2025
Fabulous hostel, great facilities and great location. The staff were brilliant, welcoming and friendly. Would highly recommend.Kate
28/08/2025
Exceptional welcome, very clean comfortable living and eating spaces. Well appointed kitchen. Lots of info about things to do.Happy guest
25/08/2025
A five star hostel run by Karl and Lorna. My second visit of the year, enjoying the brilliant biking trips around this Hebridean island and enjoying the comforts that the hostel has to offer. Super kitchen and dining facilities, spacious lounge and a great drying room, which in fact I didn't need, as I had 7 dry, sunny and calm days... excellent biking conditions! Top class stayMary
24/08/2025
It was great.Sarah
15/08/2025
My second stay at port charlotte youth hostel - I would recommend to others.Ciara
11/08/2025
This is a very clean, tidy and spacious hostel and you just feel at home.Colin
10/08/2025
OUTSTANDING quality accommodation and spotless facilities, plus personal service from KandL making our stay another memorable experience - this must be our 8th stay at Port CharlotteMikeandJill
10/08/2025
Our stay at the Islay Hostel was remarkable because of the efficiency of the wardens. The place was always clean warm and friendly and we all gained from the advice & knowledge of the staff. I would highly recommend it not least because of this and of course the location.Nosangil
10/08/2025
Everything is great! Very nice hosts. Helped us with words and deeds. Nothing to complain about!Tim
09/08/2025
A wonderful experience, the room was simple but we had everything we needed.Nicolò
08/08/2025
ExcellentMarie Law
06/08/2025
Plenty of facilities. Lovely comfortable lounge area.Nikkihay16
05/08/2025
Great place, lovely beach, good rooms and immaculate. A bit of a bargain. The bike storage is huge with no issues.Cycle Crieff
04/08/2025
ExcellentKris
25/07/2025
Super!!Morag
21/07/2025
Top hostel, Karl & Lorna really make everyone feel at home and the place is spotless. Well equipped kitchen with plenty of space for groceries as well as fridge space; an ideal place to chat to fellow guests. Port Charlotte is the ideal location from which to do day trips and for us on bikes, the drying room is brilliant for those wet days.Mary
20/07/2025
Fantastic location with good facilitiesAndrew Bancew
20/07/2025
Easy to go to Portnahaven by bus or bike from the hostelFabrice
17/07/2025
Haven't been in a youth hostel for 20 years but Port Charlotte was great. So friendly, clean, well organised! We will definitely be back!Helen B
08/07/2025
All great, thanks!Lesley
26/06/2025
Hostel is in a lovely location, atmosphere very friendly and helpful. Port Charlotte hotel had live traditional music.Fiona Burke
23/06/2025
This was the first time in many many years I had stayed in a youth hostel. It was amazing. The place was spotless, The rooms were comfortable, the breakfasts were excellent, facilities were first class, including the drying room, showers, toilets and kitchen facilities. There was even under-building bike storage. Karl and Lorna, the couple who run the hostel, were so friendly and helpful. Very close to other amenities. Would absolutely stay here again.Ahndi
19/06/2025
Lovely hostel with friendly atmosphere, next to beach and pubs. Lorna and Karl are excellent hosts and put a lot of thought into running the hostel.Ellie
18/06/2025
Great hostel right on the beach with beautiful views out to the sea. The couple that run the hostel were so lovely, and did an amazing job at keeping the place clean and welcoming.Comfortable rooms, clean showers and toilets, and a very welcomed dry room to dry off gear.Sylvie
16/06/2025
Very friendly. Hot showers and excellent drying room.James
15/06/2025
ExcellentJohn Gibbison
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