The best hotels in St Andrews

What are the best hotels in St Andrews?

St Andrews is a charming seaside town on Scotland’s Fife coast, with sandy beaches, medieval ruins, a prestigious university and the world-famous Old Course at its heart. For the ultimate stay, The Old Course Hotel is hard to beat, with spectacular views over the 17th hole, luxurious rooms, excellent restaurants and a world-class spa. It’s a real treat for golfers, but there’s plenty to enjoy beyond the fairways, from coastal walks and historic sights to cosy B&Bs and intimate country house hotels tucked away from the crowds.

Scroll down the page for our full selection of recommended hotels in St Andrews or, for a look at different areas, read our guide to the best places to stay in Fife.

The Best Places to Stay in St Andrews

For Golfers

• The Old Course Hotel is a golfer's dream, wtih perfect views of the 17th hole on the Old Course and West Sands Beach. Smart and sophisticated, this large property has 144 opulent rooms and suites, as well as superb food and a world-class spa. An historic landmark for an indulgent stay in St Andrews — complete with lots of golf on the 18 hole Duke's golf course.
• Right on the doorstep of the golf course, overlooking the beautiful sweep of St Andrews Bay and the pale sand of the beach, Hotel du Vin is a great option for views, food and wine. Its rooms and suites follow the Hotel du Vin rules: stylishly luxurious, with contemporary details and an ever-so-slight industrial edge. The bar is lively, and the restaurant is smart and French.
• Right beside the R&A and the legendary Old Course, Seaton House is a brilliant base for a St Andrews golf trip. Inside, tartan accents, wood panelling and Scottish artwork give the rooms lots of character, while sea-facing suites look out towards West Sands. After a round, head to Ondine Oyster & Grill for fresh seafood or settle into Bow Butts Bar for a whiskey.

For Peace and Privacy

• Dukeside Lodge is a contemporary guesthouse in Balone, which is on the outskirts of St Andrews. Converted from a home, this is a well laid-out property, with six private-feeling rooms, all individually decorated — simply, with just a hint of tartan. Close to Duke’s Golf Course, and the beach. There’s no restaurant, but they do offer breakfast.
• Rufflets is a country house hotel set in ten acres of St Andrew’s most scenic gardens. Its 24 rooms and suites are individually styled and decorated, with plenty of variety, some very nice antiques as well as original features. The restaurant serves dishes with many ingredients harvested from the hotel’s kitchen garden.

For a Boutique Base

• Kinnettles Hotel & Spa is an intimate, luxury stay with just nine individually designed suites, each decorated in grey tones, plush fabrics and glossy finishes. There’s a small spa for some post-sightseeing pampering and a whiskey bar for a cosy evening drink. A great choice if you want something stylish and personal, right in the heart of St Andrews.

For the Best B&Bs

• 34 Argyle Guesthouse is a four room guesthouse with plenty of rustic charm outside, but plenty of contemporary chic inside. Each of its four suites are large and luxurious, with big bathrooms featuring stand-alone bathtubs. Guests are welcome to enjoy the garden, or the lounge, and they offer a very good breakfast.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• St Andrews is around an hour away from Edinburgh by car, or two and a half hours by public transport. If you’re travelling from London you can add another four and a quarter hours on for the rail journey between Kings Cross and Edinburgh. Or you can fly to Dundee Airport, which is around two hours ex-Heathrow. Edinburgh International Airport is about an hour away from St Andrews by car or taxi, or two and half by public transport.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Spring brings milder weather and a lively atmosphere, with students still in town and golf courses generally easier to book. Summer is St Andrews at its warmest, drawing plenty of visitors and making tee times harder to come by. Autumn is cooler but still good for golf, while winter tends to be cold, windy and wet, with fewer visitors and a quieter feel.

Still not sure?

• Expand your search to include all of the best places to stay in Fife,
• Consider some of St. Andrew’s neighbours, such as Dundee,
• Or, contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.