North West Castle Hotel
North West Castle Hotel
Port Rodie, Stranraer DG9 8EH Scotland
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Avg. ₹8,563 /night, 10/3 - 10/4
₹12,005
per night
₹6,003
per night
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per night
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4.0
#1 of 2 hotels in StranraerLocation
Cleanliness
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Value
Traditional town centre hotel
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Fitness Centre with Gym / Workout Room
Pool
Free breakfast
Game room
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Wifi
Fitness / spa changing rooms
Sauna
Hot bath
Indoor pool
Heated pool
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Breakfast buffet
Business Centre with Internet Access
Conference facilities
Banquet room
Meeting rooms
Spa
Baggage storage
Non-smoking hotel
24-hour front desk
Dry cleaning
Laundry service
Room features
Room service
Telephone
Flatscreen TV
Room types
Ocean view
Bridal suite
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is officially classified according to VisitScotland standards.
HOTEL STYLE
Family
Business
Location
Port Rodie, Stranraer DG9 8EH Scotland
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 78 out of 100
78
Glasgow Prestwick Airport
72.3 km•
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Belfast City Airport
64 km•
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Car Hire
36 Restaurants
within 0.5 kilometers
Reviews
4.0
671 reviews
Reviews summary
This summary was created by AI, based on recent reviews.
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The North West Castle Hotel garners appreciation for its friendly and professional staff who contribute to a welcoming atmosphere for guests. Many visitors are pleased with the value offered, citing the hotel's spacious rooms and cleanliness, alongside stunning views.
While the array of amenities, including a pool and games room, are popular, travelers suggest that areas like the spa could benefit from a refresh. Despite the allure of traditional charm and grand decor, some guests note that the hotel's atmosphere is marred slightly by dated furnishings and signs of wear.
Atmosphere
Charming
Rooms
Dated
Value
Reasonable
Cleanliness
Spotless
Service
Attentive
Amenities
Underwhelming
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Detailed Reviews
The staff really make this hotel special. Over the course of 3 days at a very busy time for them, we virtually never had to go out of our way to find a member of staff if we had a question / wanted a drink, and the Reception was always manned. Housekeeping was probably the best I’ve ever encountered. Unlike some (even 4* hotels) no-one knocked on the door trying to clean the room before breakfast, and it wasn’t an obstacle course trying to get down the corridors. It’s abundantly clear that all members of staff, even temporary ones, know exactly what their job is, and how to make guests happy/comfortable.
Yes, of course, there are a couple of things that could be improved / updated, but sometimes I’ve stayed in hotels where the bathroom is extremely modern and totally ‘up to date’, but there’s nowhere to put your towel or toothpaste, so on balance I’d rather have old-fashioned and feel it’s a ‘home from home’ rather than a display at the Ideal Home Exhibition. However, it is true that the soundproofing could be improved between some of the rooms.
The whole 3 days over Christmas far exceeded my expectations, the food was plentiful and of good quality, the ‘activities’ were not as daunting as I’d imagined (having a go at curling is a ‘must’), the room was always the right temperature and a good size, the public areas were comfortable ….. and the price per person was extremely reasonable, especially for single occupancy for some of our adult family group.
The swimming pool was an added bonus, and the jacuzzi was absolutely amazing (unfortunately it seemed to need ‘recovery time’ so you can’t switch it on again immediately after you’ve used it though…).
I can thoroughly recommend this hotel for a Christmas Break, but if you want oak flooring instead of carpets, rain showerheads in your bathroom, and a spacious fast elevator to whizz you up to the 2nd/3rd floor, then maybe it’s not for you (your loss!)
Yes, of course, there are a couple of things that could be improved / updated, but sometimes I’ve stayed in hotels where the bathroom is extremely modern and totally ‘up to date’, but there’s nowhere to put your towel or toothpaste, so on balance I’d rather have old-fashioned and feel it’s a ‘home from home’ rather than a display at the Ideal Home Exhibition. However, it is true that the soundproofing could be improved between some of the rooms.
The whole 3 days over Christmas far exceeded my expectations, the food was plentiful and of good quality, the ‘activities’ were not as daunting as I’d imagined (having a go at curling is a ‘must’), the room was always the right temperature and a good size, the public areas were comfortable ….. and the price per person was extremely reasonable, especially for single occupancy for some of our adult family group.
