See all properties

The Thistle

3.0 star property
Suburban guesthouse in Stranraer with free parking

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Thistle

Exterior
32-inch flat-screen TV with digital channels, TV
Exterior
Premium bedding, memory foam beds, individually decorated
32-inch flat-screen TV with digital channels, TV

Reviews

8.0 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Housekeeping
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
47 DALRYMPLE STREET, Stranraer, Scotland, DG9 7EY
  • Place, Castle Kennedy Gardens
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Place, Cairnryan Port
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Place, Cairnryan Stena Line Terminal
    ‪13 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Double Room

Double Room | Premium bedding, memory foam beds, individually decorated

Double Room

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(5 reviews)
  • 161 sq ft
  • City view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Family Room (X 3)

Premium bedding, memory foam beds, individually decorated

Family Room (X 3)

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • 161 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Standard Twin Room

Premium bedding, memory foam beds, individually decorated

Standard Twin Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 161 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Standard Room

Premium bedding, memory foam beds, individually decorated

Standard Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • 164 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Twin Beds

About the neighborhood

Stranraer

The Thistle places you within a 10-minute stroll of Stranraer Museum and Castle of St John. This 8-room, 3-star guesthouse welcomes guests with a bar/lounge, free in-room WiFi, and free self parking.
View more Guest Houses in StranraerOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Stranraer Museum - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Castle of St John - 8 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Castle Kennedy Gardens - 7 min drive - 4.4 miles
  • Cairnryan Port - 9 min drive - 6.2 miles
  • Cairnryan Stena Line Terminal - 13 min drive - 8.3 miles

Getting around

  • Stranraer Station - 12 min walk
  • Glasgow (PIK-Prestwick) - 87 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Fig & Olive - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Hong Kong City - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Harbour House Hotel - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪The Crown - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪The Coffee Bean - ‬6 min walk

About this property

The Thistle

Suburban guesthouse in Stranraer with free parking
Guests of The Thistle enjoy features like karaoke, free WiFi in public areas, and express check-in. There's free parking if you drive. This guesthouse also has express check-out.
32-inch flat-screen TVs come with digital channels, and guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Memory foam beds sport premium bedding and bathrooms offer hair dryers and free toiletries. Other standard amenities include coffee makers, desks, and desk chairs.

Similar properties

Building design
North West Castle Hotel
  • Pool
  • Hot Tub
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, 819 reviews
$89 nightly
The price is $107
Nov 2 - Nov 3
Total with taxes and fees
North West Castle Hotel

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free uncovered self parking on site
  • Limited onsite parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • A bar/lounge

Things to do

  • Karaoke

Family friendly

  • Soundproofed rooms

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Grab bar near toilet
  • Low-height counter and sink
  • No elevator
  • Raised toilet seat
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel

More

  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Memory foam mattress
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 32-inch flat-screen TV with digital channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Free bottled water

More

  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Heating
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Laptop workspace
  • Soundproofed rooms

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 11:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Express check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out available
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

There is no front desk at this property
Guests planning to arrive outside of normal check-in hours will receive an email within 24 hours before arrival with check-in instructions and key retrieval information; access will be through a private entrance
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
Prior to arrival, you must complete online registration via a secure link
If you are planning to arrive after 9:30 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation

Access methods

Key retrieval, private entrance

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Property payment types

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Cashless transactions are available
  • Check-in: 2:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
Checking in and out are easy with express services. Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash.
  • This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
  • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • No alcohol is permitted at The Thistle.
  • There are no elevators.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

Property is also known as

Thistle Inn Stranraer
Thistle Stranraer
The Thistle Inn Stranraer
Thistle Inn
The Thistle Stranraer
The Thistle Guesthouse
The Thistle Guesthouse Stranraer

Frequently asked questions

Are free cancellation options available at The Thistle?

The Thistle provides free cancellation on some room rates. For more details, take a look at the cancellation policy on our site.

How much does it cost to stay at The Thistle?

As of Oct 22, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Thistle on Nov 1, 2025 start from $80.21, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What can I see within easy reach of The Thistle?

This guesthouse in Stranraer is within a 10-minute walk of Stranraer Museum and Castle of St John. You'll also find Castle Kennedy Gardens and Mull of Galloway Trail - North within a short drive.

