Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa

The hotel offers an iconic experience, primarily defined by its unparalleled views directly overlooking the historic Old Course and the North Sea, making it a dream destination for golf enthusiasts. This signature feature allows guests to immerse themselves in the sport's heritage, watching play unfold from their rooms or dining areas. Beyond the golf, the hotel is celebrated for its luxurious and spacious rooms, ensuring a comfortable and relaxing stay. The attentive and friendly staff consistently receive high praise for their exceptional service, enhancing the overall guest experience. This destination is ideal for couples seeking a romantic getaway, families looking for spacious accommodations, and luxury travelers who appreciate high standards and personalized care. To maximize your visit, guests recommend requesting a room with a golf course view and being aware that certain spa facilities may require advance booking or incur additional fees.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a range of impressive facilities, with the Kohler spa frequently highlighted as a standout feature, offering excellent treatments and a serene environment for relaxation. Guests appreciate the spa pool, sauna, and jacuzzi, though some note that access outside of specific complimentary hours may incur a fee, and renovations have occasionally impacted availability. The fitness center is well-equipped with high-quality machines, catering to guests' wellness needs. Several bars and lounges, including the Swilcan Loft and West Deck, offer stunning views and a pleasant atmosphere for drinks, though they can get busy. While a swimming pool is available, some guests found its design less appealing compared to the dedicated spa area. The hotel also offers convenient free self-parking and a pro shop for golf enthusiasts.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently commend the hotel for its exceptional cleanliness, describing rooms as spotless and immaculately maintained. The rooms are frequently praised for their generous spaciousness and luxurious appointments, providing ample comfort. Most guests find the beds incredibly comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep, though a few mention issues with pillows being too soft or twin beds being pushed together. The bathrooms are a highlight, featuring spacious layouts, luxurious amenities, and impressive Kohler spa-type showers or large soaking tubs. While generally quiet, one review noted some noise from neighboring rooms. In-room conveniences like a coffee/tea station, complimentary bottled water, and modern smart TVs with USB ports are also appreciated, enhancing the overall comfort and convenience of the stay.

Dining & Food Quality
Breakfast at the hotel receives widespread acclaim, described as excellent, varied, and high-quality, with options ranging from a full Scottish breakfast to fresh fruits, pastries, and made-to-order items, all enjoyed with beautiful golf course views. However, some guests experienced slow service or found buffet items to be cold or overcooked during peak times. Feedback on the main restaurants is mixed; while some found the food incredible and delicious, others reported disappointing or overpriced meals, with issues like cold dishes or tough meat. The Jigger Inn is a popular choice for more casual pub fare, though it can be fully booked. Afternoon tea also garners varied opinions, with some praising its freshness and selection, while others found sandwiches stale or cakes overly sweet, and service inconsistent.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a significant draw, positioned directly on the iconic Old Course, offering breathtaking views of the golf links and the sea. This prime spot provides immediate access for golf enthusiasts and a picturesque backdrop for all guests, with many rooms boasting spectacular vistas. The hotel is conveniently located within a short walking distance (typically 5-15 minutes) to the heart of St Andrews town, allowing easy exploration of its historic attractions, charming shops, and diverse dining options. Guests appreciate the availability of free self-parking on-site, adding to the convenience for those traveling by car, and a valet service is also available. A courtesy bus service is provided for transport to various golf courses, further enhancing accessibility for players. While the walk to town is generally pleasant, some guests note that the path can be quite dark at night.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff consistently receives glowing reviews for their exceptional friendliness, attentiveness, and professionalism. Guests frequently highlight their willingness to go above and beyond, providing a warm welcome and being incredibly helpful with various requests, from early check-in to arranging dining reservations and golf activities. The concierge service is particularly praised for its efficiency and valuable assistance in planning guest experiences. Many reviews commend the housekeeping staff for maintaining immaculate rooms and the breakfast team for their cheerful and efficient service. While most interactions are highly positive, a few guests reported isolated instances of slow service in certain dining areas or less helpful responses from the reservations desk regarding specific booking issues.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of ongoing renovations that occasionally impact the availability of certain facilities, such as restaurants or the spa, which can lead to temporary dining arrangements or limited access. A frequently mentioned point is the hotel's spa access policy, where guests typically have complimentary use only during limited morning and evening hours, with a significant fee often charged for daytime access. The hotel maintains a pet-friendly policy, though it's noted that dogs are not permitted in dining areas, requiring room service for pet owners. The hotel excels in celebrating special occasions, often providing complimentary treats and personalized touches for birthdays and anniversaries. For golfers, the comprehensive golf services, including a well-stocked pro shop and caddies, are highly valued.