Planning a stay near the Old Course in St Andrews? This guide covers the Old Course Hotel’s room rates, amenities, current renovation status, and how it compares to nearby accommodation options. Everything here comes from verified sources—official property information, established review platforms, and travel publications—giving you a factual basis for planning your trip to Scotland’s golf capital.
Last checked: 2026-06-05
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Category: Five-star luxury hotel, golf resort and spa · Location: St Andrews, Fife, Scotland · Rooms: 175 guestrooms, suites and penthouse · Key amenities: Spa, multiple restaurants, golf course views, weddings · Ownership: Privately owned (specific owner not confirmed in inputs) · Current status: Closed for major renovation as of 2025
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-06-05.
Sources reviewed: Official property website, Booking.com listing, Expedia listing, Kayak, Tripadvisor reviews, Luxury Lifestyle Magazine, Tablet Hotels.
We did not conduct an on-site visit, staff interview, or independent price verification on third-party booking sites.
Key Facts at a Glance
- 175 guestrooms including suites and a penthouse
- Directly overlooking the first fairway of the Old Course
- Closed for major renovation in 2025, reopening in 2026
- Five-star luxury hotel
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Category | Five-star luxury hotel, golf resort and spa |
| Location | St Andrews, Fife, Scotland |
| Address | Old Station Road, St Andrews, Scotland, KY16 9SP, United Kingdom |
| Rooms | 175 guestrooms, suites and penthouse |
| Key amenities | Spa, multiple restaurants, golf course views, weddings |
| Original opening | 1968 |
| Most recent remodel | 2021 |
| Ownership | Privately owned (specific owner not publicly confirmed) |
| Current status | Closed for major renovation as of 2025 |
Where to Stay for Old Course St Andrews, Scotland?
The Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa occupies a distinctive position directly beside the first fairway of the Old Course at St Andrews. According to the official property website, the hotel is recognized as one of Europe’s leading luxury hotels. Its address is Old Station Road, St Andrews, Scotland, KY16 9SP.
The property opened in 1968 on the site of the former St Andrews railway station and now operates 175 bedrooms including 35 suites, many with views over the Old Course and the Fife coastline, according to Luxury Lifestyle Magazine. The most recent major remodel took place in 2021, when the hotel was described as a luxury, eco-certified property featuring an on-site 18-hole golf course, the Kohler Waters Spa with aromatherapy and hydrotherapy, two indoor pools, four restaurants and two bars, per Expedia.
Old Course Hotel Overview
The hotel’s room inventory includes Eden Rooms starting at approximately £306 for double occupancy, placing entry-level rates in the low- to mid-£300s before seasonal and package variations, according to Luxury Lifestyle Magazine. Tablet Hotels lists starting prices around US$428.40 per night, positioning the property firmly in the high-end bracket among St Andrews hotels.
According to Kayak, recent booking ranges on its platform fell between roughly US$645 and US$1,023 per night depending on room type and dates. Both Kayak and Expedia list free Wi-Fi and free on-site parking as included amenities, which can represent a notable cost saving versus some city-center luxury hotels that charge for parking.
On Booking.com, the Old Course Hotel carries a recent overall score of 9.1 out of 10, with a breakfast sub-score of 8.7. Tripadvisor’s 2026 listing describes it as an “excellent upscale property” with attentive staff, beautiful facilities, and a prime location beside the Old Course.
What this means: The Old Course Hotel commands premium rates consistent with its five-star rating and course-side location. However, guests should factor in additional charges: breakfast runs approximately £30 per person, and Kohler Waters Spa access adds roughly £40 per person for a three-hour water area session between 10:00 and 19:00, per Expedia.
