Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa

The Old Course Hotel has 175 rooms and the recent refurbishment has lifted the finish across the board. For golfers, the Champions Wing on the third floor is the one to request, with views over the Old Course, the town and the sweep of West Sands. Room styling is modern, comfortable and properly five-star, with upgraded bathrooms and the sort of little touches that make early starts easier. If you're turning the trip into a big occasion, the new penthouse suites add more space and the best vantage point in the building.

Food & Drink

Food and drink is a genuine highlight. Swilcan Loft is the easy post-round option for a relaxed bite and a pint, while the main restaurant covers the formal end of the spectrum if you want to mark the occasion with something special. Whisky fans are well looked after too, with a malt list spanning 119 different distilleries. The Jigger Inn, attached to the hotel, is the laid-back choice for pub classics and a lively atmosphere, and it's the sort of place where you'll end up staying longer than planned.

Leisure Facilities

For recovery, Kohler Waters Spa is the standout, with hydrotherapy experiences and treatments that feel made for golfers who have walked 18 or 36 holes. The spa is built around water-based therapies, so if you've battled the wind on the links or tackled the undulations at The Duke's, this is where you reset before the next round. And with St Andrews town centre a short stroll away, you can keep evenings flexible without needing taxis or transfers.

The new rooftop deck is another smart addition, perfect for after-dinner cigars, cocktails or simply taking in the view across the St Andrews links and coastline. It's the sort of spot that turns a good day into a great one, particularly on a clear evening when the light catches the Old Course and the town beyond. The hotel's management has a reputation for getting the details right, which is why the service feels attentive without being intrusive, the facilities are world-class and the location is unbeatable for anyone planning a St Andrews trip.