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Summary of reviewsThe Thistle in Stranraer is a highly regarded accommodation, praised for its prime location, clean and comfortable rooms, and outstanding hospitality. Situated conveniently close to the ferry port and town center, it serves as an ideal base for travelers heading to Ireland or exploring local attractions. The hotel ensures a peaceful and quiet environment, which guests appreciate for both work and leisure stays.
While The Thistle does not offer breakfast on-site, its proximity to cafes and dining options easily compensates for this, providing guests with a variety of alternatives nearby. Rooms at The Thistle are noted for their cleanliness and practicality, equipped with essential amenities such as tea and coffee facilities, hair dryers, and comfortable beds. Though some rooms may appear basic or need updates, the overall tidiness and functionality outweigh these minor drawbacks.
Guest reviews frequently commend the exceptional hospitality and friendly atmosphere, with staff members, particularly Sandy, noted for their warmth and helpfulness. The accommodating nature of the team ensures guests feel prioritized and welcomed throughout their stay.
Moreover, The Thistle offers convenient parking options, enhancing its appeal for travelers using the Cairnryan ferry or those on motorcycles. Easy access to parking right outside room doors is a significant advantage for many guests. Lastly, one of the standout features of The Thistle is the comfort of its beds, consistently lauded for providing a restful night's sleep, underscoring the hotel's commitment to guest comfort.
In summary, The Thistle is a top choice for travelers seeking a clean, comfortable, and centrally located accommodation in Stranraer, supported by a welcoming and attentive team dedicated to enhancing the guest experience. Show more
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Inn with Parking
The Thistle offers free private self-parking on-site, with accessible parking options available. Its central location combined with easily accessible and safe parking makes it a convenient choice for visitors.
Cheap Inn
Located in Stranraer, this inn is a good option for budget-conscious travelers. It provides basic amenities and a central location for exploring the town.
Inn Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
Inn with Free Wi-Fi
Accessible Inn
Small Inn
Room Types
Disabled-Friendly En Suite ChaletThis en-suite chalet has an entrance ramp and is suitable for disabled guests, wheelchair users and those with reduced mobility. The chalet features twin beds, a disabled shower and extra-wide doors.
A small car park is situated directly outside the chalet door (not suitable for high-sided vans or trailers).
Double RoomAn en-suite chalet featuring its own front door leading to a private car park (not suitable for high-sided vans or trailers).
Family Room with Private BathroomThe family room offers a private entrance, soundproof walls, as well as a private bathroom featuring a walk-in shower and a hairdryer. This family room features a tea and coffee maker, flat-screen TV, an inner courtyard view, as well as chocolate for guests.
Guest Reviews
8.1
Very Good
Location
Nestled in Stranraer, The Thistle boasts a prime location that caters perfectly to a variety of needs. Its proximity to the ferry port makes it an ideal choice for travelers heading to Ireland, whether for a relaxed journey or those requiring an early morning sailing. Guests frequently highlight the convenience of being near the town center, where a plethora of shops, restaurants, and pubs are effortlessly accessible by foot. The area is described as lovely and tranquil, providing a comfortable and quiet stopover.
For those visiting for work or leisure, The Thistle offers a central position that is advantageous for exploring the local attractions. Additionally, guests appreciate the ease of parking and the warm hospitality that accommodates late arrivals. The rooms are spacious, clean, and equipped with all necessities for a brief stay, ensuring a comfortable experience. Overall, The Thistle is a compelling choice for travelers looking for a convenient base in Stranraer, whether for its connection to the ferry, its central location, or its peaceful surroundings.
Breakfast
At The Thistle, travelers seeking accommodation close to the ferry terminal can appreciate the convenience of location paired with budget-friendly room rates. Although breakfast is not offered on-site, guests can easily find alternatives nearby. Just around the corner, Morrisons houses a cafe to satisfy morning cravings, ensuring visitors have access to breakfast options despite the absence of dining facilities at the hotel. While those selecting The Thistle should not anticipate on-site meals, the proximity to local amenities compensates for this omission by providing easy access to dining options in the surrounding area.
Rooms
The Thistle offers a comfortable and clean stay, making it an ideal choice for travelers. Guests appreciate the tidy rooms equipped with necessary amenities for a short or overnight stay, such as tea and coffee making facilities, hair dryers, and comfortable beds. While some rooms are described as basic or in need of updating, they are consistently highlighted as being well-presented, functional, and clean. The accommodation serves as a convenient base for exploring the area, despite some minor drawbacks like small rooms or dated furnishings. The friendly host, Sandy, adds to the warmth of the stay, and the overall experience aligns well with budget-friendly expectations. Despite the occasional issue with sound insulation or the wish for a small fridge, the positives of the accommodations, including cleanliness and comfort, make it a reliable stopover location.
Beds
The Thistle hotel stands out with consistently praised bed comfort, ensuring guests enjoy restful and rejuvenating sleep during their stay. Many visitors highlighted the beds as exceptionally comfortable, contributing to their best sleep experiences. Positive remarks frequently described the beds as very comfy, with numerous guests appreciating the quality of both the mattress and the accompanying big, soft towels. The consistent feedback about the beds being super comfortable affirms The Thistle’s commitment to guest comfort, although a minority noted issues with bed firmness, indicating personal preferences may vary. Overall, The Thistle’s beds provide a solid foundation for a cozy and warm night's rest.
Cleanliness
Travelers seeking a spotless stay will find The Thistle an excellent choice. Guest reviews highlight the exceptional cleanliness and comfort of the accommodation, making it a perfect option for both short visits and longer stays. Rooms are consistently described as clean, tidy, and well-maintained, equipped with everything needed for a restful night. The overall ambiance is both practical and inviting, ensuring that guests feel relaxed upon arrival. Conveniently located close to the town center, The Thistle offers an ideal blend of comfort and accessibility, supported by friendly and accommodating staff who enhance the overall experience. With rooms that are not only comfortable but also immaculately kept, guests can enjoy their stay without concerns about cleanliness, making The Thistle a top choice for those prioritizing pristine environments.
Staff
Nestled in a welcoming atmosphere, The Thistle stands out for its exceptional hospitality, largely attributed to its dedicated staff. Guests frequently praise the hotel for its remarkably friendly and accommodating team, especially highlighting Sandy, whose polite and helpful demeanor creates an inviting environment. The owner is noted for being very welcoming and attentive, effortlessly ensuring that guests feel prioritized during their stay. Whether it's facilitating an easy check-in or offering assistance beyond standard hours, the staff consistently strives to make guests feel at home, with availability and willingness to help being a hallmark of their service. Such thoughtful attention to detail leaves visitors assured that their needs are promptly addressed and contributes to the delightful experience that makes The Thistle a favored choice for many travelers.
Parking
The Thistle offers a range of convenient parking options that have impressed guests during their stay. Many appreciate the ease of parking right outside their room doors, providing a private and accessible entrance. The secure, off-road parking is ideal for those taking the nearby Cairnryan ferry, making it particularly popular among travelers using this route. Motorcyclists will find the parking arrangements suitable and secure for their bikes. While there are occasional mentions of tricky access, the majority of guests find the parking facilities to be more than adequate for their needs, especially for short overnight stays. Overall, The Thistle ensures that guests can enjoy hassle-free and complimentary parking during their visit.
No, The Thistle doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at The Thistle.
No, The Thistle doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at The Thistle.