Old Course Hotel Golf Resort and Spa

The Old Course Hotel Golf Resort and Spa in St. Andrews, United Kingdom, consistently receives high praise as a luxurious and iconic destination, particularly revered by golf enthusiasts and those seeking a high-end Scottish experience. It has been recognized as a Michelin Key Selected property, signifying its exceptional quality.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for the Old Course Hotel is overwhelmingly positive, with most guests rating it as "Exceptional" or "Wonderful." Verified ratings frequently fall between 9.2 and 10 out of 10, reflecting a superior guest experience. Guests often describe their stays as "amazing" and a "fabulous experience from beginning to end."

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud the hotel for several standout features:

• Prime Location: Its unparalleled setting overlooking the legendary Old Course (specifically the 17th hole) and the picturesque West Sands Beach is a major draw.
• Exceptional Service: The staff's professionalism, friendliness, and attentiveness are frequently highlighted.
• World-Class Spa: The Kohler Waters Spa, the only one of its kind outside the USA, is a significant amenity, featuring hydrotherapy pools, a rooftop hot tub, and a wide array of treatments.
• Diverse Dining Options: The hotel boasts multiple high-quality restaurants and bars, offering a range of culinary experiences.
• Luxurious Accommodations: Rooms are noted for their spaciousness, comfort, and elegant design, often featuring stunning views.
• Golf Facilities: Beyond its proximity to the Old Course, the hotel offers its own championship Duke's Course, with guaranteed tee times for guests.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at the Old Course Hotel are described as stylish, spacious, and imbued with a traditional luxury vibe, featuring dark wood, marble, and rich colors. Many rooms and suites offer spectacular views over the golf course and West Sands Beach, often from private balconies. Guests appreciate the comfortable beds, plush interiors, and serene KOHLER bathrooms, which include designer toiletries, fluffy robes, and slippers. Standard amenities typically include minibars, laptop-compatible safes, and Nespresso machines. Some suites offer additional features like lounge areas, kitchenettes, and Jacuzzi baths. While generally praised, some guests have occasionally noted issues with room size and noise levels, particularly from the heating system.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel provides a wide array of dining experiences to cater to different tastes:

• Road Hole Restaurant: This 3 AA Rosette awarded fine-dining restaurant, located on the fourth floor, offers Scottish cuisine with stunning, elevated views of the Old Course and North Sea. It boasts an extensive wine list and a selection of over 200 whiskies. Breakfast, which is consistently described as delicious, fresh, and superb with a wide range of buffet and chef-prepared options, is also served here.
• Swilcan Loft: A newer signature restaurant on the fourth floor, it offers international cuisine using locally sourced Scottish produce, with floor-to-ceiling windows and an outdoor terrace providing breathtaking views.
• Other Options: Guests can also enjoy the brasserie-style Sands Café and Bar, the popular and dog-friendly Jigger Inn for traditional pub food (a short walk from the hotel), Ham's Hame sports bar, and The Duke's Clubhouse for hearty fare. Afternoon tea is a luxurious experience served in the conservatory.

While the dining is largely celebrated, some recent feedback has mentioned the Swilcan Loft as being overpriced, with starters sometimes lacking flavor. There was also a specific complaint about a limited festive menu and a lack of high standard for food in the Road Hole restaurant during one instance. A minor issue of cold plates at the breakfast buffet has also been noted.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at the Old Course Hotel are a recurring highlight in guest reviews. They are consistently described as "amazing," "excellent," "friendly," "welcoming," "subtly attentive," "professional," "knowledgeable," and "helpful". Many guests feel "treated like royalty" from arrival to departure. Staff members are often praised for going above and beyond, from quickly delivering requested pillows to providing cocktail recipes. Golf concierges are particularly noted for their expertise in organizing tee times and lessons.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel's location is arguably one of its greatest assets. It is situated directly alongside the iconic 17th hole of the Old Course and overlooks the stunning West Sands Beach. This prime spot offers immediate access to the "Home of Golf" and scenic coastal walks. The historic town of St. Andrews is easily accessible, and the hotel is conveniently located near other attractions such as St. Andrews Castle, the Sea Life Centre, St. Andrews Aquarium, Craigtoun Country Park, and the Fife Coastal Path. Edinburgh and its international airport are approximately an hour's drive away, making it relatively accessible for international travelers.

7. Value & Pricing

The Old Course Hotel is positioned as a luxury property, and its pricing reflects this. The average room rate in the past month was around 548.14 GBP ($733), significantly higher than the city's average of 183.03 GBP ($402). While some guests have found specific packages, such as Hogmanay deals, to offer good value, others have expressed concerns about the overall value. Some recent feedback suggests a perception that prices have increased while quality has, in some areas, decreased. Specific complaints include the Swilcan Loft restaurant being "vastly overpriced" and having to pay extra for spa access despite the room cost.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some recurring criticisms and issues include:

• Room-related issues: Occasional complaints about room size and noise levels from events or heating systems.
• Dining perceived as overpriced: Some guests found the food at the Swilcan Loft restaurant to be overpriced, with certain dishes like starters lacking flavor.
• Decline in personalized touches: Some long-time guests have noted a decrease in the special, personalized touches previously enjoyed, such as welcome cards and embroidered slippers.
• Cleanliness and service inconsistencies: Isolated incidents have been reported regarding cleanliness (e.g., streaky tables, crumbs) and lapses in service, such as disinterested staff, mixed-up orders, forgotten requests, and poor coffee quality.
• Extra spa charges: Some guests were disappointed about having to pay an additional fee for spa access, considering the luxury pricing of the rooms.
• Breakfast experience: While generally superb, one guest noted cold plates at the breakfast buffet.

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