Seaton House

The front rooms have a view that’s really something. Everything in the hotel is new, from the rooms onwards. Breakfast by the bar’s bay window was a real treat: you order what you fancy, and the staff are polite and know their stuff. Very, very fabulous. If I could give it six stars, I would.

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

Our deluxe room had a lovely sea view, and waking up to the light over West Sands made the upgrade feel worthwhile. It was spacious and easy to keep comfortable, with quiet temperature controls, a full-length mirror, and plenty of cupboard space. The gowns, slippers, hairdryer, safe, ironing board and iron were all there. The tea and coffee setup was particularly thoughtful, with Taylors crisps, Walker’s Shortbread, Tunnock’s Teacakes, Scottish ales, still and sparkling water, plus a coffee machine, pods, kettle and lovely crockery. The bathroom felt closer to a private spa than an ensuite, with marble, dark wood and a huge walk-in shower. Both shower heads had excellent pressure. There was a shelf for our toiletries, and the controls were on the opposite wall, so no freezing scramble to turn the water on. Those details made a difference. Service stayed warm and steady throughout. The welcome felt personal, and the staff were polished but relaxed. Check-in was handled in the lounge, where we could settle into leather chairs and have a drink, tea or coffee, with a little tablet. Dinner at Ondine was splendid, and breakfast set us up well for the day. Even the storm-day champagne sticks in my mind. It’s a place that makes you slow down and enjoy St Andrews, with quiet luxury and considerate touches that stayed with me after checkout.

Matthew made us feel very welcome and was helpful throughout our stay. He mixed us a delicious complimentary drink, then got our bicycles ready the following morning. A lovely experience!