Seaton House

The hotel is very, very fabulous, and the front rooms have quite a view. Everything in the hotel, including the rooms, is new. Breakfast in the bar beside the bay window was a real treat: you order what you fancy, and the staff are polite and know their stuff. I’d give it six stars if I could.

I had lunch in the Board Room today and a drink in the bar beforehand. It’s a lovely venue, and the refurbishment is a great upgrade. The meat charcuterie was excellent, and the mussels and frites were the best. I know my mussels, and that plate was very good. Highly recommend.

Our sea-view room was wonderfully spacious, with quiet temperature controls that were easy to adjust and kept it comfortable. There was a full-length mirror, lots of cupboard space, and all the essentials: dressing gowns, slippers, a hairdryer, safe, ironing board and iron. The tea and coffee station felt like a thoughtful local welcome, with Taylors crisps, Walker’s Shortbread and Tunnock’s Teacakes, plus Scottish ales, still and sparkling water in the fridge. A coffee machine, pods, kettle and lovely crockery were ready for a cuppa. The bathroom felt more like a private spa than a standard ensuite, all marble and dark wood. The walk-in shower was huge and got all three of my essentials right: excellent pressure from both the rainfall and handheld heads, a proper shelf for toiletries, and controls on the opposite wall so I didn’t have to stand under cold water to turn it on. Bliss. The welcome set the tone from the start. The staff were genuinely warm, polished but relaxed, and the hotel had an easy, unhurried feel. Check-in didn’t involve standing at a desk filling in forms. We were taken straight to the lounge, settled into deep leather chairs, and offered a drink, whether a dram, cocktail, tea or coffee, plus a wee piece of tablet. Waking up to light spilling over West Sands made the deluxe sea-view room worth the upgrade. We had a splendid dinner at Ondine, the onsite restaurant, and breakfast set us up well for the day. This is one of those rare stays that sticks with you. Between the storm-day champagne, sea-view mornings and considerate little touches, the quiet luxury and heartfelt hospitality made it easy to slow down and savour St Andrews. It exceeded my expectations.

Matthew was so welcoming and helpful while we were there. He made us a delicious complimentary drink, then had our bicycles ready the next morning. A lovely experience!