The swimming pool was an added bonus, and the jacuzzi was absolutely amazing (unfortunately it seemed to need ‘recovery time’ so you can’t switch it on again immediately after you’ve used it though…).
I can thoroughly recommend this hotel for a Christmas Break, but if you want oak flooring instead of carpets, rain showerheads in your bathroom, and a spacious fast elevator to whizz you up to the 2nd/3rd floor, then maybe it’s not for you (your loss!)
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Date of stay: December 2019
Value
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Excellent hotel, we stayed just for one night to visit friends at nearby Kirkcowan, the staff and service were excellent as was our meals at dinner and breakfast. The staff were very helpful in every way they could be considering the current covid virus restriction. The rooms were spotlessly clean and comfortable, on arrival our room keys were in a sealed paper bag, in the room the tea and coffee materials were also in sealed paper bags as were the toiletries. Our room on the second floor overlooked the road into the town, the location for the hotel is perfect for access to the ferries at Cairnryan being only a 10 to 15 minute drive to the ferry terminal. I would rate the hotel currently as a 3 star+, though it has the potential for 4 stars or even 5.
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Date of stay: August 2020
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip:Â Looking quite room ask for a room at the back, for views of Loch Ryan go for rooms at the front.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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My husband , our dog Maisy and I were made welcome from the moment we arrived at this hotel, which was wonderful as we were tired after travelling for over 9 hours. Our room was warm and comfortable with a comfy bed and space for Maisy's bed too. We enjoyed a delicious breakfast in the morning before departing for the short drive to the ferry port at Cairnryan. We would recommend this hotel and would definitely stay again ourselves.
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Date of stay: February 2020
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Interesting face to face conversation with Faye (Manager) Northwest Castle Stranraer after she failed to respond via email or phone. After booking three nights in two rooms with one adjoining for the family, who reported it on arrival to be unsatisfactory cleaned and in desperate need of an upgrade, they were moved to one room for two adults (double bed) and 3 children (one single bed) although additional bed was offered and was declined due to space. So our oldest grandson came to stay with us and therefore didn’t have the breakfasts that were included in the cost, when we politely enquired about a discount for this, Faye decided this should have been reported at the time at which we stated we had reported this on the day of their departure. Hence to say she was not prepared to offer any show of good will nor even a voucher or discount that could have been used against future bookings. All I can say, is that in this line of business and given that hotels have had no trade for sometime, being short sighted will not bring back guests, nor will I be booking a table of 10 for future events or recommend this hotel to family or friends. The greed of some people is undeniable!!
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Date of stay: September 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from The McMillan Family, Owner at North West Castle Hotel
Responded 9 Sept 2020
Hi Jan. It’s Fay here. I’m sorry you were so upset that we couldn’t offer you a discount/refund/voucher based on your complaint, especially after you came to see me at the hotel. Your review above isn’t really a fair one. It gives a bad impression of our hotel, and of me, without telling the whole story, so I hope you won’t mind if I respond in some detail. I met your daughter and one of your grandchildren myself on the day they arrived at the hotel. I had been asked to help them with an alternative room, as they had reported a housekeeping issue in their family room. She and I had a really nice conversation and at the time, her complaint seemed fair. She also said she felt the room was ‘dated’. We were really upset with our housekeeping team over their apparently poor standard, but it later turned out that your daughter had told one of them that the housekeeping issue wasn’t really as she had described it - she just didn’t like the room and wanted to move. It’s true that some of our rooms are a bit old fashioned as others have noted on this site. We’re working our way through them, and we’d love to modernise at a faster rate, but the small town hotel trade wasn’t exactly lucrative before COVID, and is even more challenging now to put it mildly. Your daughter was shown to another room, larger, more modern, and with great views out over Loch Ryan. Although it didn’t have a separate kid’s room, as the other one did, she was 100% happy to accept our offer to upgrade the family to this more expensive room, at no extra charge. It would usually cost an additional £10.00 per night. There was one less bed in this room than the family needed, but there is plenty of space and we often put extra beds in