The ‘kingdom’ of Fife, on Scotland's sunnier east coast, is a smart destination either for a short break or a leisurely holiday. Enjoy miles of sandy beaches, charming East Neuk fishing villages and explore the thriving seaside town of St. Andrews. This historic cathedral city is a wonderful place, full of heritage and the shadows of the past, yet rich in activities and energy. For golfers worldwide it's the Mecca of the game and although this hotel does not own a course it has the game in its very name and overlooks the prestigious links. The famous Old Course has played host to the world's best players at many Open championships.

Prince William chose the royal and ancient town for his studies at the country’s oldest university. The town also has the evocative ruins of a very grand cathedral and a castle high on a cliff top. With its impressive West Sands beach, aquarium (close to this hotel), great shopping, art galleries, cinema and a vibrant local theatre, The Byre, St. Andrews is a rewarding place to visit… even if you don’t play golf. There's an exceptional range of accommodation here, from 5-star golf and spa resorts to small guest houses.

But one of the very best places to stay currently is this stylish hotel set on a promenade street a stone’s throw from the sea – indeed, it’s a hotel this Guide strongly tips this season. The St. Andrews Golf Hotel has had a major 2007 facelift, converting the traditional Victorian townhouse into a city-style designer boutique hotel. News In early 2008 the hotel has been acquired by prestigious group Hotel du Vin and will be rebranded and further enhanced this year: more on that as soon as we have it.

The hotel sits high above the impressive West Sands and St. Andrews Bay – famed for the beach running sequence in the film Chariots of Fire. Enter by a flight of stairs from a street called The Scores. Why so called we can't say but in the distance golfers might just be heard moaning and whining about their scores, racked up perhaps on the challenging Old Course itself.

There’s free car parking opposite the hotel. Enter up these newly-polished stone steps and come into a welcoming Reception area. To the right of reception the formerly rather old-fashioned bar has been completely transformed into a light, glamorous cocktail lounge with comfy sofas and a restful, contemporary style you’ll see elsewhere in the ‘new-look’. Through Number Forty Bar's French doors you can walk out to the pretty Garden Terrace. At the front of the hotel is the inviting Number Forty Restaurant where there's top notch food to match the chic, sassy surroundings… and a bay view guests adore. A sense of tradition is still evident, of course, with the building retaining classic architectural features. You’ll still see portraits of famous golfers, attractive local landscapes and still life paintings by Scottish artists.

As well as the enhanced restaurant and bar, there’s a cosy Lounge with bay window and (in complete contrast) the funky basement bar Ma Bells, popular with local students, serving good pub food in a laid back, casual atmosphere. Overall, the hotel is large enough to provide full facilties, yet is small enough to offer personal service. We thought the attention to detail very good indeed.

The 22 bedrooms and suites are found throughout the tall townhouse. There is a lift, small, but it gets you there. Choose from lovely Junior Suites, Superior Bay View or Town or Garden View and Classic Rooms or the unique 4-bedroom Suites (Penthouse, Vardon and Jubilee) with their central private lounge with big plasma TV and stocked fridge – 100% perfect for golfing groups. Book a front-facing room, especially one on an upper level, leave your window open... and soak up the sounds of the bay.

Rooms come in all shapes and sizes, in a very attractive classic or contemporary design with twin or double beds. All rooms offer bathrobes and Molton Brown toiletries in large dispensers rather than fiddly wee bottles or hard-to-unwrap toy-size soap. Room 27 for instance is a 3rd floor Superior Room with an extra sofa bed, ideal for a family, with a corner view overlooking the Old Course. Room 2 is a Classic Room, a twin with garden views and attractive brown and cream check fabrics. Room 17, a single, is decorated in red and crimson with en-suite shower room. Room 8 is the Accessible Room, with roll-in shower, suitable for wheelchair-using guests.

One of the best rooms must be the Bobby Jones Suite. On the first floor, it has a magnificent bay window with panoramic views of the beach and bay. A huge, sumptuously soft sofa at the window is the perfect place to sit, drinking in that scene. There’s a table and two smart chairs for in-room dining. The new interior design creates a fresh, classy and contemporary look featuring bold terracotta and crimson striped curtains, coordinating with an orange throw and flowery cushions on the king size bed with smart red and black headboard. Enjoy a flat screen TV, a tea / coffee hospitality tray, apples and biscuits. There’s no mini-bar but you can order from room service. It’s the bathroom that’s the highlight… a big, central roll-top bath faces the window and the bathing is simply fabulous, darling. If in a dash, there’s also a separate walk in power shower.

Start your evening in glamorous style in Number Forty Bar. Outside, the terrace has a row of palm trees, proving it’s a real sun trap. The bar is an all day venue... from morning coffee or lunch to evening drinks. Try from perhaps the best cocktails in town and be served by James and his team – informed, friendly service. Sit comfortably on camel-coloured suede sofas and chairs while above you a glittering chandelier lights up the room with its large portraits of famous golfers. The soundtrack? Soft Latin salsa rhythms.

