Don't stay here if you like small standardised and characterless rooms, poky public areas, surly untrained staff, self-service, expensive WiFi and other extras, canned music, The North West Castle doesn't have any of these these!
Go NOW - there's a special 40% off offer for January 2012 - dinner (5 course!) B & B for £57.50 pn (even less if you stay longer)- amazing!
This is a unique and special place that will stay in your memory forever. Where else will you find an indoor curling rink (the first hotel in the world with this); a live piano player in the dining room, lit with crystal chandeliers; and a lounge bar built to resemble (very convincingly) the inside of an old fashioned sailing ship? This hotel was originally the home of Sir John Ross, arctic explorer (search for the North West Passage, uncle of James Clark Ross, Antarctic explorer - who gave his name to the Ross Sea).

The hotel also has a quaint old swimming pool (FINE!), jacuzzi, mini gymn, games room, and fantastic golf courses nearby). Lots for kids to do.
The hotel is old-fashioned, certainly, and a bit quirky, but that's what makes it so charming. But it's also very comfortable indeed, and the food is superb. The staff are great, the rooms are clean and very spacious like an American hotel (mine has 2 huge windows, a table and two arm chairs, as well as all the usual), the beds are king size and wonderfully comfortable, with top quality cotton sheets (and the Wifi is free, incidentally, don't believe earlier reviewer).
The Irish ferry terminal has moved from outside the hotel's door to Cairnryan up the road - but it's still only a 10 - 15 minute drive to get there. Stranraer itself is not really anybody's idea of a stunning holiday location, but it's a good centre for exploring western Dumfries and Galloway, one of Scotland's best hidden treasures. And no, I'm not paid by the Tourist Board, I'm a teacher!

Had a lovely stay at the North West Castle. Extremely clean rooms and yes could probably do with updating a bit but all adds to the quaint appeal of this hotel. We had a family room and was impressed that our son 13 actually had his own room off ours. Ice rink and pool in the hotel made entertainment for us too. The food was first class and staff very polite, friendly and attentive, a rare quality today. The restaurant manager (girl with blonde hair) was superb and noticed the slightest thing if not quite right. Loved the hotel and will be back when visiting friends in Stranraer again. Absolutely no complaints.

You can't really say "very good", because the place is in desperate need of a bit of TLC, but it is an above average experience thanks to old-world charm, lovely friendly staff, and good food.

We had great fun as we were in a big group, there for the curling, so it ticked all the boxes. However...I wouldn't have enjoyed it had I been there for the "hotel" experience.

Overall I'd say forget the decor and the cobwebs and have a good knees up. Value wise it was truly outstanding.

My first visit to this hotel was 20 years ago and nothing has changed, rooms are in need of refurbish, menu is basic, the staff still wear pinnies.....only positive is the rooms are Wifi free.