these larger rooms for children, so we offered to have a single divan bed brought in. We also offered to move the travel cot from the original room but both offers were declined. Your daughter said it wasn’t necessary to put in an extra bed because your grandchild ‘would only end up in their bed anyway’. The family were really friendly during their stay and chatted with our staff regularly. Your daughter commented to our head housekeeper about what a nice stay they were having, and your grandson brought shells from the beach to show to them. On the day they left, you phoned the hotel and ‘requested’ a discount on the basis that one of the children hadn’t stayed in the hotel because there was no bed for him. I’m told that a note about this was put in my desk that day, but it wasn’t there when I came to work the next morning, so I didn’t receive it I’m afraid. I would have called you if I had. None of our staff were aware that one of your grandchildren hadn’t stayed in the hotel with the rest of the family. I have asked among the staff who came in contact with your family and as far as I can gather, they didn’t mention it to anyone. When you and your husband arrived at the hotel five days later and asked to speak to the Manager, I knew who you were because you are a local resident. We’ve met each other before and we have mutual friends, but I wasn’t expecting to see you, nor was I expecting a complaint. Our receptionist told me you were waiting to speak to someone and briefly explained your complaint to me, and your request for compensation, so I very quickly had a look at your bill before we spoke. You paid £127.00 per night in total for bed and breakfast for a family of five. Two adults, two young children, and a toddler. I’m afraid you didn’t politely ask me for a discount as you said in your review. You went over and over the situation and repeatedly asked for a discount, or a voucher. I explained that we had offered and would have been happy to have placed an extra bed in the room – we always try to remedy problems at the time, and quickly. In this case we had moved other bookings around to offer your family alternative, higher value accommodation, which they were happy to accept. You also became upset and angry about the the value of the breakfasts your grandson hadn’t eaten, and asked for money back or a voucher for this as a ‘gesture of goodwill’. The ‘breakfast’ element of your low cost ‘post lockdown’ family B&B rate of £127.00 per night was only £24.00 per day for full Scottish breakfasts for two adults, two children and a toddler. Given that the retail price for breakfast is £12.00 per person, your grandchildren’s breakfasts were effectively free of charge. Given also that nobody told us one child wasn’t staying, or that this was due to the lack of a bed, we could not then offer a refund or further discount on that basis. I’m so sorry this has been such a big upset for you, especially as it has now resulted in this attempt to damage our business on a review site. I hope you don’t ever have the same experience with your own hospitality business just up the road. Everyone in the industry these days is working harder than ever and doing their level best to keep their customers happy and safe in these difficult times, so it’s not nice to be publicly vilified on TA (and on social media too) by an industry colleague, especially when your daughter and her family actually had a really nice time in our hotel.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Have just returned from a 3 night stay with my daughter, the room was large and clean, the beds where comfortable. We slept well each night and despite there being a wedding reception on the Saturday, no noise travelled to our room.
The staff where first class, helpful, attentive and professional.
The food was amazing. Overall a perfect stay, just the tonic we needed, Thankyou
The staff where first class, helpful, attentive and professional.
The food was amazing. Overall a perfect stay, just the tonic we needed, Thankyou
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Date of stay: August 2021
Value
Rooms
Service
Room Tip:Â Loch View was superb
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
First impressions, it smelled damp and stairs are threadbare, I stayed Monday to Friday with my daughter who was staying in room doing college work. Whilst I visited one of my Branches she had zoom calls etc to do each day the 1st day our very old hair dryer caught fire ! The Porter came up and couldn’t access his tools so was unable to take it off the wall, so suggested we went for dinner and leave window open as my daughter’s asthma was being affected, as couldn’t change our room, second day , no WiFi, so daughter struggled to do her college work, from that night until we left the TV stopped working!! When we complained, the Porter came up twice, then told us there was nothing that could be done! As it must be the aerial on the roof , the tv still used an aerial in the back of TV .
On 3rd day we asked for fresh towels and refreshments eg clean cups. We were told that due to COVID they couldn’t change our towels, but we insisted as they were damp for 3 days, so they did change them and gave us clean cups and 1 small bottle of water between us?? To last 3 days 🙄 we went to local supermarket and bought coffee ,milk etc ourselves in the end.
