Choosing a golf hotel in St Andrews means weighing location, price, and course access. This guide compares four top properties using verified rates, review scores, and official policies—so you can decide which base suits your trip. We draw on data from hotel booking sites, the St Andrews Links Trust, and specialist golf travel operators.
Last checked: 2026-07-13
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Cheapest Nightly Rate (Tripadvisor): £97 · Top-Rated Hotel Price Range: €525-€966 (Old Course Hotel) · Number of Best Hotels Listed: 10 (Tripadvisor 2026) · Golf Courses On-Site Available: At Fairmont St Andrews (2 courses)
How we researched this guide
Last checked: 2026-07-13.
Sources reviewed: official property websites, Expedia, Hotels.com, Travelocity, Trip.com, Groupia Golf, St Andrews University student golf guidelines, Golf Business News, About St Andrews, and Tripadvisor.
We did not conduct on‑site inspections, verify real‑time pricing, or interview hotel staff. All prices and ratings are snapshots from the dates listed.
St Andrews golf hotels at a glance
- Sample nightly rates in July: US$368 (US$442 total) and US$564 (US$676 total) (Hotels.com)
- One‑night stay for two adults on 28 March 2026 from £711 including taxes and fees (Expedia UK)
- Old Course Hotel full breakfast £30 per person; spa facilities fee £40 per person (Travelocity)
| Data point | Value |
|---|---|
| Cheapest nightly rate (Tripadvisor 2026 list) | £97 |
| Top‑rated hotel price range (Old Course Hotel) | €525–€966 per night (Tripadvisor 2026) |
| Number of best hotels listed | 10 (Tripadvisor 2026) |
| Golf courses on‑site available | At Fairmont St Andrews (2 courses) |
| Old Course Hotel – TripAdvior rating | 4.6/5 (approx. 2,300 reviews) |
| Rusacks St Andrews – Hotels.com rating | 9.4–9.6/10 (Exceptional) |
Where is the best place to stay in St Andrews?
Three hotels consistently top the research lists for golf travellers: Old Course Hotel, Rusacks St Andrews, and Fairmont St Andrews. Each offers a different trade‑off between location, price, and on‑site golf.
Old Course Hotel: luxury overlooking the course
Sitting directly beside the Old Course, this 175‑room property earned a 4.6/5 guest rating on Tripadvisor from about 2,300 reviews. Guests highlight its elegant atmosphere and prime position but note that the experience “very pricey but worth every penny” (Tripadvisor). Nightly rates for July dates are reported from US$368 to US$564. Expect extra charges: full breakfast £30 per person and spa facilities £40 per person. A late check‑out fee may also apply (Expedia Canada).
Rusacks St Andrews: a historic golf hotel
This 5‑star property overlooks the Old Course and West Sands. Hotels.com rates it 9.4–9.6/10 (Exceptional) from about 1,000 reviews, with frequent praise for breakfast and dining options (Hotels.com). A one‑night stay for two adults on 28 May 2026 was listed at £711 total. Priceline reviewers note that the price felt fair given the location directly overlooking the course.
Fairmont St Andrews: two golf courses and spa
Located a short drive from the town centre, this 5‑star resort offers its own Kittocks and Torrance courses. Groupia Golf markets a 2‑night package with bed & breakfast plus two rounds from £350 per person, or £449 with spa access and a 30‑minute treatment (Groupia Golf). The value proposition targets golf groups rather than individual luxury travellers.
| Hotel | Nightly rate (from sources) | Location | Golf access | Unique features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Course Hotel | US$368–US$564 (Hotels.com); £485–£966 (Tripadvisor) | Overlooking Old Course, heart of historic St Andrews | Walking distance to Old Course, New Course, others | 175 rooms, spa, breakfast £30, spa fee £40 |
| Rusacks St Andrews | From £711 (Expedia UK); from approx. US$328–US$379 (Hotels.com) | Overlooking Old Course and West Sands | Same as Old Course Hotel | Historic building, strong dining, 5‑star |
| Fairmont St Andrews | Packages from £350 per person (2‑night, 2 rounds) (Groupia Golf) | 2 miles from centre, on‑site resort | Two on‑site courses (Kittocks & Torrance) | Golf+spa packages, 5‑star, spa treatments |
Best for segments
- Golf enthusiasts: Old Course Hotel – direct course access and walking distance to the Old Course.
- Luxury travellers: Rusacks St Andrews or Old Course Hotel – both 5‑star with exceptional reviews.
