Portpatrick Hotel

We paid nearly £200 for two nights, room only, and won’t be coming back. The staff were kind and tried hard, which was the one good thing, but they seemed poorly trained. At breakfast, one young woman said we could sit anywhere but didn’t explain that it was self-service or where to get things. She kept wiping her hands on her trousers after serving food and handling dirty plates. We paid extra for breakfast, but the cooked food was lukewarm, and the damp, cold plates had to be dried with a napkin. Our room wasn’t clean and everything felt dated. Dirt and dead insects were in the bathroom. The rotten, single-glazed windows let in a draught, so we used hand towels to block it in both the bedroom and bathroom. There were no bathroom curtains or blind, and with the light on at night you could see right in from the car park. Housekeeping was practically nonexistent: the bed was made like this during our stay, the bins weren’t emptied, and towels weren’t replaced. The towel rail only worked now and then, so we couldn’t dry them. There was no working bathroom extraction fan. Its switch was on the ceiling beside it, so I had to climb onto the bath to try switching it on or off, but it never worked. During a storm, the windows rattled loudly all night and kept us awake.

My own dinner was really good, and my room had been upgraded to one with amazing views. The staff were extremely friendly, approachable and happy to help. I stayed one night while dropping my mother and father-in-law off for their holiday. They came back today after a week with no room service. Their towels were never changed and the bins weren’t emptied, so my mother-in-law had to make beds and empty bins every day. She returned tired. They also ordered a cream tea that was forgotten, and they had mixed opinions about their meal. On the day there was a wedding, they were moved to the bar area for dinner. The lack of room service for a week really isn’t acceptable. Hygiene matters, and in summer the rooms can smell, especially the towels and bins. This needs attention. A few small things would also make breakfast easier: teaspoons by the yoghurts, extra ones for stirring tea or coffee, and a sign saying porridge is available on request, with spoons for it. Staff did fetch these things for my father-in-law, but having them handy would help. Some things could do with updating, though I know everything costs money.

The staff made this stay, friendly, chatty and so helpful. My wife wasn’t feeling well, and both waitresses were really kind about helping her manage her food. Breakfast was fantastic and dinner just as delicious. We’ll certainly return, and thanks again, folks. We spent two nights in the very spacious executive suite. It was great value, with a lovely view of the harbour and beyond. The reception and lounge were warm and cosy.

The hotel has a relaxing, charming feel, just right for a peaceful getaway. My room was clean, comfortable and well looked after, and the staff were welcoming and always willing to help. With such beautiful views and a stunning location, the whole visit felt special. I’d gladly stay again and recommend it to anyone visiting the area.