On a positive the food was amazing, gym was good and bed comfortable, so would visit for a meal, but never stay again, the pool was freezing and after a long day at work you just want to relax, but with no WiFi, and no TV it made the evenings very long 😞
To top off our bad week of staying here our last breakfast before checking out , we ordered brown toast and got white, ordered green tea and got Earl grey ??
Whilst packing up I found someone else’s lipstick down the back of my bed side whilst looking for my glasses ( so much for COVID-19 deep clean!)
Just topped it off for us 😳
On 3rd day we asked for fresh towels and refreshments eg clean cups. We were told that due to COVID they couldn’t change our towels, but we insisted as they were damp for 3 days, so they did change them and gave us clean cups and 1 small bottle of water between us?? To last 3 days 🙄 we went to local supermarket and bought coffee ,milk etc ourselves in the end.
On a positive the food was amazing, gym was good and bed comfortable, so would visit for a meal, but never stay again, the pool was freezing and after a long day at work you just want to relax, but with no WiFi, and no TV it made the evenings very long 😞
To top off our bad week of staying here our last breakfast before checking out , we ordered brown toast and got white, ordered green tea and got Earl grey ??
Whilst packing up I found someone else’s lipstick down the back of my bed side whilst looking for my glasses ( so much for COVID-19 deep clean!)
Just topped it off for us 😳
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Date of stay: November 2020Trip type: Travelled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The staff could not do enough to make our stay. You would have thought everyone was the owner wanting to please. This was exemplified by the handyman up a ladder noticing our wet dog and offering to find a towel for him (it does rain in Stranraer). We expected an acceptable meal in line with most all inclusive deals but we were treated to a superb meal that could easily have have cost the same as our DB&B stay. The inspired chefs have taken hotel menu classics and added twists that raise the dishes to a level where it is worth making a trip to eat in Stranraer. As the room was spacious and comfortable - with two beds ( a single and a king), two comfy chairs, two desk and chairs (most places have one comfy chair and a desk chair). with room left over for the dog. The view over Loch Ryan was lovely - until the rain set in.
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Date of stay: May 2021
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed over for 1 night en-route to Oban. The Hotel is full of charm with its swimming pool and Curling ring. The staff are very friendly and check in was easy. The room was a good size, clean and with all we needed for an overnight stay. The WIFI was superb and very quick. The Hotel is Covid 19 aware and are strict on the wearing of masks with sanitizer stations around the Hotel. Breakfast was good and plentiful.
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Date of stay: September 2020
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:Â The Hotel is located behind the Morrisons and next to the Police Station.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Just back from another lovely visit to the North West Castle. This is our second visit since the hotel was bought over by Bespoke Hotels and we will be back on other occasions.
Love being able to come to the hotel when it’s my home for the weekend and sit in the ice rink bar wearing my slippers! Nobody bats an eye. Excellent service from the majority of staff, a couple need to build up a bit of confidence when talking to guests but this comes with experience which they will soon get. Excellent food all weekend from breakfasts, through soup and sandwich lunches, and evening meals in the Alpine Restaurant - also excellent value for the early bird menu at 2 course for £18, 3 courses for £20.
Bed was comfortable, rooms spotless, and we were nice and cosy in the room, so nice having a warm hotel room from the moment you check in until the moment you leave.
Although I hadn’t stayed for the number of years, a few changes since the hotel has been taken over:
1. only one set of toiletries set up in the bathrooms and you need to ask for more if needed
2. Staffing levels in the dining room have been reduced and it was obvious to me that 3 staff for the whole dining room at breakfast time was just not enough. We waited a good few minutes to be seated as only one person was in the dining room and busy with guests and the other staff were in the kitchen at the time. Reduced numbers mean that tables are not turned round as quick as they used to be and a lot sat a while with the previous occupants dishes on it until they got time to get to it instead of it being swiftly dealt with
3. You make your own toast on 2 slow 4 slice toasters. PLEASE PLEASE put the toasters back in the kitchen! If they need to stay in the dining room then a conveyor toaster would be much better and faster.