- Budget‑conscious travellers: Fairmont St Andrews packages offer the lowest per‑person rates when bundling golf.
- Couples: Rusacks St Andrews for its romantic views and dining; Fairmont for all‑inclusive spa breaks.
How much does it cost to play golf in St Andrews?
Green fees at the St Andrews Links Trust’s five 18‑hole courses (Old, New, Jubilee, Eden, Strathtyrum) vary by season. Student guidelines published by the University of St Andrews provide a clear baseline: the Old Course single‑round fee for full‑time students is £80 in high season, £56 in shoulder season, and £40 in low season (University of St Andrews). Public rates are higher, but these numbers confirm the seasonal structure. The New and Jubilee courses are discounted to £35 high season for students; the Castle Course £43; Eden £18; Strathtyrum £13; Balgove £4. About St Andrews explains that high, shoulder, and low seasons control pricing across all courses (About St Andrews).
Fairmont St Andrews packages bundle accommodation and green fees for its own courses, offering predictability: the 2‑night, 2‑round package from £350 per person works out to about £175 per night including golf (Groupia Golf). That can undercut staying in town and paying per‑round separately.
How to get a tee time at the Old Course at St. Andrews
- Online balloting: The St Andrews Links Trust operates a ballot system. Enter your preferred date online up to 48 hours before play. Allocation is random.
- Advanced reservations: For guaranteed tee times, book months ahead through the Links Trust website. The ballot is the fallback.
- Stay‑and‑play packages: Hotels like Old Course Hotel and Rusacks can arrange preferred access as part of a booking. Ask the concierge.
- Last‑minute: Check daily availability at the Links Trust office in St Andrews. Singles and twosomes sometimes fill gaps.
Scotland golf guides generally advise planning at least six months ahead for peak season. The ballot remains the most democratic route for visitors not staying at a partner hotel.
What is the best month to play St Andrews?
According to St Andrews Golf Vacation FAQs published by Golfbreaks, the shoulder seasons of spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are reported to offer the best combination of moderate weather, lighter crowds, and lower green fees. The student rate schedule confirms that low‑season rates apply outside the high‑season summer months. In high season (June–August), both hotel rates and green fees peak, and course availability tightens. For budget‑focused travellers, late April or early October can yield significant savings.
Sample itinerary for a first‑time visitor (3 nights, 2 rounds)
- Day 1: Arrive, check into hotel (e.g., Fairmont St Andrews to settle in with resort amenities). Afternoon practice at the Kittocks or Torrance course.
- Day 2: Morning round on the New Course (easy walk from Old Course Hotel area). Afternoon explore St Andrews town.
- Day 3: Old Course round via ballot or pre‑booked tee time. Evening dinner at Rusacks or Old Course Hotel restaurant.
- Day 4: Depart.
Total estimated cost for this itinerary (excluding flights): hotel (3 nights) + green fees (2 rounds) + meals ≈ £600–£1,200 per person depending on property and season.
Who owns the Old Course Hotel?
Golf Business News reported in September 2025 that Swilken Holdings acquired the Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa for an undisclosed price believed to be in the region of £35 million (Golf Business News). The sale marked a change in ownership for the landmark property. The hotel remains operated as a 5‑star resort under its original brand, with the new owner signalling continued investment.
Our pick: first‑time visitors and golfers
Based on verified pricing, location, and guest feedback, the Old Course Hotel offers the strongest combination of course access and iconic setting for first‑time visitors and serious golfers. For travellers seeking bundled value, the Fairmont St Andrews packages provide the lowest per‑person cost for an on‑site experience. Rusacks St Andrews is the best choice for couples or luxury‑focused travellers who prioritise dining and historic character.
Frequently asked questions about St Andrews golf hotels
What is the price range for the Old Course Hotel?
According to Tripadvisor and Hotels.com, nightly rates at the Old Course Hotel typically range from approximately €525 to €966.
How many guestrooms does the Old Course Hotel have?
Official sources list the Old Course Hotel as having 175 guestrooms, suites, and a penthouse.
What two golf courses are available at the Fairmont St Andrews?
The Fairmont St Andrews offers two on-site championship courses: the Kittocks and the Torrance.
What is the cheapest nightly rate for a hotel in St Andrews, according to Tripadvisor?
The lowest nightly rate among the 10 best St Andrews hotels listed on Tripadvisor in 2026 is £97.
What is the location of the Old Course Hotel?
The Old Course Hotel is positioned directly overlooking the Old Course and the Fife coast in the heart of historic St Andrews.