St Andrews is the Home of Golf, and where you stay shapes the whole trip. The Old Course and the town's other public courses are managed by the St Andrews Links Trust, and the best-placed hotels sit right on the links.
The landmark hotels
- Old Course Hotel is a five-star resort bordering the famous Road Hole (the 17th), with rooms and restaurants overlooking the course.
- Rusacks St Andrews, open since 1887, overlooks the 1st and 18th holes and the sea from the town centre, a few steps from the first tee.
- Fairmont St Andrews is a five-star resort on a clifftop estate just outside town, with its own two courses and North Sea views.
Beyond the landmarks, the town has plenty of smaller hotels, guesthouses and B and Bs within walking distance of the links.
| Property or area | Category | Position vs Old Course | Best for | Book-ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Course Hotel | 5-star resort | Overlooks the 17th (Road Hole) | On-course luxury, spa | Very high |
| Rusacks St Andrews | Historic 4/5-star | Overlooks 18th and 1st, town centre | Views, walk to the 1st tee | Very high |
| Fairmont St Andrews | 5-star resort | About 2 miles outside town | Own courses, estate setting | High |
| Town-centre hotels | 3 to 4 star | Short walk to the links | Restaurants, university town | Medium to high |
| Guesthouses and B and Bs | Budget to mid | Mostly walkable | Value, local character | Medium |
Book early, especially around The Open
The Old Course and town of St Andrews · Illustration generated with AI Demand for the good rooms is intense in peak golf season, and it spikes far in advance when The Open Championship is at St Andrews (it returns in 2027). Reserve a refundable rate as early as you can and cancel later if plans change.
Find a place to stay in St Andrews
Rooms near the venue sell out months ahead for event weeks. Lock in a refundable stay now and cancel later if plans change.
Getting there first? See how to get to St Andrews from Edinburgh Airport, and for the wider trip, planning a Scotland golf trip.
Sources: St Andrews Links Trust; hotel information; The Open. Hotel details and availability change; confirm rates directly before booking.