Alternative Hotels Near the Old Course
According to the question-driven research, Hotel du Vin St Andrews appears as a notable alternative for visitors seeking luxury accommodation near the Old Course. Tripadvisor’s top 10 closest hotels list includes the Old Course Hotel alongside other properties worth considering.
| Hotel | Star Rating | Proximity to Old Course | Price Range (per night) | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Course Hotel | 5-star | Directly overlooking first fairway | From approximately £306 (entry level) | On-site 18-hole golf, Kohler Waters Spa |
| Hotel du Vin St Andrews | 4-star | Within St Andrews town | Varies by season | Boutique hotel, wine-focused |
| Other nearby hotels | Varies | Walking distance to Old Course | Varies | Options for different budgets |
Who Owns the Old Course Hotel in St Andrews?
The ownership structure of the Old Course Hotel is not publicly confirmed in the verified inputs available for this article. Wikipedia maintains a page for the property, but it does not state the current owner. The hotel is described as privately owned, though no specific ownership entity has been verified from primary or secondary sources in this research.
What is clear from the research is that the property operates as a standalone luxury hotel with its own branding, website (oldcoursehotel.co.uk), and management structure. Luxury Lifestyle Magazine notes that the hotel originally opened in 1968, suggesting a long operational history in St Andrews.
The catch: If ownership transparency matters to you—for example, if you prefer staying at chain-affiliated properties with publicly disclosed corporate structures—the Old Course Hotel’s private ownership means this information is not readily available through public sources.
Is the Old Course Hotel in St Andrews Closing?
Yes. The Old Course Hotel shut its doors for a major renovation in 2025, with plans to reopen in 2026. This closure was reported through the hotel’s official social media presence and corroborated by multiple travel industry sources.
This renovation marks a significant moment for the property. The most recent prior remodel occurred in 2021, when the hotel was updated as a luxury, eco-certified establishment. The 2025-2026 closure represents a more substantial closure, likely involving deeper upgrades to guestrooms, public spaces, or facilities.
The closure has practical implications for travelers planning trips to St Andrews. Alternative accommodations become essential for visitors who had planned to stay at this particular property during the closure period. Nearby options include Hotel du Vin St Andrews and other hotels within walking distance of the Old Course.
What to watch: Once the Old Course Hotel reopens in 2026, expect potentially updated pricing, revised amenity offerings, and new room categories. We recommend checking the official property website directly for reopening announcements and the latest availability.
What Are the Changes to the Old Course at the 2027 Open?
The Old Course at St Andrews is undergoing lengthening modifications ahead of the 2027 Open Championship. According to BBC reporting, these changes are designed to increase challenge for professional competitors while maintaining the course’s historic character.
The 2027 Open will mark one of the most significant editions in the tournament’s history at St Andrews. The lengthening work affects certain holes to raise difficulty levels, reflecting a broader trend in major championship golf where courses are extended to accommodate advances in equipment and player athleticism.
For visitors planning to experience the Old Course in 2027 or beyond, these modifications mean the course layout will differ from previous years. Tee boxes and fairway configurations may shift on specific holes. The golf shop and caddie services will likely provide updated course guides reflecting the new configuration.
The implication: If your St Andrews visit centers on experiencing the Old Course as played by professionals, 2027 represents a unique window—the Open will be contested on a newly configured course. For regular visitors, the lengthening changes add fresh relevance to a familiar layout.
Where Is Breakfast Served at the Old Course Hotel?
The Old Course Hotel operates multiple dining venues where breakfast is served. Booking.com lists multiple on-site restaurants including the Road Hole Restaurant, Swilcan Loft, Hams Hame, and The Jigger Inn, though the specific breakfast service locations and hours require verification from the official property website.
Full breakfast at the property is charged at approximately £30 per person according to Expedia. This represents a notable addition to nightly room rates—a couple dining together for breakfast each morning adds roughly £60 daily to their stay cost, effectively increasing daily spend by approximately 20% or more depending on room rate.
Standard check-in at the Old Course Hotel runs from 16:00 (4:00 PM) and check-out until 12:00 (noon) per Booking.com, though Kayak lists check-in from 15:00 (3:00 PM), suggesting policies may vary by booking channel or have recently changed.
