After living in Scotland for the past decade and exploring many of its destinations, it takes something rather special for a hotel to leave a lasting impression. Seaton House in St Andrews was one of those experiences for me. Not only does it have an excellent location right opposite the Old Course golf course in the heart of St Andrews and a fantastic on site seafood restaurant Ondine but also an elevated service and elegant atmosphere that ties everything together. If you are wanting a truly memorable and elevated stay in St Andrews, then let me tell you in this review why I think you should consider Seaton House.
Seaton House in St Andrews: my review
The hotel is part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World group and opened in February 2025. When we spoke to some St Andrews locals they mentioned how the arrival of Seaton House had really affected the other luxury hotels in the area and caused them to step up their service, which was really interesting to hear. But from our experience at the hotel, I could definitely see it as the service and experience here would be very hard to beat.
Upon checkin in, you are welcomed to take a seat in the lounge where you get a choice of drink. We opted for the recommended signature cocktail with whisky, lemon and tonic which was super refreshing. It was a nice touch to fill out the check in details whilst seated with a drink, rather than wait around at a desk or in a corner somewhere. Such a lovely welcome and a great first impression of the hotel.
I have also written a guide to all the best hotels in the St Andrews area. However, Seaton House is my top pick!
How to get to the hotel
- By train: The nearest train station is Leuchars where you can get the bus into the city centre.
- By bus: There are buses from cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow running to St Andrews frequently.
- By car: It takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes or just under to drive from Edinburgh and Glasgow to St Andrews.
Valet parking at the hotel: If you are driving, the hotel offers a valet parking service which is subject to availability. So when you arrive, someone from the hotel will come out and park your car for you, which is such a luxury in St Andrews where it sometimes can be difficult to find parking in the high season when the city gets incredibly busy.
What I loved about Seaton House
- The hotel’s signature cocktail served as a welcome tipple upon checking in
- Convenient valet parking service
- Upon check in one of the reception team also followed us to the room and showed us around and also told us how the temperature control in the room worked which was really helpful
- Incredibly comfortable beds, pillows and duvet
- Temperature control in the room
- Turndown service seamlessly implemented whilst we were at dinner
- Super professional and friendly hotel team, from helpful receptionists to restaurant waiters providing recommendations
- Our beautiful suite was really tastefully decorated in a way which felt luxurious but also showcased a Scottish theme with books, little thistle and deer details
- Complimentary soft drinks and locally brewed beers in the suite mini fridge
- Supporting local whisky brands like Kingsbarns and Lindores Abbey throughout the hotel
- Fantastic seafood in the Ondine restaurant, with a gorgeous St Andrews view over the West Sands
The bedrooms: suite with garden terrace
We had the pleasure of staying in one of the suites which has garden terraces. The terrace is to the back of the building and feels like a peaceful oasis without any disturbing traffic noise. Furthermore, a sofa and two armchairs make up plenty of space for two to sit and enjoy a drink or coffee outside. The suite itself consists of a large room with a bedroom area on one side. As well as an adjoining living room area on the other. The bathroom has both a bathtub and large walk-in shower.
I loved all the little details in the suite. Like the bakery book by Flora Shedden which I have visited in Dunkeld and the subtle deer print in the curtains. The suite had all the amenities we could think of from toiletries to snacks and a stocked mini fridge. As well as a Nespresso machine and beautiful teal cups with an elegant print. If I would change one thing, it would’ve been to stay longer so we could really enjoy the space properly.
Turndown service
As we returned from dinner the turndown service had pulled the curtains, put out the robes as well as slippers for us. Water bottles had also been put out on both our bedside tables. It’s such a nice touch to make guests feel well taken care of, especially as it was done seamlessly when we were at dinner.
Food & Drink at Seaton House
When staying at Seaton House, or if you are just visiting St Andrews, I would definitely recommend also booking a table in the on-site restaurant Ondine. It is a well known seafood restaurant in Scotland and there is something so lovely to enjoy a meal like this overlooking the water. If you are looking for a local whisky you should also check out Bow Butts Bar – and when the weather allows you can also sit outside on the terrace and enjoy one of the best views in St Andrews.
Whisky flight at Bow Butts Bar
We were booked in for a whisky flight at the bar right before checking in which was a lovely introduction to the hotel. The hotel does a great job of highlighting local distilleries like Kingsbarns, which is located only 9 miles away. You can sit down and enjoy your choice of whisky from the menu. Or order a whisky flight if you would prefer to try a couple of different ones. I always think a whisky flight is a great way to try whisky as it really helps you experience the comparisons and contrast to find the one you like best.
The name Bow Butts Bar is a nod to the ground outside where Scottish archers first competed in 1418 for the Silver Arrow. The Silver Arrow is today the oldest archery competition in Scotland and takes place once a year.