The hotel's Number Forty Restaurant, with panelled walls and brown leather banquette seating, is a destination dining room in its own right. Tables are set with white linen, sparkling glasses, a vase with single flower stem. Head chef Craig Hart, formerly at a 5-star hotel, and his brigade have created an exciting, fresh and modern Scottish menu, complemented by a few perennial favourites for the traditional palate. Produce is sourced locally, with lobster and langoustines from Pittenweem on the coast. The menu changes regularly for seasonal variety. Start perhaps with a beautifully presented Platter of Roast Scallops with Baby Asparagus, or Carpaccio of Venison with Wild Rocket Salad. Mains offer a tempting list of fish, meat and vegetarian dishes. Perhaps Pan Fried Halibut, or Loin of Spring Lamb or Sirloin Steak from the grill. For pudding, highly recommended is the imaginative Trio of Coffee Desserts – tiny portions of chocolate tarte, coffee mocha pannacotta and tiramasu ice cream. Alternatively, try local strawberries or platter of Scottish and Irish cheeses.

Scott McLean is the knowledgeable food and beverage manager and he has selected a good wine list, with several house wines under £20. Red wine is invariably decanted. Lunch and afternoon snacks (salads, smoked salmon, club sandwiches) are served in Number Forty Bar from 12 – 6pm. Downstairs, the famous Ma Bells Bar offers good value, delicious pub meals all day (sandwiches, homemade soups, pasta, burgers, chicken and steaks) in a lively, trendy spot. Both bars are very good alternative places to eat within this food-centred hotel.

Smartly suited staff take care of you with attention. Help yourself from a long buffet table of cereals, yoghurt, fresh fruit salad and prunes marinated in earl grey tea spiced with cinnamon. There are pastries and croissants plus a Continental-style platter of cheese and ham. For the main event, an impressive choice of hot speciality dishes are made to order. Start the day with a bowl of traditional porridge served with a berry compôte (recommended). Then perhaps the Golfer's Plate: a Scottish breakfast of egg, bacon, haggis, field mushrooms and tomato or; smoked finnan haddock on onion toast with a poached egg and hollandaise sauce. For something lighter, a smoked salmon omelette is light and fluffy and hits the spot. Add your choice of tea, strong coffee, toast and preserves, and a fine view out to sea. A superb breakfast menu, served with style and a smile.

The hotel has no leisure facilities in-house but there’s plenty on the doorstep. There are more golf courses in and around St. Andrews than anywhere else in Scotland. Hotel staff will be pleased to arrange golf tee times and equipment hire or put together an all inclusive dinner, accommodation and golfing break package for you and your friends. (The Old Course has a handicap requirement of 24 for men and 36 for ladies; there’s a daily ballot for availability drawn for next day's play, except Sundays. 24 hour ahead booking is available on The Jubilee, Eden and Strathtyrum Links courses. The New Course is on a first come basis.) The beautiful West Sands beach, right in front of the hotel, is ideal for a run. Or fly a kite! The cobbled streets of St. Andrews have some great gift and specialist food shops and boutiques. The Kingdom of Fife is certainly a wonderful county to drive around, visit the old fishing villages along the East Neuk coastline – famous for fish and chip shops and art galleries. Above all, the wide-open skies over this sunny corner of Scotland offer fresh sea air and a real get-away-from-it-all feeling.

The hotel provides one of the town’s favourite ballrooms. The Tom Morris Suite, with garden view, is equipped with round tables each seating up to 10 people. This is, of course, highly popular for graduation balls and events - and weddings. It is an ideal location and there’s a dedicated team whose role it is to make this your most wonderful day. Most sizes and styles of weddings can be catered for, and the hotel can also hold the service prior to the reception if desired. Maximum numbers for the wedding breakfast is 172 and for the evening dancing 180. Menus are designed around your requirements and a professional wedding co-ordinator will guide you through the plans.

Vivien Devlin says…
“Location, location, location – the St. Andrews Golf Hotel has it all. A quiet street, right on the seafront promenade, with glorious views from the dining room, lounge and your bedroom window… yet just block away from the town centre. This is such a welcoming, friendly hotel offering chic sleek bedrooms, glamorous cocktail bar, a lively pub and superb destination restaurant. From the moment you arrive to time to say goodbye, staff are enthusiastic and friendly. I was particularly impressed by the high level of service from a young team of professionally-trained staff. This is an ideal size of hotel, balancing traditional and homely hospitality with a contemporary, chic and smart look.”

To follow.

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REVIEW STATUS & MERIT AWARDS This establishment has now been fully reviewed by the Guide and any HotelReviewScotland.com™ Merit Awards will show above, beneath the address details. We also list the latest ratings and gradings for this business from other guides and organisations. One or more of our experienced reviewer team has stayed at this establishment, spent time with the management, and the Guide is receiving reader and industry input from one or all of: online Reader’s Reviews; Comment Postcards; and Voting in The Scottish Hotels of the Year Awards. All entries are carefully monitored. The lead star grading has been awarded by the Scottish Tourist Board / VisitScotland. As the hotel is a Full Member of HotelReview™ Scotland the Look & Book Box™ links are LIVE.

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