My First Impression: Within touching distance of the legendary golf course
St Andrews is globally renowned as the Home of Golf. You cannot find a hotel closer to the legendary Old Course. The hotel sits beside the famous 17th fairway, known as the Road Hole. Golfers traditionally aim their tee shots over the hotel for the most advantageous angle into the green. To protect the roof from errant shots, they’ve installed a specialised impact-resistant, sound-dampening rubber roof for guest serenity.
Old Course Hotel: More than just golf
The Old Course Hotel has undergone numerous renovations in recent years to ensure it is a destination hotel that appeals to all, not just golfers. Chief among the upgrades is their recently refurbished Kohler Waters Spa. It was closed for five months last year for this major renovation. The standout features are numerous. They have the UK’s first Espuro foam steam room. It is a pioneering skin-pampering ritual in which spa guests are enveloped in fragrant, plant-based foam.
The spa is a firm believer in contrast therapy, and their latest addition is the state-of-the-art snow and sauna cabin. You generally spend about 10-15 minutes in the hot sauna before you move to the snow cabin. You breathe in the crisp, invigorating air and maybe even rub the snow on your skin. The key benefits include boosting circulation, closing pores and tightening the skin.
You will find world-class skin-care products in their spa boutique with well-known brands like Bamford from England and pioneering brands like Omorovicza from Hungary. They also have a brand new gift shop that sells Scottish collectables such as pewter items, bronze animal statues, and Old Course private label whisky.
Rooms: Experience the traditional Scottish charms
You will find the decor in the rooms is rich in Scottish aesthetics. You will find plush fabrics and 100% wool plaid throws, which is a homage to Scotland’s rich textile industry. They have gold, antique-style lamps and rich wood panelling throughout. A thoughtful touch is having each of the rooms and suites dedicated to a famous, historic golfer. The room we stayed in focused on Janet Melville. She is the only player to have ever won the AIG Women’s Open who never turned professional.
It would be remiss not to mention their outstanding marble-accented, upscale Kohler bathrooms. The hotel is owned by Kohler Co., the American manufacturing giant well-known for its plumbing fixtures, so it is perhaps unsurprising to find top-of-the-range bathrooms here. The multi-spray showers are a rare sight at most 5-star hotels. You will find double vanities and premium toiletries. For the suites, you will find deep-soaking whirlpool or Jacuzzi baths and large walk-in showers.
Old Course Hotel Food & Drink: Dining options that cater for all occasions
From casual gastropub cuisine to fine dining, the hotel has options to cater for all occasions. The Jigger Inn is an unmissable part of the hotel experience. The building dates back to 1852, when it was the station master’s lodge for the St Andrews Links railway station. It is widely regarded as golf’s most famous “19th hole”. You get unbeatable views of the golfers approaching the greens. You will find the classics on their menu, from Cullen skink to a ‘jigger ale’ battered haddock and chips.
On the 4th floor, The Road Hole restaurant, you will experience the best golf course dining views in the world. The dinner menu focuses strongly on local produce and seasonality, so expect to see the likes of Cumbrae oysters and Borders beef fillet. The menu helpfully lists the lighter options for those looking for a less heavy and more refined experience.
The restaurant also offers a delightful afternoon tea with freshly-cut sandwiches using local ingredients, such as St Andrews cheddar. The scones are served suitably warm and fluffy, whilst the pastries are well-portioned and not overly sweet. The tea offerings include the hotel’s signature and garden blends, as well as more exotic offerings like a Pai Mu Tan melon tea. You can elevate the experience with a glass of Veuve Clicquot Brut Rosé.
In addition to onsite features, the hotel’s prime location deserves mention
St Andrews is very much a walkable town. You can stroll with relative ease to the University of St Andrews, which is the oldest university in Scotland. You can visit Northpoint Café, which is well-known as the place where the Prince and Princess of Wales frequently met for coffee, whilst studying at the university. You can also visit the ruins of St Andrews Castle; it’s a historic and atmospheric part of the town with a dramatic location perched on the cliff-top overlooking Castle Sands.
Visit Highlight: The reinvention of a legendary hotel
The multi-million-pound renovations of the hotel have done wonders for the property. It’s not just a traditional golf lodge anymore. Guests would visit for their pioneering spa facilities. Local students would study at their hip Herb’s café whilst drinking matcha latte. It has considerably broadened the appeal of the hotel and means it will be celebrating plenty more anniversaries, after it recently passed its 58th birthday.
Final Thoughts: Fall in love with St Andrews
With dramatic North Sea views, a prestigious 613 years old university, and being the home of golf, it is not hard to fall in love with such a charming town. Staying at the Old Course Hotel is the best way to discover St Andrews.
Book your stay at Old Course Hotel and experience it for yourself.
If you’re keen to explore more of Scotland, you can read about my stay at One Devonshire Gardens in Glasgow. For five-star inspiration beyond the UK, my review of Fairmont Monte Carlo is also well worth a look.
Images courtesy of Old Course Hotel
