North West Castle Hotel

North West Castle Hotel descritpion

Featuring its own curling ice rink and an indoor pool, North West Castle Hotel is located opposite Stranraer harbour, which serves as the main ferry port between Scotland and Ireland. Other benefits include a sauna, spa bath and a gym.
Free Wi-Fi is provided in each room at North West Castle Hotel, as well as an en-suite bathroom, a TV and tea/coffee making facilities.
Dishes made with fresh local produce are served in the hotel’s 2 restaurants, and accompanied by an extensive wine list. Musical accompaniment comes in the form of the hotel’s pianist, who will play your song requests. Guests can also relax in The Residents Lounge which boasts views along the entire length of Loch Ryan.
Stranraer town centre is just a 5-minute walk from the hotel and features an ancient castle, cafés and shops. Scenic walks can be taken in the local area and day trips to Belfast are made easy by the frequent ferries which sail back and forth.

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Facilities of North West Castle Hotel

Pets ：Pets are allowed on request. Charges may apply.

Activities ：Ping-Pong | Sauna | Indoor Pool | Game Room

Food & Drink ：Bar | Breakfast in the Room | Restaurant with Dining Menu

Internet ：Free!WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

Parking ：Free!Free private parking is available on site (reservation is not needed).

General ：Newspapers | Facilities for Disabled Guests | Family Rooms | Elevator | Heating

Reviews for North West Castle Hotel

Review 1：It just needs a refresh........a lick of paint and some new carpets and it would be sorted. Oh and please sort the car park lighting as its dangerously dark out there.

Review 2：Nice staff, although very old fashioned the hotel has some charm. Food is generous and tasty.

Review 3：N/A

Review 4：Friendly, professional reception staff making the check in/out a more smooth, swift and hassle free process. Spacious, comfortable rooms & ample no fee parking. Easy walk to the town centre & amenities.

Review 5：We were disappointed in the food and discovered that people who had booked a bed, breakfast and dinner deal directly through the hotel, and at a much cheaper price than we had paid for bed only, had a far better menu. The front facing view for which we had paid extra was a view on to the local police station and on to the mesh fence surrounding the derelict ferry terminal. I daren't think what the views were like for those who hadn't paid extra.

Review 6：We stayed for 2 nights as we were attending a friends wedding and we were very disappointed. There was a Musty smell in the hotel, especially the room we stayed in, TV didn't work when it rained heavily, room was very hot,no control over temperature. We payed £104 for the room per night and it didn't even include breakfast. In need of updating and decoration. We looked at lots of b & bs in the area that were cheaper but we thought as it was advertised as 4 star we would treat ourselves as we had got married a couple of weeks before and weren't going on honeymoon. Wish we had opted for one of the B&Bs

Review 7：The staff were very friendly and helpful.

Review 8：Life very small and although having the wheelchair was brilliant, access to the lift was very tight.

Review 9：Staff were excellent especially going out of their way to help my wife who was on crutches. The help included loaning her a wheelchair.

Review 10：Leaving

Review 11：Awesome welcome great staff very helpful even booked a ferry for us.beer and barstaff excellent and the food in the grill bar was top notch and great value. Had a random chat with Mr mcmillen the owner didn't even know it was him at the time, a real gent and a very informative man about curling. The whole place oozes a very easy class and ambience we couldve stayed on but had a schedule to follow (was coming back to northern ireland to my mums and we'd definitely have got in trouble if we were late!)

Review 12：We booked in for dinner on the first night and I felt that the service was sufficiently below standard that I complained. In fairness I did receive an apology and a financial adjustment to the bill. The full Scottish breakfast I thought was a bit lacking, but it was very tasty. The swimming pool was unavailable during our visit because of a defect somewhere.

Review 13：The rooms were comfortable, WIFI was good, close to centre of town, plenty of easy parking.

Review 14：The pool was closed for maintenance during our short stay.

Review 15：We liked the off road parking, friendly staff, spa bath, spacious room and the nice bathroom. We would certainly go back again.

Review 16：the only thing was mattress on bed was very soft,not good for my back,didnt sleep well.

Review 17：Great location,use of leisure facilities,very helpful friendly staff and the food in restaurant was absolutely great,had a nice stay.

