Hotel Du Vin St Andrews

From the outside, Hotel Du Vin keeps a low profile, but step inside and it's full of character. The refurbishment has brought warmth and depth throughout, with rich colours, Scottish touches and a modern edge that still feels relaxed rather than flashy. There are 36 bedrooms in total, finished to a high standard, making it a comfortable base for golfers who want to keep everything simple and central.

The rooms themselves have everything you need after a day on the Links: proper beds, decent space, and the kind of thoughtful detail that makes a difference when you're settling in for the evening. Some of the rooms look out over the Old Course, which is a nice touch if you're the sort who likes to watch the first tee from your window over breakfast. The hotel's bar and social spaces are a real plus, too. It's the sort of place that suits a post-round debrief, whether you've just battled the breeze on the Old Course or picked your way round the New.

If you're travelling as a pair, it also works well as a smart, easy option that doesn't feel like a big resort. For groups or societies, the central location and relaxed vibe make it straightforward to organise, and you're never far from the action, on or off the course.

Food-wise, Bistro Du Vin is a genuine highlight. The French-styled bistro serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, built around a Gallic-inspired menu that changes with the seasons. Local ingredients keep it rooted in Fife, while the cooking leans classic and comforting, the sort of dishes that work brilliantly after 18 holes in the wind. There's also an in-house sommelier if you fancy matching a bottle to dinner, which is a nice touch when you're settling in for the evening rather than heading back out.

Breakfast is served early enough to suit most tee times, and the bistro stays open late if you're coming back from a long day on the courses or an evening in town. The atmosphere is relaxed but polished, and it's the kind of place where you can linger over a meal without feeling rushed.

And when you do want to head out, you're perfectly placed. St Andrews' pubs, shops and cobbled streets are all within easy walking distance, so you can leave the car alone and enjoy the town properly. Head into town for dinner, stroll to the first tee in the morning, and be back in your room in minutes. For a St Andrews golf break, the location is hard to beat.