We had driven for 9 miles in heavy snow before arriving in PortPatrick. Although, the kitchens were closed the staff had kept aside some soup, and sandwiches for our arrival. The rooms were very small, and basic, but clean.....the full Scottish Breakfast the next morning, was AMAZING! We had a beautiful walk around Portpatrick harbour the next morning.

I had just spent 2 weeks away from my family back home in Ireland and was trying to get back home via Stranraer in the middle of the biggest gale in living memory in scotland. I had just had my 10am ferry cancelled and was told it wouldn't sail until 4am the following morning and I was very despondant :(

I popped down to Stranraer library and logged onto their wifi (after becoming a temporary member - they were very helpful) and found that The Crown was listed as specialist sea-food resteraunt and the pictures looked fabulous - so a phoned and booked a room.

The trip from Stranraer is about 20 mins and you arrive in a "proper" hotel and pub. It is all comfy corners and roaring fires with a lovely looking dining conservatory at the rear. The room I had was very quaint, being the attic room, and was all odd corners, but still with plenty of room and with a large on-suite.

The whole hotel/pub is charming in style and decor and is made so by the staff, whom were all very friendly and couldn't do enough for you. The were personable without being familiar and were efficient too - an excellent standard of service.

The food was very good too, with my Moule Mariniere starter being enough for two (and I am not a small eater!). But the quality was up their with the quantity with freash fish being the speciality of the house.

Finally, being a Manchester chap and not being able to get good Bitter (Ale) in my part of Ireland, I was dying to try the handpulled pumps. I was not dissapointed. The beer was perfect and a good choice, expertly pulled by the friendly bar staff.

All in all, what started as a disaster of day, turned into a wholey pleasurable experience. If you are sailing to/from Stranraer, or are just in the area, this is the hotel to head for. Very reasonable price too, I paid more in a travellodge two days before with nothing like the service or charm.

Spent three great nights at the Crown Hotel in Portpatrick over Hogmany 2011. Food was delicious, staff were very nice and friendly and couldn't do enough for you. Would definately recommend this hotel and will definately be back.

My husband friends and I spent 3 nights here arrving on the 30 Decmber and leaving onthe 2 January. We had a wonderful time. The hotel staff are so friendly and food was excellent and plenty of it both for dinner and breakfast, no need for lunch after breakfast set us up for the day. The entertainment on the 3 nights we were there was very good. The only thing was trying to get a seat in the bar as it was very busy. Our rooms were at the top of the hotel and we had a lovely view over the harbour. We have stayed at the Crown before and would recomend it, we will be back. Portpatrick is a beauitful village to visit we can't wait till we come back again in the summer