Review 18：We found it sad that the whole hotel is desperate for a facelift & refurbishment i.e. crack in our handbasin , very dated swimming pool & sauna, old staircarpet etc.

Review 19：Staff very friendly & helpful & apologetic after we waited 50 mins. for our main course at dinner !

Review 20：There was nothing to complain about except one night we had a very long wait for our main course had to chase it up. Staff very apologetic

Review 21：Location friendliness of staff and good food.

Review 22：The bedroom was far too hot with no option to alter the heat. There was nothing to say that playing pool was chargeable which was a little dissapointing. The hotel was really dated which would be relatively easy to bring up to date and downstairs the hotel was very musky and damp smelling. The bathroom extractor didn't work leaving the bathroom very steamed up for a long time.

Review 23：The bed was comfy, bedroom a good size and the games room downstairs a good bonus. Breakfast was nice and fresh and waitresses very polite.

Review 24：We expected our bed sheets to be changed on 2nd night of a 3 night stay but room wasn't serviced at all had to request towels from reception.

Review 25：Central location of hotel, Leisure facilities and traditional feel of hotel

Review 26：The breakfast was a bit slow and very basic- some beans and mushrooms would have been great!

Review 27：The location, the games room and the character of the hotel

Review 28：Being a first time lone traveller I was nervous. The whole experience was made easier for me by all staff being happy in there job so making it a homely hotel.

Review 29：Sea view at £25 extra consisted of the rear of the police station and the old harbour with very little of the view of Loch Ryan. only 5 TV channels - no Sky! only found out when paying the Bill that we were charged extra for breakfast? evening meal menu very limited and poorly presented.

Review 30：Nothing

Review 31：Breakfast was awful bacon like leather. The hotel is very old and tired. Needs a revamp all over. No fridge in the room, moved the bedside table and discovered three pens and loads of dust. Not worth the money.

Review 32：Not a lot

Review 33：Nothing we didn't like.

Review 34：Spacious, comfortable clean rooms. Staff were very helpful and friendly. Breakfast was excellent, meals were generous and delicious. Enjoyed using the leisure facilities. Swimming, sauna, gym and the games room. Would recommend to anyone.

Review 35：the bed was appalling, the foot of the bed was above our head, the room was grim, very dated and smelled. the bathroom was ok, but again very dated, booked through booking.com, think they gave us the basic rooms because of this, wouldn't stay again, didn't bother with breakfast we had had enough by then, couldn't wait to get out

Review 36：Location

Review 37：There was a wedding at the hotel, with incredibly loud music. I was working until 10pm each night so was shattered when I got back, but was unable to sleep. They then tried to charge me £10 for some watery porridge when checking out in a hurry.

Review 38：Friendly and helpful staff making our stay very comfortable. We had a front facing twin Rooms which was big, clean and relaxing. The swimming pool and jacuzzi was good. Lovely hotel central to station and town.

Review 39：The entire hotel had a musty smell and needs updated. The lifts seemed like they were from the sixties and shook and rattled as you used them. Lighting in the rooms were poor however there was a modern tv!

Review 40：Convenient for the purpose of the stay, staff were friendly and accomodating!

Review 41：No real issues, just generally many areas look tired and in need of modernisation, particularly the bathrooms and the Swimming Pool / Changing Rooms Also, would have expected a breakfast to be included in the rate we paid.

Review 42：clean, good sized room, good location on the edge of town, plenty of hot water ! Welcomed the opportunity for a swim in the pool

Review 43：The hotel itself needs to be brought up-to-date as the room we were in was probably done in the 80s, maybe very early 90s latest.

Review 44：The staff were very friendly and accommodating, location was ideal, food was really good and for the money I would stay again. If you want luxury this hotel is not for you but great value for money for what you get then its ideal.

Review 45：Swimming pool , location were all Good, however the place smells of damp / mould in the swimming and games room smell was so bad we couldnt stay in it . The place Could do with a Total revamp but for the price Its value for money

Review 46：The hotel is superb. The cocktail bar with the oriel window is a great feature as are the gardens. It is also very handy for the numerous golf courses in the area and is a great centre for exploring Galloway.

