Krista the Explorer

Rufflets Hotel: A Must-Stay Luxury Hotel in St Andrews, Scotland

Updated: Nov 3, 2021

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St Andrews is a home away from home for me. Having lived there for five years, four of them while at university, I know pretty much every inch of the town. I was really excited to visit again, even if it was just for one night. There are lots of hotels and B&B's within the town itself, but I knew from reputation that Rufflets was in a world of its own. The family owned hotel is located just outside of the town itself, nestled in the charming Scottish countryside. It was honestly like staying in a private oasis. From the moment we stepped into the hotel we were greeted with smiles, and having checked-in, we were personally shown to our room and given some information about the room itself. We stayed in one of two turret rooms, which has a seating area overlooking the gardens. Rufflets has so many awards for both the hotel and restaurant, that it would probably take another post to explain them all to you, which is why it's one of the best places to stay in Scotland.

If you're looking for somewhere to eat, you don't need to venture into town. Season Restaurant holds two AA Rosettes, and they produce fresh products right from their garden. The breakfast is also to die for. There are lots of options and they are more than accommodating if you have any dietary requirements. When we arrived the dining area was bursting with people enjoying their afternoon tea as well. If you fancy a drink, the bar awaits and you can sit anywhere you like within, or outwith, the hotel. Rufflets is a hub of activity throughout the day, which shows just how much the hotel has to offer, and how happy people are to retreat to it. So, if you're visiting St Andrews for its golf appeal, or just exploring everything else the town has to offer, treat yourself to one of Scotland's best luxury hotels. Here are some of my photos from our stay:

Rufflets Hotel St Andrews

Rufflets St Andrews

It's very easy to see why Rufflets Hotel St Andrews is one of the most critically acclaimed country house hotels in Scotland, and why so many people choose to have weddings and other events here. It's simply stunning.

The garden

There are lots of hotels in Fife to choose from, but very few have the luxury that's on offer at Rufflets Hotel. It sits on 10 acres of beautiful gardens, which are lovely to walk around on a nice sunny day. It does rain in St Andrews quite a bit, so we were lucky with the weather this time around.

Seating area

There are a couple of seating areas in the hotel, all luxuriously designed in a traditional Scottish style. There's also a bar where you can grab a little drink which is open most of the day.

Dining room

The dining room is spacious and modern, with large windows letting in a lot of natural light as well. They have an award winning menu, so you'd be silly to miss out on the chance to dine here! Very few accommodations in St Andrews have such a critically acclaimed restaurant inside of them.

Full Scottish breakfast

There are lots of options at breakfast, both continental and hot. You can also build your own Scottish breakfast, which is what I did. We sat next to one of the large windows so had an excellent view of the beautiful gardens outside.

View of the bedroom

Let's take a minute to appreciate how beautiful this room is. We were placed in one of two Turret rooms (room 11), which is known for being a famous golfer's favourite room in Rufflets Hotel. Just one look at the room and it's not hard to see why.

Garden view

We had a lovely view of the gardens from our hotel room, and there were various magazines available to read about the area too. There was also a set of binoculars provided for you to bird watch from the window or balcony.

Bedroom

The king sized bed was so comfortable I struggled to get out of it in the morning. There are slippers in the wardrobe for you to unwind in, and a second TV for you to watch from the bed. The white and silver wallpaper is meant to set off the dark purple tones of the bedding and the traditional furniture. The headboard was actually made from the top of an antique dresser which is a unique feature to the room.

Tea and coffee selection

Tea and coffee is available in the room, hidden away in a cupboard behind the door. You can ask for fresh milk to be brought to your room also, and inside the tin is some delicious homemade shortbread. If that isn't peak luxury accommodation in Scotland then I don't know what is.

Bathroom

How amazing is this bathroom?! As well as the deep bathtub, there's a very powerful shower in the corner too. Everything was spotlessly clean and there were lots of towels and other amenities for you to use.

Beauty products

Only the best, naturally. You can buy the products at the reception, and if you want to try to take them in your suitcase you'll be charged for them anyways, so don't bother. I definitely used my fair share of these products.

Balcony

Oh yes, there's a balcony too. If the weather is nice you can sit out and enjoy the sunshine and the views of the garden from your own private balcony.

King sized bed

There's a turn-down service every evening, which is a lovely added touch. Honestly, the bed was the most comfortable bed ever. You won't get a better nights sleep in St Andrews. There was free WiFi available for you to use too, as well as a speaker system for your phone.

Rufus the teddy bear

You can buy Rufus at reception as well if you become attached to him. He's actually used for the turn-down service. If you don't want the service, all you have to do is sit him outside your room - aww. Usually you're just given something to hang on the door, but this is something unique to Rufflets Hotel and it's very cute.

Driveway to the hotel

Rufflets Hotel St Andrews is beautiful from every angle. You can't say it's a luxury hotel without a long driveway though! There is free parking available onsite, and it's only a few minutes drive from the famous golf courses that St Andrews is perhaps most well known for (besides the university of course). Who doesn't love a good Scottish country house anyways?

Whether you're visiting St Andrews for a round of golf, to explore its historic sites, or for a romantic weekend away, you shouldn't pass up the opportunity to treat yourself to a luxury hotel stay in Scotland. You'll find yourself pampered at every turn and won't find a nicer hotel to stay at in the Kingdom of Fife.

>> Click here for the most up to date prices at Rufflets Hotel St Andrews <<

If you need some tips on things to do in St Andrews, here is 24 Things To Do in St Andrews, Scotland. The Fife Coastal Path is a popular outdoor activity in the area too which I would recommend if you like to go walking. And if you're thinking about visiting some Scottish castles, here are my recommendations on the best ones to visit and how you can save money doing that.

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