Before it became known as ‘the home of golf’, St Andrews was famous for having the third oldest university in the English-speaking world, and the oldest in Scotland. It’s still considered one of the best universities in the UK. Before the university, St Andrews was a religious centre, and during the medieval period, St Andrews Cathedral was Scotland’s most important church. Now St Andrews has golf as well, most famously the Old Course, which is considered the world’s oldest golf course. The good news for any keen followers of the game is that some of our recommendations for the best places to stay in St Andrews have views over the iconic fairways — they're ideally located whether you've come to play or just watch!

St Andrews cathedral and St Andrews Castle, founded in 1200, are beautifully atmospheric ruins. Some medieval sandstone architecture remains, though, including several buildings in the centre of town. Walking tours are a great way to explore the town and its treasures, and many of them are lead by university students very willing to pass on their recommendations. If you haven’t managed to book a tee time, you can still get onto the Old Course on Sundays — it’s closed for play on Sundays, and everyone is welcome to stroll the fairways!

While our Gurus recommendations for the best places to stay in St Andrews obviously include a golf hotel or two, they also include smaller, more intimate picks, and these may suit you if you’re looking for personal tips from locals in the know. It's well worth pointing out that the town doesn't just cater to golfers: this is a picturesque coastal destination, with incredible historic monuments and stunning beaches (including West Sands Beach, which was memorably used in the opening scene of the film Chariots of Fire). The Botanic Gardens are well worth a stroll too.

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. A 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, the 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.

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 hotel

• Kinnettles Hotel & Spa is a small, but luxurious hotel, with just nine suites, but also a small spa, and a whisky bar. Each of the rooms has been individually decorated, with a grey colour palette, and a taste for shiny fabrics.

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.
• St Andrews is busiest during golf tournaments, which usually run between the spring, summer and early autumn. This corresponds with the city’s best weather. St Andrew is buzziest during spring, when there are a lot of students around, as well as golfers, and the weather is becoming finer. At this time of year the summer golfers haven’t arrived, and it’s possible to book a round more easily. When summer properly arrives the students leave, and tourists replace them. The weather is the best it can be now, but it can be difficult to get a space on the course. Autumn is worth considering if you’re here to golf, but winter can be pretty wet and cold.

Still not sure where to stay?

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