Review 47：The Hotel is quite dated and really needs a good coat of paint and new carpets together a general improvement in the age of the fittings etc

Review 48：Location, the gym and swimming pool

Review 49：Th e breakfast was certainly not work the £12 each we were not charged when we first got our bill, informed the staff and was added to bill but certainly wasnt worth what it costs

Review 50：The staff were very helpful when asking anything the room was a good size

Review 51：Only stayed one night but really nice,wish we had booked in for longer.even had a porter to take our luggage( panniers) off the motorbikes up to the rooms.

Review 52：Water pressure in shower over bath was very poor. No bath mat for the inside of the bath was provided. Room and bathroom both require a complete refurbishment with new furniture.

Review 53：Only stayed in the hotel to visit family. Did not have any meals.

Review 54：We asked for crisps at bar none available only soft mints which seemed strange also asked at 8pm for a bar snack even chips but we're told nothing available

Review 55：Liked the swimming pool and games room

Review 56：The hotel was lovely, the dining room was beautiful, the food was superb, the bed was comfortable, a nice area to explore, and the weather while we were there was good as well. FABULOUS.

Review 57：Hotel needs updating, pictures etc in room covered in dirt/dust, cobwebs on roof, beds too soft and pillows very lumpy and no support. Most of the staff are lovely but girl who checked us out didn't even look in our direction and it was all very uncomfortable.

Review 58：Fantastic location and some of the staff are lovely. I asked for water to be changed from sparkling to still and this was done which was great.

Review 59：Reception staff seem as if they are just going through the motions and not really interested in your reply. While rest of staff would make you want to go back the reception staff seem cold and even slightly hostile unless a senior member of the McMillan family is around where upon they become very animated and welcoming.

Review 60：Clean and comfortable, hasn't changed for years which is part of the appeal. Lovely views from residents lounge. Food excellent and staff attentive while not being obtrusive and staff mostly friendly.

Review 61：Only downside was the low power of the bathroom shower

Review 62：Staff at this hotel are the friendliest and most genuinely welcoming and helpful I have experienced at hotels all over the world.

Review 63：The bed was made up with blankets Décor a bit dated No anti slip mat for bath when having a shower

Review 64：Staff were friendly, lounge very comfortable for a group Room was very clean

Review 65：This is a very tired and dated hotel. I fear for its future. Looking out from the dining room at the deserted docks is a sad scene.

Review 66：Staff were excellent. Very friendly. Good breakfast.

Review 67：inside temp w/ no option for a fan. Had to turn heater off but could not turn off bathroom heater. Opened window to help with hot temp.

Review 68：staff went out of way to track down only fan on the property and let us use it to sleep since we had 3 young children.

Review 69：only able to stay for one night. hopefully will enjoy an extended break soon

Review 70：friendly staff on arrival and in the bar in the evening. plenty of comfort afforded by the accomodation

Review 71：The water jug was badly scratched making the water look dirty. Staff Should not have put it on the table gives a very bad impression q

Review 72：Staff very helpful offered to carry our luggage even accompany us to our room.

Review 73：Dusty bedroom area... Marks on wall where drink had been spilled, uncomfortable bed and a smoke detector that went off when spraying deodorant

Review 74：Ideal location

Review 75：Uncomfortable bed. Overpriced breakfast - no beans! or bread, pastries or fresh fruit. Just some cereal and old fruit salad, limited cooked breakfast menu yet £15.00 per person. The hotel smells like damp/stale. Extremely dated decor. Restaurant only serves evening meals 6.30pm-8.30 which isn't very convenient for many!

Review 76：Great location Most staff were fantastic and gave fantastic service. Friendly.

Review 77：We were charged £15 each for a very average breakfast ,as well told it would have been cheaper had we booked direct with Hotel Stopped off at Premier Inn cheaper room and £8.75 for much better breakfast

Review 78：Quite happy with price ,planning on staying on are return journey until we book in for breakfast ,after which we cancelled are return visit.

Review 79：the restaurant really should open a bit earlier when guests are going to the theater,however we were directed to the hotel next door and had a lovely meal

Review 80：everything

Review 81：We couldn't get dinner before 6.30 pm and we were going to theatre at 7.30 pm so had to go elsewhere. Would have preferred to have dinner in NWC - pity!

Review 82：Comfortable bed.

Review 83：The decor, the whole hotel is desperately in need of a refurb!

Review 84：The hotel was fine, it was clean & reasonably comfortable however the decor have the feeling that we'd stepped back in time!

