Old Course Hotel Announces Phased Renovations Ahead of Spring 2026 Reveal
The five-star St Andrews hotel makes way for a new-look lobby and brand-new hotel boutique
St Andrews, Scotland – 31st January 2026 – St Andrews’ iconic Old Course Hotel has unveiled an ambitious new renovation programme, revitalising key guest spaces as the luxury hotel continues to elevate its five-star experience ahead of Spring 2026.
The hotel has temporarily closed from Sunday 4 January for a few weeks to carry extensive improvements to the lobby area including the revival of wood panelling and the addition of beautifully textured wallpaper, new soft furnishings and carefully curated lighting.
With the help of Richmond International - an interior design behind some of the world’s most prestigious hotels - the new lobby will draw inspiration from the hotel’s coastal setting and nearby forests and fields, with a colour scheme reflecting the creams, sands and greens of the Fife landscape.
While the hotel is closed, The Jigger Inn, Kohler Waters Spa, Kohler Fitness and Hams Hame will remain open throughout the renovation period. Further works within the hotel will be completed in early March and will be managed to cause minimum impact on the guest experience.
The hotel will also be opening a new boutique, The Emporium, in mid-February. Sitting just off the lobby with floor-to-ceiling glass and handcrafted wooden displays, guests can expect a beautifully curated selection of luxury gifts, Scottish craftsmanship and family-friendly treats. Collaborations with leading makers such as homeware with ANTA Scotland and candles with Laura Thomas will sit alongside accessories, children’s books, soft toys and a thoughtfully curated selection of travel essentials.
The Pro-Shop will also be undergoing refurbishment, with a focus on improvements to beautifully showcase luxury sportswear brands including Peter Millar, Kjus, Glenmuir, Footjoy and Malbon, ready for the start of the golfing season. Leading architectural practice Unwin Jones Partnership have worked closely with Old Course Hotel on The Emporium and Pro-Shop projects.
A selection of bedrooms and suites are also undergoing a refresh including new soft furnishings with updated carpets and curtains, while suites including the signature R&A suite are undergoing complete refurbishment with plans including a beautifully renovated bathroom with Kohler fixtures.
Phyllis Wilkie, General Manager, Old Course Hotel said:
“These upcoming enhancements build on our ongoing commitment to evolve with intention and care. Each new space has been designed to feel warm, welcoming and deeply connected to the landscape and character of St Andrews. We’re creating experiences that ensure guests continue to feel a sense of arrival that is unmistakably Old Course Hotel.
“The renovation programme for 2026 continues the momentum of an exceptional year of investment across the site. From the transformation of Kohler Waters Spa to the redesign of our fourth-floor dining and accommodation spaces, 2025 saw us elevate the guest experience in ways we’re all very proud of. These latest projects allow us to build on that success and further enhance the comfort, craft and hospitality our guests return for year after year.”
The works this year add to the list of innovative renovations that were completed by the Old Course Hotel in 2025, during which time two major refurbishment projects that elevated guest experiences across the resort were completed.
The Kohler Waters Spa reopened in October 2025 following a transformative five-month renovation, introducing Scotland’s most advanced contrast-therapy thermal facilities, including a state-of-the-art snow and sauna cabin.
In early 2025, the hotel completed an extensive interior refurbishment of its fourth floor, enhancing the Road Hole Restaurant, Road Hole Bar, Boardroom. This redesign introduced rich blue and burgundy tones, sophisticated leather furnishings, and refined lighting, all thoughtfully crafted to complement stunning views over the Old Course and West Sands Beach while maintaining the warmth of Scottish hospitality.
Discover the refreshed Old Course Hotel with stays from £295 for two people, including dinner and breakfast at this five-star St Andrews hotel.
For more information on Old Course Hotel, St Andrews, please visit www.oldcoursehotel.co.uk.
-ENDS-
For further information, please contact Taste Communications:
team@mucklemediagroup.co.uk
Notes to Editors
About Old Course Hotel
In the heart of historic St Andrews, overlooking the legendary golf course and the stunning Fife coast, the Old Course Hotel is recognised as one of Europe's leading luxury hotels. Home to world-class golf, the award-winning Kohler Waters Spa, an array of beach & leisure activities, and celebrated restaurants & bars, this is a destination for active wellbeing and indulgent good times. The luxury resort features recently renovated dining venues, including the Road Hole Restaurant, Road Hole Bar and The Deck, alongside three other restaurants and bars. Following extensive refurbishments, these spaces now offer enhanced experiences for guests seeking both culinary excellence and sophisticated atmospheres.
Owned by Kohler Co, Old Course Hotel is a luxury five-star property in St Andrews, with 175 bedrooms including 34 suites, offering breathtaking views of the Fife coastline. St Andrews is renowned for golf worldwide. The hotel is set on a Championship 18-hole golf course - The Old Course, which is the oldest course in the world.
The hotel's Kohler Waters Spa and fitness centre spans 2,300 sq m and features 13 treatment rooms, a 20m pool, a hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room and plunge pool, as well as a gym and fitness centre. Wedding and events spaces complete the luxury resort offering. The hotel also operates Hamilton Grand, a prestigious historic property featuring 27 exclusive two-bedroom apartments, overlooking the 18th green of the world-famous Old Course and the iconic West Sands beach. Of these, ten are available for rent as self-catering accommodations. Guests at Hamilton Grand enjoy full access to all fitness and leisure facilities at the Old Course Hotel, access to a nearby helipad, and a dedicated 24-hour concierge service for dining reservations, transportation arrangements, and personal requests. For further information, visit: https://www.oldcoursehotel.co.uk/
Old Course Hotel is a member of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Legend Collection, the ultimate portfolio of exceptional properties in the world’s most remarkable destinations. Globally sophisticated and culturally refined, the singular properties within this collection feature exquisite accommodations, stellar and intuitive personal service, renowned dining, and exceptional spas, setting the stage for the most unforgettable experiences. All guests of Old Course Hotel are eligible to enrol in the I Prefer Hotel Rewards program, which extends points redeemable for cash-value Reward Certificates, elite status, and special benefits at more than 650 participating Preferred Hotels & Resorts locations worldwide.
Address: Old Station Rd, St Andrews KY16 9SP
