Ardbeg House awarded The Times and The Sunday Times Best Places to Stay 2026 winner in the UK and Scotland – Scotch Whisky News
Ardbeg House awarded The Times and The Sunday Times Best Places to Stay 2026 winner in the UK and Scotland
Ardbeg House, the recently opened world-class whisky and hospitality experience on Islay, has been named the best place to stay in the UK and Scotland by The Times and The Sunday Times.
Nestled on the shores of the picturesque village of Port Ellen, just a stone’s throw from Ardbeg Distillery, the boutique hotel has been awarded overall winner of the prestigious list only six months after opening, topping the definitive guide to the 50 Best Places to Stay from across the UK and Scotland
The judges praised the hotel as “a whisky wonderland, with playful, maximalist interiors; and a convivial, well-stocked bar that’s priced for locals.”
They also applauded the rooms and suites, as well as the food and drink, receiving an impressive 9/10 score, praising the “eye-popping interiors” and “playful, personality-packed” hotel rooms.
Ardbeg House opened its doors to the public in September 2025, and was designed in collaboration with interior storymakers Russell Sage Studio to celebrate the best of Islay. The boutique hotel, which offers 12 unique rooms, is complemented by handcrafted pieces from more than 20 Scottish and Islay artisans to blend Ardbeg’s signature smoky character with the island’s warmth, creativity and community.
Ellie Goss, Comms and Hospitality Director at Ardbeg, said: “We’re incredibly honoured to top such a prestigious list, especially so quickly after the opening of Ardbeg House.
“Every element of the luxury hotel has been crafted to immerse visitors to the island and its community in local stories and Ardbeggian rituals, while also offering the chance to experience some very exclusive whiskies.
“This recognition marks a major milestone for Ardbeg House, cementing its place as one of the most exciting new destinations in the UK.”
For more information on Ardbeg House, please visit: www.ardbeghouse.com
The Times and The Sunday Times, Best Places to Stay
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Ardbeg House
Ardbeg House is a world-class whisky and hospitality experience on Islay, which offers the island’s visitors an extraordinary opportunity to eat, sleep and drink Ardbeg. Situated in the bustling town of Port Ellen, this 12-bedroom boutique hotel blends the ultimate in Scottish hospitality with the flavours and legends of Ardbeg’s island world. Visitors and locals are welcomed to enjoy the best of Scottish food and drink at the House’s Signature restaurant and the Islay Bar, including exclusive Ardbeg drams.
To book, go to www.ardbeghouse.com
Russell Sage Studio
Russell Sage Studio, established in 2005, comprises a thriving team of dedicated interior designers, FF&E designers, planners, restorers and art and antiques experts. Since inception, the studio has built a reputation for creating unique interior stories for five-star hotels, exclusive members’ clubs, premium restaurants, luxury bars and private residences around the world.
About Ardbeg
Ardbeg prides itself on being The Ultimate Islay Malt Whisky. Established in 1815, Ardbeg is revered by connoisseurs around the world as the peatiest, smokiest and most complex of all the Islay malts. Despite its smokiness, Ardbeg is renowned for its delicious sweetness, a phenomenon that has affectionately become known as ‘the peaty paradox’. During the 1980s and 1990s, Ardbeg suffered from an uncertain future, and it was not until the brand was purchased by The Glenmorangie Company in 1997 that the Distillery was saved from extinction. Since then, the Distillery has risen like a phoenix and today Ardbeg is well-established as a niche, cult malt, with a passionate following. Today, Ardbeg is one of the world’s most highly awarded smoky single malt whiskies.
