Style and substance

The Rufflets Hotel has been privately owned and managed by three generations of the same family since 1952. The turreted mansion, just a short drive from the centre of St Andrews, is set within 10 acres of stunning gardens which won the hotel the accolade of AA Scottish Hotel of the Year in 2015/2016. The hotel has been modernised but still manages to hold its charm.

Sleeping matters 

There are 24 bedrooms in the hotel, in addition to a choice of three holiday lodges located within the grounds. The rooms are all different shapes and sizes adding to their individual character and charm. We stayed in one of the turret rooms, which had spectacular views of the award-winning gardens. The room was very spacious, with a separate seating area, a large bathroom and king size bed. In addition to the tea and coffee facilities, it also had a fridge with still and sparkling water and a tin of lovely home-made shortbread.

Food for thought

Seasons restaurant, awarded a 2 AA Rosette, serves home-grown and fresh locally sourced produce. There is a set menu, from Venison and Halibut to Chicken and Chateaubriand to share, but also has specials each day to choose from. The food was excellent, a great choice and wonderful service added to a great dining experience. I would highly recommend the  Halibut and Vension and as for dessert, the layered chocolate bar was just delicious.

Drink in the Sights

The hotel offers over 100 malt whiskies and 40 different gins – many from Scotland. The lounge, with its roaring fireplace has double doors which open on to the gardens. There are various lounges for you to relax in.

Nice Touch

Instead of the standard do not disturb sign, the hotel has Rufus the bear with his do not disturb badge, you just place him outside your door when required, very cute and can be purchased at the hotel. 

About the Area

St Andrews is famous for being the home of golf, and more recently for the place where William and Kate met whilst attending the University. But there is a lot more to it than that. It also has some great pubs - we had lunch in The Central Bar in Market Street which was delicious and well-priced - plus shops and places of interest including the Cathedral and Castle, and not forgetting West Sands beach, which was the set for the opening scene in the movie Chariots of Fire. We took a stroll though the centre, visiting St Andrews Castle and Cathedral, £9 per adult for both, before a visit to the St Andrews University Museum, which is free. The next day we took the East Fife coastal path from Elie to St Monans, which has some great views and not too difficult if you are looking for a leisurely walk. We grabbed a coffee in the local cafe, The Diving Gannet, before heading back to the lovely coastal town of Elie, famous for it's lovely beach.

Rooms start from £153 per night and includes breakfast. Visit www.rufflets.co.uk/  01334 472594/reservations@rufflets.co.uk