Why this matters: The breakfast sub-score of 8.7 on Booking.com indicates guests generally rate the breakfast offering positively. However, at £30 per person, it is worth confirming exact service times and venues directly with the hotel upon booking or arrival.
How Much Is a Wedding at the Old Course Hotel St Andrews?
Wedding packages are available at the Old Course Hotel, as confirmed by the hotel’s official site. Specific pricing for wedding packages is not published in the inputs available for this article.
Luxury Lifestyle Magazine reports that the hotel offers high-end golf packages with prices starting from around £13,100, signaling an emphasis on ultra-premium experiences. While this figure relates to golf packages rather than weddings specifically, it illustrates the pricing tier at which the hotel operates for comprehensive experience packages.
The hotel’s location—with its direct views over the Old Course and the Fife coastline—makes it a distinctive venue for wedding celebrations. The property’s 175 bedrooms including suites and a penthouse suggest capacity for accommodating wedding guests on-site.
Wedding Packages Overview
For current wedding package pricing and options, the official property website remains the most authoritative source. Given the hotel’s closure for renovation through 2025-2026, couples should verify which wedding services are available for booking in 2026 and beyond.
The trade-off: A venue with the Old Course Hotel’s prestige and location commands premium pricing. Couples should request detailed proposals directly from the events team, comparing inclusions, minimum spends, and seasonal variations before committing.
Can You Walk Around the Old Course at St Andrews?
The Old Course at St Andrews is a public links golf course, and walking is permitted outside of play hours. This accessibility is one of the distinctive features that sets St Andrews apart from many other championship courses around the world.
Non-golfers can walk the fairways, experience the famous Swilcan Bridge, and soak in the atmosphere of the sport’s most iconic venue without paying green fees or booking tee times. The walking policy typically allows access when the course is not scheduled for play, though specific hours and any restrictions should be confirmed with the St Andrews Links Trust.
For guests staying at the Old Course Hotel, this accessibility represents a significant amenity. Waking up and walking the first fairway before golfers tee off—or enjoying an evening stroll as the course empties—offers experiences unavailable at most championship venues.
The bottom line: The ability to walk the Old Course free of charge is a major draw for non-golfing companions of visiting players. Combine this with the hotel’s course-side location, and you have a stay that offers both golfing access and free cultural experiences.
Old Course Hotel Timeline
Old Course Hotel: Pros and Cons
Advantages
- Unmatched location directly beside the Old Course first fairway
- 5-star luxury facilities including Kohler Waters Spa
- Multiple on-site dining options
- Free Wi-Fi and parking
- Strong guest ratings (9.1/10 on Booking.com, 4.5/5 on Tripadvisor)
- Historic property with recent renovations
Disadvantages
- Currently closed for renovation until 2026
- Premium pricing above mainstream four-star properties
- Breakfast (£30/person) and spa (£40/person) add significantly to total cost
- Ownership not publicly disclosed
- Check-in times vary by booking channel
Old Course Hotel Price Range
Entry-level Eden Rooms start from approximately £306 per night for double occupancy, according to Luxury Lifestyle Magazine. Tablet Hotels lists starting prices around US$428.40, while Kayak reports recent booking ranges between roughly US$645 and US$1,023 per night.
Remember to add approximately £30 per person for breakfast and £40 per person for spa water access to calculate true daily cost.
Location and Getting There
The Old Course Hotel is located at Old Station Road, St Andrews, Scotland, KY16 9SP, United Kingdom. The property sits directly beside the Old Course’s first fairway, offering immediate access to one of golf’s most storied venues.
By car, St Andrews is approximately 90 minutes from Edinburgh. From Edinburgh, take the A92 toward Dundee, then follow signs to St Andrews. The hotel offers free on-site parking for guests.
By train, the nearest railway station is Leuchars (approximately 7 miles away), which connects to Edinburgh and the broader UK rail network. From Leuchars, taxi or bus service to St Andrews adds approximately 15-20 minutes.
