What's it like at one of the most famous hotels on St. Andrews' Old Course?

ST. ANDREWS, Scotland – Location, location, location. The Rusacks Hotel benefits from its site, takes inspiration from its position and pays homage to its surroundings. It is quintessentially St. Andrews, one of the most famous locales in all of golf.

A plaque on the wall leading out to the Old Course – with the famous links in the foreground and the West Sands stretching as far as the eye can see in the distance – states that the hotel was built in 1887 and reimagined in 2021. Every step taken through the building – whether it be the original structure or the extension that added bedrooms, suites and the stunning ‘18’ rooftop bar and restaurant – reminds residents of where they are and the history and culture that envelopes the town.Even those with only a casual interest in golf will recognize the portrait of Old Tom Morris that watches over the front door as guests are given a welcoming, attentive check-in at reception. Alongside Old Tom is Allan Robertson, one of the first professionals of the game. Below them, the crackling fire provided a pleasant warmth from the cold, crisp winter air outside.

The sun kissed each hump and hollow on the Links but did not provide heat to those who took advantage of the tradition of no play on a Sunday and ventured out for an afternoon stroll. That was where we were heading soon.

The view from our room on the third floor offered a panoramic perspective of the 1st and 18th from tee to green. To the left, the Old Course Hotel sits proudly on the Road Hole. To the right, the splendor of the Royal and Ancient Clubhouse that watches over all of those who play for fun or for the most cherished prize in the game.

They say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. In the case of The Rusacks, it is in the eye of the designer. There is a sense of the outside coming in when we step through the door of our room on the corner of the extended part of the hotel. The palette of green, gold and brown will not be to the taste of all guests, and neither will the bold blues and rich reds in the corridors. Dark ceilings and walls are given natural light by the windows at the far end of the bedroom, while navy cushions – embossed with a crossed clubs logo similar to that of St. Andrews Links – and burnt orange furniture take the eye away from the patterned wallpaper.

A spacious shower and deep bath, either of which would be most welcome after a day on the course or a walk around the town, were surrounded by the same green and brown color scheme. Some will question the combinations, but you could not query the quality. This is a hotel – from the fine finishings to the friendly faces – that is worthy of its standing and the view from the outdoor seating area at 18, which is accompanied by a small putting green, is worth the room rate alone.

The small details make a big difference. The welcome note was handwritten and personalized rather than generic and juice and crisps were left for our two daughters, as well as a gin from the local Eden Mill distillery for the parents. Later in the evening, a request for a cot was actioned within minutes, as were two subsequent calls to reception for milk to soothe a restless 18-month-old.

When we departed the following afternoon, the four bottles of water that had been placed in our car by the concierge, as well as a tin of branded mints, were an appreciated touch. In isolation, they may seem insignificant, but each act adds up and makes guests feel valued and special. St. Andrews is, after all, a special place for so many, regardless of their status as regulars or first-time visitors.

Those, like us, who have been around these parts for many years will have seen this latest incarnation of The Rusacks come to fruition around the turn of the decade. The original building was requisitioned by the Army during the First World War and used as a barracks during World War II. Over more than a century, it has been pictured by golfers or tourists crossing the Swilcan Bridge an incalculable number of times. It has been struck by wayward tee shots from the 18th on occasion as well, and one pane in The Bridge restaurant had recently suffered that particular fate.

By the time we sat in the bay window for our dinner, the sun had long since set. Even peering out into the darkness, the view is still something to behold. The grandiosity of the R&A was enhanced by the glow of the spotlights and the moon, while a yellow hue radiated from Hamilton Grand, the former hotel that was erected to outshine the Clubhouse in the late nineteenth century.

Old Tom did not watch over us on this occasion. Tiger did, though. The portrait of Woods is one of dozens on display by St. Andrews-born artist and writer Joe Austen and images of the likes of Arnold Palmer, Gary Player and Sandy Lyle adorn the walls of a hotel that is inspired by golf but is not overpowered by it.

Again, there is the feel of the Links and luxury being married together as shades of green, brown and blue surround you. The menu is influenced by a different land and different landscape, though. In this most Scottish of settings, the options have a Mediterranean theme. A couple of hours after being seated, we depart for a game of snooker in the inviting splendor of a room just off the main reception filled and fulfilled and having handed clean plates back to the kitchen with thanks. This was a meal that met all expectations.

The truffle arancini was enjoyed by one. The grilled pizza bread, with a hint of lemon, was widely shared. Indeed, another had to be ordered given how quickly it was passed around the table.The enticing pasta dishes - including Tuscan pork ragu and seafood chitarra – and a handful of pizzas that would normally have got the vote were perhaps harshly overlooked in favor of two chicken Milanese and a grilled sirloin with salsa verde. Both options, perfectly cooked and full of flavor, were accompanied by rosemary salted fries, but the grilled peppers were an addition that proved to be unrequited.

In keeping with the feel of The Bridge, the dessert of choice was baked Basque cheesecake with bramble compote. The six scoops of ice cream that were delivered to my wife and my eldest were shared with the baby. She toddled out more than content with her experience. The same could be said for the rest of us, too.

We returned to the same table hours later for a breakfast that filled us for the day. The pancakes with cream and berries were a particular highlight as rolls and bacon and sausage - with tattie scones, of course - and a full Scottish were brought by staff who were as attentive as those the night before. The sight and sound of our eight-year-old unwittingly and accidentally kicking a pot of jam, which had been thrown overboard by the baby, halfway across the restaurant was a reminder of the perils of holidaying with children, even just for one night.

The day had started with a brisk walk over a handful of holes on the Old Course as the sun rose behind that iconic silhouette of St. Andrews, which The Rusacks has its own rightful place in. Before heading for home, a meander around the town, past the old landmarks and the local favorites, felt like one last chance to chill ahead of the commute and the working week.

The Rusacks does not just hold its own in illustrious company in St. Andrews, it holds a special part of it. It has much more going for it than just its location, location, location.

This article originally appeared on Golfweek: St. Andrews Rusack Hotel offers the height of luxury