Six luxury hotels for your next links golf getaway

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From St Andrews and Royal Troon to Royal Portrush and Royal County Down, Marine & Lawn’s collection of luxury hotels puts golfers at the heart of some of the game’s most iconic destinations

Waking up overlooking an Open venue, enjoying dinner after 18 holes and soaking up the history of the game sounds like the dream golf trip to me.

That’s exactly what Marine & Lawn aims to offer.

The luxury hotel collection has built a portfolio of properties alongside some of Britain’s and Ireland’s most celebrated golf courses.

Celebrated venues which include St Andrews, Royal Troon, Royal Portrush and Royal County Down. All of which feature prominently on the Open rota, with each hotel giving golfers a front-row seat to some of the game’s most iconic views.

Additionally, each property has its own personality inspired by local history, architecture and golfing heritage. Traditional designs and locally sourced dining feature throughout, whilst they are modern features like spa facilities and luxurious bedrooms.

Rusacks, St Andrews 

Few hotels command the same level of prestige and notoriety when it comes to golf as Rusacks St Andrews.

Rusacks Hotel standing proud over the Home of Golf | Source: Marine & Lawn
Rusacks Hotel standing proud over the Home of Golf | Source: Marine & Lawn

Dating back to 1887, it was the world’s first purpose-built golf hotel and remains one of the most recognisable buildings in golf today. Whenever the Open is held at the Home of Golf, this tends to feature heavily in the TV coverage.

It’s a short putt away from Old Tom Morris’s most famous Links, and stands as a monument to the history of the game. 18 is Rusacks’ famous rooftop restaurant with unparalleled views over that very course.

Slieve Donard, County Down 

Positioned beside Royal County Down and framed by the Mountains of Mourne and Dundrum Bay, Slieve Donard is not short of impressive neighbours.

It’s a place where grand heritage is a common theme. Rich interiors and classic styling are both a result of its Victorian grandeur.

Slieve Donard Hotel interior at County Down | Source Marine & Lawn
Slieve Donard Hotel at County Down | Source: Marine & Lawn

Alongside its restaurants and bars, the hotel also features an ESPA spa, swimming pool and wellness facilities, making it as much a relaxation destination as a golfing one.

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Marine Troon, Ayrshire 

Sitting beside the nine-time host of the Open that is Royal Troon, Marine Troon enjoys views across the Firth of Clyde.

Its The Rabbit restaurant overlooks Troon’s famous par-3 17th hole. The Ayrshire coastline is also paid tribute to with the maritime-inspired interior decor. Bedrooms feature bespoke wallpaper and more nods to the coastal location. 

Inside Marine Troon and a look at its maritime-inspired interior decor | Source: Marine & Lawn

Guest can also enjoy an array of facilities away from golf which includes an indoor pool, spa, and gym.

Marine North Berwick, North Berwick 

Subject to an extensive renovation, this historic 1875 hotel has rediscovered its famed glory of the past. Marine North Berwick has been reimagined as a luxury base for exploring Scotland’s Golf Coast.

A look at Marine North Berwick standing over North Berwick | Source: Marine & Lawn
A look at Marine North Berwick standing over North Berwick | Source: Marine & Lawn

Looking out across Bass Rock and the West Links, the hotel combines elegant interiors with practical touches for travelling golfers.

Equally, there’s complimentary bag storage, golf club hire as well as assistance arranging tee times at nearby courses on the East Lothian coast.

Dornoch Station, Dornoch 

Any golfer who has made the pilgrimage north to Royal Dornoch will speak with hushed reverence about the legendary links. 

Mere steps from the golf course, Dornoch Station is a glorious reward for any adventurous golfer who arrives at this wild and windswept outpost of the Scottish Highlands. 

The hotel embraces its Highland setting through natural materials, classic Scottish styling and views across the Dornoch Firth.

It’s also designed to appeal beyond golfers, with nearby beaches, cycling, horse riding and wildlife experiences making it an attractive option for families.

Portrush Adelphi, Portrush 

The newest addition to the Marine & Lawn collection, the Portrush Adelphi was completely renovated and reopened in time for the 2025 Open Championship at Royal Portrush. 

With just 34 rooms, it’s a hotel that offers a more intimate boutique feel.

Portrush Adelphi's boutique decor | Source: Marine & Lawn
Portrush Adelphi’s boutique decor | Source: Marine & Lawn

More importantly, Royal Portrush is only a short drive away. Equally, the Giant’s Causeway and Northern Ireland’s spectacular coastline are also within easy reach.

NOW HAVE YOUR SAY

Have you stayed in a Marine & Lawn hotel before? If so, how did you find the experience? Which golf course would you choose to play out of the listed? Let us know by leaving a comment or by getting in touch with us on X!

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About the author

Max Mcvittie

A bit of a late bloomer to the game of golf, Max fell in love with the sport when he attended Saturday coaching sessions down at his local golf club after being inspired by friends and family members.

Max has remained a member of Eden Golf Club in Carlisle for a number of years now as he looks to get his handicap down into single figures. Most of his golfing career has been spent battling a permanent slice off the tee, which has led to some ugly rounds.

Having studied at the University of Sunderland, Max is starting out his dream career in sports journalism. During his time at university, he picked up valuable work experience at Reach PLC, BBC Radio Cumbria and GiveMeSport, whilst also getting work published in the Teesside Live. He also spent time working at a local weekly newspaper, Eskdale and Liddesdale Advertiser, as a general news reporter partially covering some local sport just north of the border in Langholm.

Max has just started his journey with the NCG working as the assistant equipment editor. He looks forwarded to reviewing the latest golf equipment, taking up an interest in reviews when buying his first golf club, a Cleveland RTX wedge.

With his bag not going under too many changes throughout the last few years, Max carries an M3 driver, Titleist GT3 Fairway Wood, M2 hybrid, a set of M2 irons, Callaway Jaws wedges and a TaylorMade Spider putter. And yes, Max is a bit of a self-proclaimed TaylorMade fan boy.

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