stopped for lunch with the boyfriend on the way to the castle and literally didn't get any further! Wonderful food, great hospitality, big roaring fire and christmas tree, the place was so cosy and welcoming it was the highlight of our break. Room was spotless and the bed was SO comfy, Bathroom was immaculate and the views were fabulous. I can't say enough positive things about the place, it's a great spot.

This is a very unique place. We stayed in a little room on the top floor. The restaurant was full. The food looked great. We ate elsewhere. It was a noisy and boisterous place. We would definitely have returned except that the noise continued into the night. On the two nights we stayed we were woken up by very loud cars just outside. Pity. This place has so much going for it. Stay here but pack earplugs.

You can't beat the location of the Portcullis for visiting Stirling Castle! It is literally right on the doorstep. Stirling Castle is well worth half a day. My tip would be to be at the ticket shop just before it opens (9:30 open) and then dash up the hill to the castle. There will be at least 4 buses already in the car park if it is July or August. Go on in and blaze back to the inner close - the tour buses start further out and you might find yourself lucky enough to be all alone in the Great Hall or Chapel as we did.
Just across the street from the Portcullis is Argyll Lodgings- one of the finest examples of a 17th C townhouse in Scotland. The tour is free with your castle entrance fee -it is well worth your extra time. Just down the street past the Holy Rude Church is The Old Jail. A a fun, if rather touristy, experience and great for the younger folk in your group. We also did a ghost walk - very entertaining.
Back to the Portcullis - #1 is location, #2 is food and atmosphere. Great pub - excellent food, well prepared and presented, plenty of quantity. It is a very busy little pub so be sure to ask about reserving a table for dinner. It is a quirky old building with odd rooms - but very comfortable to stay. We had very soft sheets and beds. Great shower, nice towels and bathroom. The cleanliness wasn't top notch, but wouldn't keep me from returning. There are only 4 hotel rooms - so it isn't a chain feeling at all. More like a B&B over a pub. Which I should point out did not interfere in terms of noise one tiny bit. We were there on a Friday and Saturday night. Both nights the pub was packed for dinner and later into the evening. Once in our rooms it was as peaceful as could be.
Another treat was the view from #2 -- amazing! - straight out over Stirling all the way to the Wallace Monument. Beautiful to see the morning in the mist and view the valley and town at night in the lights.
A memorable place to stay!

(PS - NO internet. At all. Just be aware. You can live without it for a day or two - I promise!)

stayed there for one night. we had nice food in the restaurant for dinner (be hungry), breakfast ist great. enjoy the view form the rooms in the morning light to the city of stirling and sorounding areas. it was our first night in scotland and we got a brief... and very friendly introduction of scotch whikeys by the landlord - thanks.