Review 85：There wasn't much choice for vegetarians on the alpine lounge menu.

Review 86：We liked having a porter carry our cases, the large comfortable room, the white fluffy towels, the decor and the alpine bar where we watched the curling. The genteel atmosphere of the hotel was matched by the high standard of maintenance and decoration. We also appreciated it's convenient location near the centre of the town and station.

Review 87：I have stayed here about ten times in the last 15 years and this hotel is still high in my top 10 in the country - and I stay in a lot of hotels! It is wonderfully old fashioned but in good condition and everything working. The dining hall is fabulous and so is the food and wine choice. Great service from all of the staff. The other bar is great too as you can watch Curling through the picture windows overlooking the rink. A good pool. Great location for the ferries to Ireland. You can't get much better and I hope it doesn't change.

Review 88：breakfast doesn't serve until 7.15 and we needed to be on 7.30 ferry - so had to miss breakfast

Review 89：room service sandwiches were exceptionally great value for money

Review 90：Stayed on business for a number of nights. The hotel staff were excellent with Trevor at the bar providing great company! The food was outstanding with great service. I would recommend this hotel to anyone and I am looking forward to staying again.

Review 91：incredible value £55.00 large ensuite double room with flat screen new t.v. Two lovely armchairs in the bathroom shampoo, body cream etc. We took dinner watching the large three lane curling where olympic medalist play and practice, a fantastic overnight stay

Review 92：Being charged for breakfast even though we had to leave early and couldnt stay for it. I was told by the night porter that breakfast would be deducted when they charged my card but it wasnt!

Review 93：Location was pretty good

Review 94：No view from room - brick walls and corrugated iron roof. Very poor soundproofing in the new wing-you can hear people talking in the next room and when they put a plug in the socket it sounds very loud. Very rickety old lift.

Review 95：Decent sized room and bathroom which were comfortable and clean. The pool, sauna, jacuzzi and changing facilities are great. Didn't use the restaurant. Good location near town centre.

Review 96：I liked everything about this hotel.

Review 97：Having had a drama with our ferry crossing we were able to book a room at short notice and were checked in by a very friendly staff member at 1.10am. The room we stayed in was lovely; clean and comfortable. We would definitely stay here again.

Review 98：Great food and service, all helpful staff. The style is old but charming. It is like stepping back in time, preserved luxury. If you look close, some areas could do with a bit of repair but for me it was not an issue. In some areas renovation is taking place eg the pool area. The food was fantastic and good value. The curling lanes were a real unique feature!

Review 99：Room was very small and had very little light, The dining room was below our room and the doors entering the kitchen made a loud bang every time they were opened and when it was busy it opened a lot which was extremely annoying Lift was out of order. next time I will be insisting on a front facing room and not below dining room

Review 100：Staff friendly Food was ok

Review 101：going downhill a bit meal was poor and not what we ordered a bit embarrassing in the restaurant having to complain

Review 102：still enjoyed hotel but would have to think hard about returning

Review 103：Great to stay in an independent hotel with the charm and character that is lacked in the sterile chain environment. The staff were as good as any 5 star hotels I gave stayed at. Friendly, approachable and extremely well presented.

Review 104：Good large room,tiny window, overlooking oil tanks and general junk. Such is the fate of a solo traveller.

Review 105：Buzzing bar overlooking a curling rink,with many competitors. Great fun. Right on the seafront.

Review 106：I had ordered a continental breakfast and had hoped for a quick croissant .. Sadly very early in the morning there were none available.

Review 107：Excellent staff service and friendly. Rooms are comfortable, perfect for short visit

Review 108：The hotel was tired looking gym and pool area need revamped and updated.

Review 109：Facilities were unusual ( curling ) . It was great having a swim and sauna after my drive.

Review 110：Dirty Windows, raw hamburger meat, bad bed, noisy hallway. The sauna wasn't working properly and for £190 I was expecting a bit more because breakfast wasn't included for that price.

Review 111：Liked the hotel looks,really nice. Swimming pool and Jacuzzi was quite all right.

