Hello, I will be spending three nights on Islay and would like a bed and breakfast. My most important factor is I want to be on the water. I want to be able to get up and wander on the beach before breakfast. Does anyone have a favorite place to stay. Right now I am thinking Kintra farm or Samhchair. Anyone been to either of these places. Mac

"...felt like the tide left me here..." How high do the gulls fly o'er Islay?
I'm afraid that I have just dated myself but I couldn't help it.

We stayed at the wonderful Glenegedale House bed and breakfast. It is not directly on the water, as the small airport is between the inn and the beach, but you could walk to the beach. http://www.glenegedalehouse.co.uk/

I don't know your budget - this one is a bit of a splurge, but it is terrific http://www.lochgormhouse.com/

These 2 are less expensive http://www.samhchair.co.uk/ http://www.lochgruinart.co.uk/

Don't go to Kintra. I checked it out, admittedly a long time ago, but it was pretty awful.

I know Nikki really liked Glenegedale and it gets a very good name, but it's a fair hike from the water.

Loch Gorm House is meant to be very nice; another similar option- although it calls itself a hotel is An Tigh Osda, which has been getting great reviews.

Loch Gruinart House is at the back of the moss at (oddly) Loch Gruinart, and is a lovely place to stay but not on the beach.

You might like to have a look at Caladh Sona in Port Charlotte, 26 Shore Street in Bowmore, Sornbank in Port Charlotte.

Of the ones mentioned and given your remit, I'd go for Samhchair. I don't "do" B&Bs so I can't speak personally- although I've stayed in the self catering that Mrs Roy of Sornbank has.

You're driving (I know) so you can be anywhere. personally, I always stay on the Rhinns which I love.