Will I be able to park at The Thistle?

Yes, uncovered self parking is offered for free at the guesthouse. Though parking is limited, accessible parking is also available.

Does The Thistle feature a casino on the premises?

No, The Thistle doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at The Thistle?

No, there is no indoor pool at this guesthouse.

What will couples enjoy most about a stay at The Thistle?

Couples staying at this guesthouse will appreciate amenities like a memory foam mattress as well as a bar and karaoke.

Are there hot tubs at The Thistle?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this guesthouse.

Does The Thistle have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

No, The Thistle doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Does The Thistle allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at The Thistle.

Does The Thistle have connecting rooms?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this guesthouse.

Can I book a room with a balcony at The Thistle?

No, there aren't any accommodations with balconies at The Thistle.

The Thistle Reviews

Reviews

8.0

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 37 out of 93 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 35 out of 93 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 11 out of 93 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 93 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 8 out of 93 reviews

8.6/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

7.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Nicola

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Adrian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Marc

Very compact, but clean and cosy. A more budget option for ferry catchers.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Will

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Paul

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

2/10 Terrible

Sally

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Not the best

We’re a family of three (13 year old child) and I’m also pregnant. We were expecting the stay to be basic due to the price, but the reviews looked ok and it seemed ok based on our purposes of staying to visit a relative in hospital for a couple of nights. We arrived at the hotel to find a dilapidated, boarded up old pub of the same name at the front. We arrived just before 6pm and the door had been left unlocked with the keys on the windowsill. The step and flower beds outside the room were covered in cigarette butts, the room smelled of smoke and damp and was generally run down. There were white stains on the curtains on the bathroom toilet mat, out of date buscuits with the complimentary teas and coffees, the walls were that thin we could hear the ‘neighbours’ argument very clearly at 2am in the morning on both nights (although there were ear plugs provided in the room which was helpful). We only had 2 towels despite there being 3 of us and despite requesting a third, we never received this. The bed was comfy enough and the shower worked although the bathroom was quite compact. The TV didn’t work and we just received pixelated images.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kyle

Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Martin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Nice stay really helpful host ideal for the town centre
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Thomas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Couldn’t ask for more on a short notice booking
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Elaine

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Friendly
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

2/10 Terrible

William, Aurora

Traveled with partner
Having travelled extensively across the UK this trip, this was the worst example of accommodation we have seen. We knew we had booked a budget hotel as we simply needed a spot to sleep close to early ferry to Belfast. We couldn’t imagine how bad things were based on the price paid. First, we had to call to get access to our room, which had been left unlocked and key sitting on shelf. We never did get the door to lock from outside when we went to leave for dinner. The towels could be used as sandpaper and were no longer white but dingy yellow. The room was very tired. Gobs of caulking around shower looked like it was applied by a child. Carpets had seen much better days. Critically, there was no heat. We asked and were told it would come on at 5pm. Didn’t happen. Asked again - message ignored. It is unthinkable that a room not have working heat in late September. Fortunately the bed covers were warm or we couldn’t have stayed. On a positive note, the shower water was hot but weak stream. Avoid if possible. The cheap price was not worth the poor accommodation and lost night sleep.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Wendy

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Ray

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Susan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Overnight stay.

Stay was good. Onsite parking good. Room comfortable. Small shower space but very clean and nice hot water. Bed comfortable. Pillows a bit saggy.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

jean

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Karey, Eden Prairie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Quiet property close to grocery store and restaurants. It was a short wslk from the train station. Staff was very friendly.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

Paul

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Good stay
Stayed 1 night in May 2024

6/10 Okay

Dean

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Small & very basic
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

6/10 Okay

Evelyn

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort

Cheap and cheerful

Very friendly on phone although never seen the owner. There was no warm water and I felt cold overnight. Good location though but wouldn’t stay for any more than an overnight
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024

8/10 Good

Nicola

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Odessa

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was very comfortable
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023

8/10 Good

Jonathan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023

4/10 Poor

Rod

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A bit low rent and tired But this is most probably why it is a low cost. Had to ask for the reheating to be turned on and the beds were a bit tired.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Marion

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Perfect little place

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Adam

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023