Old Course Hotel, St Andrews

The Old Course Hotel, St Andrews, should perhaps be referred to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission.

The location of the hallowed hotel means anyone making a pilgrimage to the Home of Golf simply must arrange to stay in the unmistakable establishment, which gazes serenely over the most famous square mile of mown grass in the world.

So what chance do other hotels in St Andrews - of which there are many fine examples - have of competing with accommodation in such an unparalleled situation? It really isn't fair.rnrnIndeed, even if the Old Course Hotel was a run-down version of Fawlty Towers, you can be sure visitors to St Andrews would be swayed by history and base themselves on the apron of golf's HQ.

As it is, the Old Course Hotel offers some of the most luxurious and stylish accommodation you could wish to find anywhere in the world.

From the beautifully-decorated bedrooms to the exquisite dining options, the Old Course Hotel more than lives up to its five-star billing.

The Duke's, opened for play in 1995, offers a splendid contrast with the age-old links which surround the Old Course Hotel.

Situated a few miles inland, the course has been sculpted out of sumptuous heathland which once formed a classic Scottish estate.

The high positioning of the Duke's means it offers breathtaking views of the town of St Andrews and the bay beyond.

But it is not just a pretty test, with tough par threes and long par fives interspersed with two-shotters which require brain as well as brawn.

It doesn't boast the history or aura of its cousins in the town, but the Duke's is clearly an attractive addition to the golfing portfolio of the town of St Andrews - and a wonderful asset to the Old Course Hotel.

Whether you have played the Duke's or one of the layouts in the town itself, the Old Course Hotel is the perfect retreat in which to unwind and relax.

The considerable investment the hotel has made in The Spa has been rewarded by the enviable reputation for head-to-toe pampering it now carries.

Stunning new therapy suites - most offering panoramic views of the Old Course - have been introduced to the complex, which exudes class and quality rather than the brashness other spas often display.

The Old Course Hotel's version includes swimming pools, heat and steam rooms and has also developed strong partnerships with Pevonia Botanica - the only outlet in Scotland - Clarins, Thalgo.

A gym comprising free weights and resistance machines as well as a cardio-vascular room filled with running machines and steppers completes the hotel's leisure experience.

Enjoying fantastic food prepared using only the freshest of ingredients in one of the four restaurants is the other way to pamper yourself at the Old Course Hotel.

The award-winning Road Hole Grill on the top floor offers gourmet dining with the added bonus of a sensational view out over the 17th of the hallowed links.

Here, you can savour a whisky while looking out towards the fabled R&A clubhouse where so many champions have accepted the Auld Claret Jug.

Not just any whisky mind you, as the Road Hole Bar offers malts from every distillery in Scotland with prices reaching as high a £200 a nip.

The Sands Seafood Bar and Restaurant provides contemporary cuisine while traditional pub food awaits in the world famous Jigger Inn, a delightfully informal yet top-class pub.

Finally, the Duke's clubhouse offers a delicious carvery - so no matter what you fancy, the Old Course Hotel can oblige.

The care taken in the preparation of the hotel's food is more than matched in the design and comfort of its bedrooms.rnrn Every room is tailored to suit the individual needs of each guest but one constant is evident throughout the suites and that is the attention to detail and the space to relax in, work in or even entertain in.

But of course, the greatest advantage these rooms have is the views they boast of the links heaven to the east of the hotel.

The Old Course Hotel has realised this and aids in the panoramic experience by the inclusion of full-length windows in all their suites.rnrn