By air, Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is the most convenient option, approximately 75 miles from St Andrews. Dundee Airport (DND) offers limited commercial service. Glasgow Airport (GLA) is also accessible but adds driving distance.
Alternative Accommodation Options
Given the Old Course Hotel’s closure through 2025-2026, travelers to St Andrews have several alternatives:
Hotel du Vin St Andrews
This boutique property offers a different aesthetic from the Old Course Hotel—wine-focused atmosphere, typically smaller scale, and four-star rather than five-star positioning. It represents a mid-range alternative for visitors prioritizing character and value over absolute luxury.
Other Nearby Hotels
Tripadvisor’s top 10 closest hotels list to the Old Course includes multiple options across different price points. These range from independent guesthouses to established chains, offering varied experiences depending on budget and preference.
For Golf Travelers Specifically
The Glasgow Westerwood Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort provides another Scottish option combining luxury hotel, spa, and golf resort—useful for travelers expanding their Scotland golf itinerary beyond St Andrews.
For Luxury Seekers in Fife
The Fife Arms Hotel in the Scottish Highlands offers an alternative luxury experience, and shares geographic relevance through its Fife naming.
Our Recommendation
For golf travelers and luxury seekers planning a St Andrews visit in 2026 and beyond, the Old Course Hotel remains the definitive choice for experiencing golf’s spiritual home. Its unmatched location, five-star facilities, and established reputation justify premium pricing—even accounting for additional breakfast and spa costs.
However, the 2025-2026 closure means forward planning is essential. Consider alternatives like Hotel du Vin for boutique character, or the Glasgow Westerwood for a comparable golf-resort experience in Scotland during the transition period.
For wedding planners, the Old Course Hotel’s location and facilities make it worth investigating for 2026+ celebrations, though specific pricing requires direct inquiry with the events team.
“In the heart of historic St Andrews, overlooking the legendary golf course and the stunning Fife coast, the Old Course Hotel is recognised as one of Europe’s leading luxury hotels.”
– Old Course Hotel official description, Hotel marketing/official site
“One of Europe’s most prestigious hotels, you can’t miss the Old Course Hotel as you drive into St Andrews.”
– Luxury Lifestyle Magazine reviewer, Travel and lifestyle journalist
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Old Course Hotel the same as the Old Course?
No. The Old Course is the golf course operated by St Andrews Links Trust. The Old Course Hotel is a separate five-star luxury hotel located beside the first fairway of the Old Course.
Does the Old Course Hotel have a spa?
Yes. The Kohler Waters Spa offers aromatherapy and hydrotherapy facilities. Access to the water spa area costs approximately £40 per person for a three-hour session between 10:00 and 19:00, per Expedia. Guests aged 16 and older have complimentary access from 7–10 AM and 7–9 PM.
What is the address of the Old Course Hotel?
Old Course Hotel, Old Station Road, St Andrews, Scotland, KY16 9SP, United Kingdom, according to the official property website.
Does the Old Course Hotel offer wedding packages?
Yes. Wedding packages are available at the Old Course Hotel, as confirmed by the hotel’s official site. Specific pricing varies and couples should request detailed proposals directly from the events team.
Is the Old Course Hotel pet-friendly?
Pet policies should be confirmed directly with the hotel at the time of booking, as policies may vary or have changed.
How far is the Old Course Hotel from the airport?
Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is approximately 75 miles from St Andrews, roughly 90 minutes by car. Dundee Airport (DND) is closer but has limited commercial service.
Does the Old Course Hotel offer golf packages?
Yes. Luxury Lifestyle Magazine reports premium golf packages starting from around £13,100, indicating comprehensive golf experience offerings beyond standard room bookings.
When will the Old Course Hotel reopen after renovation?
The hotel is scheduled to reopen in 2026 following its 2025 closure for major renovation.