Review 112：Hotel is very shabby, needs updating No WIFI despite the website stating it was available in all rooms

Review 113：The staff were excellent, friendly, efficient and exceeded my expectations Very clean room and bathroom

Review 114：Did not use the resturant or any of the facilities as the general decor of the place was very disappointing and on first impressions we decided it was only a bed for the night. The whole place needs a major refurbishment on first impressions we decided it was only a bed for the night. The whole place needs a major refurbishment

Review 115：The location was excellent. 3 minute walk to town center. This was the only positive thing I can offer

Review 116：directions from the main trunk road were not clear enough.

Review 117：The hotel was just what we wanted. Efficient service, well run and comfortable. The food was excellent value for money and the service was impeccable. Our room was spacious and very well furnished. Our business trip turned into a pleasure.

Review 118：We were disappointed that the Wi-Fi connection was very poor and there was only a few television channels to watch and there was no Sky channels.

Review 119：The hotel and staff were excellent and all parts were very clean but everything was a bit dated which was acceptable to us.

Review 120：The hotel was in need of a refer we spent quite some time in the pool area which quite frankly is an accident waiting to happen there were multiple tiles broken missing or very loose and sticking up how somebody has not sliced there foot open I don't know the sauna was broken which was one of the reasons we booked it the swim was a nightmare as the hotel provides balls ect around the pool area there was a group of young adults playing football around the pool area which was not supervised in any way so a pleasure or leisure break it certainly wasn't also people turned up on the day booked a room had breakfast included which we didn't and paid far less always check with the hotel direct for there best price

Review 121：The staff were excellent and very friendly we were expecting a parcel to be delivered but it never arrived . The staff chased it up and kept us well informed they went the extra mile . They had good local knowledge and always happy to help

Review 122：The attention to detail was not as good as when we were there two years ago. Maintenance appears to have slipped a little - i.e. bathroom door refused to open several times each day and toilet did not always flush. Food was also better on our last visit.

Review 123：Love the area Hotel is comfortable but a bit dated and is within short walking distance of shops, beach, pubs, restaurants etc.

Review 124：Only the breakfast disappointed. The "Continental breakfast" promoted at reception wasn't what I'd expected (no cheeses, meats or pastries). If I'd known it consisted only of cereal, oatcakes, fruit salad and a pot of tea, I wouldn't have paid the £8!

Review 125：Because I got a deal, it was good value for money and slightly posher than I could usually afford. Enjoyed making the most of the facilities (pool, hot tub, gym) and the staff were friendly and helpful.

Review 126：Cleanliness and spaciousness of the room Cleanliness of the bathroom Quietness of the location Lovely towels Little ceramic pot of cotton balls for removing make-up - a first in my experience of hotels, and very welcome after a long day of travelling

Review 127：We grabbed this as a last minute booking on a room only basis, this is not a complaint about the hotel, but it would have been easier to have had breakfast in the deal.

Review 128：Size and comfort of room, good outlook,bedding spotless and bed very comfortable

Review 129：The whole hotel was just old and shabby. The lounges were unappealing. There was a horrible musty smell in the stairways. The `spa' was uninviting - had to ask member of staff for a key to get in via ladies changing room and sauna was in changing room - assumed not ready for use. No ready access to even go and see spa which was the main reason for my booking and which I did not then use

Review 130：Food in the main restaurant was good and room was large

Review 131：Old fashioned, in an uncomfortable way. Notices worded from the early 1900's, yet hair dryer hanging by a cord off the wall. Furniture old and not in a good old era way. Ok if you are 80 plus and haven't moved with modern times. Pictures do not match actual hotel, must be old ones from when the hotel may have been a bit more glamorous.

Review 132：Cheap overnight accommodation

Review 133：No lockable lockers in changing rooms. No ramp upto entrance. Reception and lifts need refurbishment.

Review 134：Smiling accommodating staff. Spacious room. Nice dining room. Lovely whirlpool. Location near to ferry. Owner,Mr McMillan camme to say hello to guests having breakfast and also asked my wife if she needed assistance with the luggage.

Review 135：Welcomed by the owner himself Mr MacMillan our our rooms were big and spacious and very clean. We arrived with a week of washing and although no laundry service was available (Sunday ) Mrs MacMillan was kind enough to do it for us herself. Amazing dining room swimming pool and bar highly recommend this.

The Fine Print

You are kindly requested to inform the property in advance about your estimated arrival time. You will be able to insert this information in the section Special Requests at the time of booking or you can contact the property directly.