The Waterfront Hotel & Bistro

3.0 star property
Beachfront hotel for sun and fun

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Waterfront Hotel & Bistro

View from property
Exterior
Exterior
Breakfast meal
On the beach

Reviews

8.2 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Bar
  • Housekeeping

Explore the area

View in a map
7 NORTH CRESCENT, Stranraer, Scotland, DG9 8SX
  • Place, Dunskey Garden
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Cairnryan Port
    ‪24 min drive‬
  • Place, Cairnryan Stena Line Terminal
    ‪28 min drive‬

Room options

Standard Twin Room

  • 200 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

Classic Double Room, 1 King Bed

7.4 out of 10
Good
(16 reviews)
  • 200 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Double Room, 1 King Bed, Harbor View

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(14 reviews)
  • 200 sq ft
  • Harbor view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Single Room

  • 200 sq ft
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

About the neighborhood

Stranraer

Located 1.2 mi (1.9 km) from Dunskey Garden, The Waterfront Hotel & Bistro is within a 15-minute drive of Castle of St John. This 17-room, 3-star hotel welcomes guests with a bar/lounge, free in-room WiFi, and free self parking.

What's nearby

  • Dunskey Garden - 3 min drive - 1.9 miles
  • Cairnryan Port - 24 min drive - 16.6 miles
  • Cairnryan Stena Line Terminal - 28 min drive - 18.7 miles
  • Port Logan Beach - 31 min drive - 17.7 miles
  • Mull of Galloway Lighthouse - 53 min drive - 28.3 miles

Getting around

  • Stranraer Station - 13 min drive
  • Glasgow (PIK-Prestwick) - 101 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Fig & Olive - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Henry's Bay House - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪The Coffee Bean - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Hong Kong City - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪The Crown - ‬1 min walk

About this property

The Waterfront Hotel & Bistro

Beachfront hotel for sun and fun
Guests staying at The Waterfront Hotel & Bistro enjoy free WiFi in public areas, a terrace, and a garden. If you decide to drive, there's free parking. Front-desk staff can help with luggage storage, and provide local restaurant recommendations. If you like to take your furry friend along on your adventures, this pet-friendly property offers food and water bowls. Other amenities at this beach hotel include a picnic area, a reception hall, and a TV in a common area.
Guests can expect free WiFi and flat-screen TVs. Coffee makers, phones, and desks are other standard amenities.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • Street parking available
  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited onsite self parking

Food and drink

  • A bar/lounge

Things to do

  • TV in common areas

Conveniences

  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • On the beach
  • Picnic area
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • No elevator

More

  • Reception hall
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle

More

  • Desk
  • Heating
  • Individual furnishings
  • Phone

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 8:00 PM
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:30 AM

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
If you are planning to arrive after 8:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets for GBP 15.00 per pet, per stay
  • Dogs only
  • Pets may not be left unsupervised
  • Food and water bowls are available
  • Certain rooms only, restrictions apply
  • Guests can request a pet-friendly room by contacting the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Pet fee: GBP 15.00 per pet, per stay
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

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
Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve cribs/infant beds
This property accepts credit cards and debit cards; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM—-8:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10:30 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours. 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.
  • Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve cribs/infant beds.
  • This property accepts credit cards and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

Property is also known as

Waterfront Hotel Bistro Stranraer
Waterfront Bistro Stranraer
The Waterfront & Bistro
The Waterfront Hotel & Bistro Hotel
The Waterfront Hotel & Bistro Stranraer
The Waterfront Hotel & Bistro Hotel Stranraer

Frequently asked questions

Is free cancellation available at The Waterfront Hotel & Bistro?

The Waterfront Hotel & Bistro offers free cancellation on select room rates. If you'd like to learn more, review the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

How much does it cost to stay at The Waterfront Hotel & Bistro?

As of Dec 26, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Waterfront Hotel & Bistro on Jan 2, 2026 start from $49.49, 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 close to The Waterfront Hotel & Bistro?

This hotel is located in Stranraer, close to Dunskey Garden, Castle of St John, and Stranraer Museum. You'll also find Mull of Galloway Trail - North nearby.

Is there parking available at The Waterfront Hotel & Bistro?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the hotel.

Does The Waterfront Hotel & Bistro feature a casino on the premises?

No, The Waterfront Hotel & Bistro doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at The Waterfront Hotel & Bistro?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hotel.

Is The Waterfront Hotel & Bistro good for couples?

At this beachfront hotel, couples will appreciate amenities like a bar and a terrace plus some guestrooms include harbor views.

Does The Waterfront Hotel & Bistro have a hot tub?

No, this hotel doesn't have a spa tub.

Does The Waterfront Hotel & Bistro feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

No, The Waterfront Hotel & Bistro doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Does The Waterfront Hotel & Bistro allow pets to stay for free?