All in all, another lovely weekend. Love being able to go in for the weekend and just forget about the outside world as everything is catered for and you don’t have to go outside,
Love being able to come to the hotel when it’s my home for the weekend and sit in the ice rink bar wearing my slippers! Nobody bats an eye. Excellent service from the majority of staff, a couple need to build up a bit of confidence when talking to guests but this comes with experience which they will soon get. Excellent food all weekend from breakfasts, through soup and sandwich lunches, and evening meals in the Alpine Restaurant - also excellent value for the early bird menu at 2 course for £18, 3 courses for £20.
Bed was comfortable, rooms spotless, and we were nice and cosy in the room, so nice having a warm hotel room from the moment you check in until the moment you leave.
Although I hadn’t stayed for the number of years, a few changes since the hotel has been taken over:
1. only one set of toiletries set up in the bathrooms and you need to ask for more if needed
2. Staffing levels in the dining room have been reduced and it was obvious to me that 3 staff for the whole dining room at breakfast time was just not enough. We waited a good few minutes to be seated as only one person was in the dining room and busy with guests and the other staff were in the kitchen at the time. Reduced numbers mean that tables are not turned round as quick as they used to be and a lot sat a while with the previous occupants dishes on it until they got time to get to it instead of it being swiftly dealt with
3. You make your own toast on 2 slow 4 slice toasters. PLEASE PLEASE put the toasters back in the kitchen! If they need to stay in the dining room then a conveyor toaster would be much better and faster.
All in all, another lovely weekend. Love being able to go in for the weekend and just forget about the outside world as everything is catered for and you don’t have to go outside,
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Date of stay: March 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Attended a funeral tea at NWC and I was quite impressed with the food and service. All food was freshly prepared and the room we were served in was nice and bright and airy with views out to Lochryan. Also good parking was available at this location.
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Date of stay: March 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Menus are prepared to our guest dietary requirements. Should you book and advise us that you will be dining then we will have a menu prepared for you.
many thanks
ian donnachie
Alexander R asked a question Sept 2020
North Ayrshire, United Kingdom320 contributions172 helpful votesIs there access to hotel and rooms and within for the mobility impaired?
Thank you for your message, we do have accessible rooms and all are accessible via a lift.
Both ferry terminals are now situated at Cairnryan which is about 6 miles from North West Castle. Taxis are available.
The ferry terminal has relocated from just across the road out toCairnryan a couple of miles outside of Stranraer. This is just 10 -15 min taxi ride away. The hotel would organise this for you or you could just walk up into town (2 minutes) to get one from there.
Hope this helps?
"The wet room was really very good, and the whole place was excellent for being a wheelchair."Read full review
"If you are late for the ferry or just want to relax before or after travelling, I would highly recomment the North West Castle in Stranraer."Read full review
"If you like the bar beside the curling rink, remember this is only open from September - March"Read full review
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PRICE RANGE
₹6,884 - ₹8,983 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
United KingdomScotlandDumfries and GallowayStranraer
NUMBER OF ROOMS
72
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect average nightly room rates, including taxes and fees that are fixed, known to our partners, and due at time of booking. Please see our partners for more details.
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Frequently Asked Questions about North West Castle Hotel
Which popular attractions are close to North West Castle Hotel?
Nearby attractions include Castle Of St John (0.3 km), Stranraer Museum (0.4 km), and The Grapes (0.3 km).
What are some of the property amenities at North West Castle Hotel?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include an indoor pool, free wifi, and free breakfast.
What food & drink options are available at North West Castle Hotel?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at North West Castle Hotel?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to North West Castle Hotel?
Conveniently located restaurants include Craignelder Hotel, Lando's Restaurant, and Papa Rab's Restaurant, Bar & Takeaway.
Are there opportunities to exercise at North West Castle Hotel?
Yes, guests have access to an indoor pool, a fitness centre, and a sauna during their stay.
Is North West Castle Hotel located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.3 km away from the centre of Stranraer.
Are any cleaning services offered at North West Castle Hotel?
Yes, dry cleaning and laundry service are offered to guests.
Are pets allowed at North West Castle Hotel?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Does North West Castle Hotel offer any business services?
Yes, it conveniently offers a business centre, meeting rooms, and a banquet room.
Are there any historical sites close to North West Castle Hotel?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Kirkmadrine Stones (11.5 km), Glenluce Abbey (12.2 km), and Castle of Park (12.9 km).