When Marine & Lawn reimagined Rusacks St. Andrews in 2021, the hotelier was tasked with preserving 135 years of history, while offering all of the amenities modern travelers desire.
Previously known as the Marine Hotel, Rusacks Marine Hotel, and, from 2001 to 2019, Macdonald Rusacks Hotel, the building that now houses Rusacks St. Andrews originally opened to the public in 1887.
Today, it boasts 114 guest rooms, with sweeping view of the Atlantic Ocean, located just steps from the storied St. Andrews Links Old Course.
The hotel is located in the heart of St. Andrews. Guests are within easy walking distance of popular bars and restaurants like The Dunvegan and local watering hole Keys Bar, where regulars told me Jordan Spieth stops for a pint when he's in town.
If you're a golf fan, there's something particularly special about visiting the historic "Home of Golf," strolling the same streets where Old Tom Morris, Bobby Jones, and countless others have walked.
And, there's nowhere better to enjoy this legendary town than from the comfort of Rusacks St. Andrews.
The Common Areas
The aesthetic of the lobby at Rusacks St. Andrews speaks for itself.
It's everything a Scottish golf resort should be, with leather-bound books lining the shelves, golf-inspired artwork over the fireplace, and furniture that would look right at home in any manor house.
Gorgeous artwork can be found at every turn in the common areas of the hotel -- this hunting dog gallery wall was one of my favorite curates.
Just off the lobby, guests can also enjoy The Gallery, a private space just for those staying at Rusacks St. Andrews. One of the highlights of this room is the snooker table.
The Guest Rooms
The guest rooms at Rusacks St. Andrews feature a similar aesthetic to the lobby, with carved wood headboards, velvet bedding, plaid carpeting, and traditional wallpaper.
The rooms have standard amenities, including a (very fairly priced) minibar, a hairdryer, and a Nespresso coffee maker. You'll also find Marine & Lawn exclusives, like branded bottles of sparkling and still water.
My favorite hidden treat was a tray with s'mores-inspired chocolates -- bon appetit!
We stayed in a Rusacks King room but numerous other room types -- including Rusacks Suites and the Links Townhouse -- are available.
A note that King rooms like ours are situated at the front of the hotel, so they do not have golf course views. If that is a priority for your party, the hotel staff will be happy to assist you in choosing the right room type.
The Dining
There are three onsite dining options at Rusacks St. Andrews.
18
18 is the hotel's fine dining restaurant. Situated on the fourth floor of the hotel, visitors can enjoy views of the legendary Old Course while sipping cocktails during the day or enjoying dinner at night.
A complete review of 18 can be found here.
The Bridge
The Bridge is a Mediterranean-influenced restaurant inspired by Italy and the French Riviera. Guests of the hotel enjoy complimentary breakfast daily, with lunch and dinner menus also available.
A complete review of The Bridge can be found here.
One Under Bar
One Under Bar (cute, right?) is located in the basement of Rusacks St. Andrews. This cozy, casual space filled with golf memorabilia is perfect for a nightcap after a twilight round or for an afternoon pint following a morning tee time.
Rusacks' own Scottish pub boasts an extensive selection of whiskies and beers, along with gastro pub fare.
The Golf
For many Rusacks St. Andrews visitors, the proximity to all seven St. Andrews Links golf courses -- the Old Course, the Jubilee Course, the Castle Course, the New Course, the Eden Course, the Strathtyrum Course, and the Balgrove Course -- is a major draw.
If you choose to stay here, you will be literal steps from some of the greatest golf in the world. I can personally attest that there's nothing quite like watching the sun rise over the Old Course with Atlantic waves crashing in the background.
You'll also be a short walk from the St. Andrews Links Clubhouse.
Inside, you can shop, dine, and take in the scenery thanks to panoramic windows.
To request a tee time at any St. Andrews Links course, click here.
Our stay at Rusacks St. Andrews was one of the highlights of our latest trip to Scotland.
I can't wait to return -- maybe we'll see you there.
Have you ever visited a Marine & Lawn property?
P.S. As always, I love to hear from you on Instagram, @_rebekahbarton
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