It’s the 58th birthday of the five-star St Andrews institution that is the luxurious Old Course Hotel.
Thus, it’s time that this 175 bedroom destination, which is now owned by Kohler Co and opened back in 1968, had something of a refresh.
As part of an ongoing series of tweaks, which included the addition of a new Kohler Waters Spa last year, they’ve now updated various bedrooms including the Penthouse and Royal & Ancient suites, communal areas including the Lobby, and added a few new attractions.
These include two new refreshed shops and a cafe, Herbs, where, among other things, they serve rather exotic sounding rose vanilla or coconut collagen lattes.
We asked general manager, Phyllis Wilkie, to tell us more about the new look.
Why the changes at the Old Course Hotel?
This latest phase of refurbishment is part of our ongoing commitment to evolving the guest experience, while honouring the heritage that makes the Old Course Hotel so special. As a five-star resort overlooking one of the most iconic golf courses in the world, we want every touchpoint from arrival to departure to feel elevated, contemporary and thoughtful. These new changes are designed to enhance comfort and design while reflecting the natural beauty and sense of place that defines St Andrews.
What can guests expect?
A more refined and immersive experience from the moment they arrive. The upgraded lobby creates a stronger sense of arrival, now more in keeping with the elegant modern design of the rest of the property. Refreshed suites and upgraded communal spaces offer enhanced comfort and style. Alongside the physical changes, we’re also expanding our lifestyle offering, with a brand new coffee shop, Herbs, offering a fun but elegant new dining spot, a curated retail space in the Emporium, and a refurbished Pro Shop that highlights premium golf apparel and equipment.
Tell us more about the new coffee shop
It’s a European-inspired coffee shop in a stand alone space just outside our front doors, designed as a welcoming, relaxed area for both our guests and the local community to enjoy. It offers everything from classic coffees and freshly baked pastries to more wellness-focused options like smoothies, functional drinks and lighter, nutritious meals. It’s very much about flexibility and lifestyle with both a sit in space and a takeaway hatch, so whether you’re grabbing something before a round of golf or meeting friends for a coffee and a chat, Herbs is the place to go. We’ll also be using the space for some exciting new events and workshops so watch this space.
And the Emporium?
It’s our new boutique space just off the lobby, designed to offer a curated retail experience that feels both personal and reflective of the destination - it’s where guests will go to grab thoughtful unique keepsakes of their stay. We’ve worked with premium Scottish brands such as ANTA Scotland and Laura Thomas to create some beautiful bespoke items just for our guests that showcase craftsmanship, alongside luxury gifts and travel essentials. The Emporium is all about giving guests the opportunity to take a piece of their St Andrews experience home with them and making sure they have everything they need to enjoy their visit while they’re here.
Who has been working on the overall look?
We’ve worked closely with leading interior design studio Richmond International on the lobby, alongside architectural practice Unwin Jones Partnership on spaces such as The Emporium and Pro Shop. It’s been a collaborative process to ensure every element feels consistent and considered.
What was the brief?
To create spaces that feel timeless, welcoming and reflective of St Andrews’ unique setting on the coast. We wanted a balance between modern luxury and understated elegance, with an emphasis on comfort and serenity. There was also a strong focus on creating a sense of journey, particularly in the lobby, so that arrival feels like a memorable and distinctive moment that’s cohesive with the rest of the visit.
What inspired the palette?
The palette is very much inspired by the natural landscape around us - the rich greens of the course and the coastline, the muted blues of sea, the soft golden sands and the changing light in St Andrews. You’ll see soft, muted tones combined with textured materials and warm finishes, which create a calming, layered and inviting atmosphere that continues through the windows and into our surroundings.
Were there any snags when making the changes?
As with any refurbishment in a live hotel environment, there are always logistical challenges, particularly when you’re balancing ongoing guest experience with construction work. However, careful planning and phasing during our quieter winter period allowed us to carry out the upgrades with minimal disruption, and we’re very proud of how smoothly the process has been delivered.
Are there any other upgrades in the pipeline?
This renovation is very much part of a wider, ongoing investment programme. In recent years we’ve refreshed our dining spaces, added our rooftop deck and reopened our Kohler Waters Spa after a full renovation, and we’ll continue to look at ways to enhance both our physical offering and our guest experiences. That includes evolving our events calendar, with a vibrant programme of wellness and culinary events throughout the year including seasonal pillars like our Chef Series dinners or curated retreats, in addition to champagne brunch picnics, and yoga and mindfulness workshops with respected industry experts.
For more information, see www.oldcoursehotel.co.uk
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