Dinner at Ondine Restaurant
Ondine is well known across Scotland for their fantastic seafood. This was my first time eating at the restaurant and I had such a lovely time. I went for the Cullen Skink to start. If you’ve never tried Cullen Skink before, it definitely should be on your list of foods to try in Scotland. It’s a seafood soup that has gotten its name from the seaside town of Cullen on Scotland’s east coast. It’s such a comforting and delicious soup – and this one at Ondine did not disappoint.
My husband tried the scallops and they were really good as well. I’m quite sensitive to scallops as I’ve had a bad experience in the past. But would seriously consider ordering them again the next time I’m at Ondine. For mains both me and my husband went for the half of lobster with fries which was a perfectly cooked lobster, where the meat is almost creamy in the best way. We were getting full after the lobster so we decided to share the sticky toffee madeleines which were so good!
The team looking after everyone in the restaurant were fantastic and happily assisted with wine recommendations and well paced service. If you want to try some great seafood in St Andrews and when staying at Seaton House, I would highly recommend Ondine! Just make sure to book in advance, as all the tables were full during our time here.
My recommendations: don’t miss the buffalo sauce oysters, half grilled lobster or the sticky toffee Madeleines for dessert!
Breakfast at The Board Room
The breakfast at The Board Room was served a la carte style. I chose the granola bowl and the bacon roll which were both really lovely. I would recommend the bacon roll in particular which was served with a lovely and soft brioche-style bun and your choice of sauces. Definitely a lovely breakfast to set us up for another day of exploring St Andrews.
Things to do near the hotel
St Andrews is best known for its golf courses and a lot of people visiting the town come here for this specific purpose. St Andrews is known as the ‘Home of Golf’ since the sport was first played here in the early 15th century. But it’s well worth a visit even if you are not golf interested as this charming coastal town is a lovely destination to wander around and experience. Here below are a couple of my top recommendations for visiting St Andrews.
- Walk along the West Sands beach
- Get a gelato from the family-owned Janettas Gelateria (my favourite gelato in Scotland)
- See the historic cathedral ruins
- Play a round of golf at any of the 10 golf course in the St Andrews area
- Do a whisky or gin tour at Eden Mill Distillery which is St Andrews local distillery. Read my review of the Eden Mill tours here!
♥ Read my full guide to the best things to do and see in and near St Andrews here.
On the move to Seaton House in St Andrews
Seaton House delivers one of the most polished luxury hotel experiences I’ve had in Scotland. From the warm welcome and thoughtful service to the beautifully designed suites, exceptional dining and unbeatable location overlooking the Old Course, every part of the stay felt carefully considered. Whether you’re visiting St Andrews for golf, a romantic getaway or simply to enjoy this charming coastal town, Seaton House sets a remarkably high standard and is a hotel I would happily return to.
I would especially recommend Seaton House to couples looking for a romantic luxury escape, whether that’s for a special celebration, anniversary or simply a memorable weekend away. It’s also an excellent choice for golfers wanting to stay just steps from the iconic Old Course, while food lovers will appreciate having the renowned Ondine restaurant on-site and Bow Butts Bar showcasing local whiskies. Above all, I think Seaton House is best suited to travellers who value exceptional service, elegant interiors and thoughtful attention to detail, as these are what truly make the experience stand out.
Additional Information
- Address: Seaton House, 76 The Scores, St Andrews KY16 9BB
- Website: https://www.seatonhouse.com/
- Price Range: Room prices starting from £250 per night
- Check-In/Check-Out: From 15.00 and before 11.00
- Amenities: Breakfast, whisky bar, seafood restaurant, WiFi, 24/7 reception, gym, complimentary bicycle use for guests
- Dog-Friendly: The hotel unfortunately does not allow dogs
FAQ – Seaton House
Seaton House is a luxury hotel in St Andrews with 42 guest rooms and suites and also houses the on-site restaurant Ondine and Bow Butts Bar.
The former The Scores Hotel in St Andrews has been completely transformed and is now Seaton House.
The building dates back to 1864 and was originally a Victorian townhouse and boys’ school.
Need more inspiration for your Scotland trip?
- The best hotels in St Andrews: where the fairways meet the North Sea
- Things to Do in St Andrews: My Favourite Places, Restaurants & Experiences at the Home of Golf in Scotland
- Romantic getaways in Scotland: The Most Luxurious Escapes for Couples in 2026
- The best hotels in Edinburgh: 19 luxurious recommendations from a local
- The Best Whisky Distilleries in Scotland: From Historic Icons to Hidden Gems
Meet Moa, our multi-talented writer from Sweden who now calls Edinburgh, Scotland home. With over a decade exploring Europe’s hidden corners—from Nordic landscapes to alpine villages—Moa brings a unique perspective shaped by her years as a travel guide in the Swiss and Austrian Alps. As a whisky book author and freelance drinks writer, she has an eye for exceptional food and beverage experiences, while her background as a photographer ensures she never misses a scenic moment. Whether she’s discovering old European cities or chasing golden hour in mountain villages, Moa’s stories blend cultural insight with a dash of adventure and plenty of authenticity.