Although they can't stay for free, dogs are welcome at The Waterfront Hotel & Bistro for a fee of GBP 15.00 per pet, per stay. The property also provides food and water bowls.

Does The Waterfront Hotel & Bistro have connecting rooms?

No, this hotel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

Are there rooms with balconies at The Waterfront Hotel & Bistro?

No, there aren't any guestrooms with balconies at The Waterfront Hotel & Bistro.

The Waterfront Hotel & Bistro Reviews

Reviews

8.2

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 169 out of 418 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 155 out of 418 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 53 out of 418 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 25 out of 418 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 16 out of 418 reviews

8.6/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Staff & service

7.4/10

Amenities

7.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Ronald

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Room in the annexe. Comfortable bed...decent shower. Lovely breakfast. Great value
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Karen

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

George

Liked: Amenities
Great breakfast, attentive staff, reasonable accomodation and on the harbour promenade .
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Alan

Traveled with family
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ranald

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Great location, room a little tired but fine for us. I was really upset to see that the beautiful blue painted exterior of the hotel, that made it stand out, has been changed to grey!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christopher

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Adequate size room for a few days stay, in a lovely quiet location with a good view of the harbour. Enjoyed the breakfast and we also the meals when we ate there one evening.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

George

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

2/10 Terrible

James

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Our room was not in the hotel and we were put into a small room in an adjacent house, the door was very difficult to lock, one window wouldn't open and the other wouldn't close so security was an issue, very unclean and rundown, mould every where in the bathroom. We had called and emailed ahead well in advance about booking a table for evening meal as there was a Vegan in our party and were told that it was no problem, there was only a vegan lasagne on offer which we believe that was a frozen ready meal and the home made curry tasted like a ready meal also, the portions were small and did not reflect the price they were charging. We refused to even go for breakfast after the dinner the previous night. Needles to say we did not stay another night and will not be back. Port Patrick was lovely though, we managed to get a booking at another hotel close by which was wonderful and enjoyed the rest of our time there.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carol

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Barry

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

8/10 Good

Anthony

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Good little hotel. Nothing too fancy. Nice size room . Shower and sink a tad small but does fhe job. Breakfast and evening food good but plenty of other places to eat as well.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Alan

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
A lovely view of the harbour from our room. You get what you pay for. Shower room a bit small but its what they have refurbed and only thing that would fit Not a lot of staff but lady who checks you in, serves behind the bar, takes and serves food orders for dinner and breakfast is amazing.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

6/10 Okay

Martin

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Mrs Karen

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The waterfront and staff are lovely. Parking isnt so good. Great stay with lovely harbor walks
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Good stay , clean comfortable room , lovely breakfast, excellent location
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Jennifer

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

6/10 Okay

Marlene

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
The rooms are the smallest we have ever experienced, especially the bathroom.The photos on Expedia are misleading as they are for a family room not a room for two people. It was like being in a closet. Our first room the bed was old and uncomfortable. The manager and staff were helpful in changing our room to one that was upgraded with a new bed. We booked a king size bed but it definitely was smaller. The location is great-right next to the water. If you know the room is very small and you’re ok with that then it’s a nice place. We felt like we were in an airplane trying to pass each other in the room.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jeanette

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Staff friendly and very attentive. Room clean and view over the harbour was brilliant. Breakfast excellent. We were lucky enough to park across from the hotel. Shower a bit small and pressure not that good but did the purpose.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Kevin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great location on waterfront, staff are superb especially Lauren who was super efficient and friendly, bed was comfy and room (6) was nice and clean. Breakfast was outstanding, full Scottish was freshly cooked and really tasty. The en-suite bathroom in our room however was ridiculously tiny, so cramped that it was impossible to sit fully on toilet as legs hit against pipes under sink. You could reach from toilet to switch electric shower on as it was that close. Water pressure was so low shower operated at a trickle and you had to step out of bathroom to have enough space to dry yourself but cold tap on sink was so powerful it sprayed water all over the bathroom. Overall, staff were brilliant but the place needs an equally talented plumber!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Hotel was in beautiful town and right on the sea in the harbour, very nice rooms recently renovated. Breakfast was delicious. Staff were friendly and accommodating.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

4/10 Poor

William

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I had booked a classic room with king sized bed, pictures looked good. Arrived to find we weren’t even staying in the hotel but a cottage offering the smallest rooms I’ve ever stayed in with a shower and toilet in a cupboard. Place needed a really good clean, double bed was two singles pushed together, one had a wonky spring. Communal area in need of a good clean too.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

John

Traveled with partner
Liked: Staff & service
Nice clean basic room but had stunning view .Will definitely go back
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

james

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Had a great stay in hotel and really friendly staff and food is amazing the location is amazing and parking just short walk away
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025