Rufflets, St. Andrews

When considering how we might best celebrate the end of last year and the introduction to this year we were attracted by the Hogmanay Dinner and Ceilidh offered by Rufflets Hotel, so much so that we arranged to stay there from Monday 30th December until Friday 3rd January. This was one of the best, perhaps even the best, of the many good decisions that we made in 2024. Booking our stay and this special farewell to the old year and warm welcome to this year was straightforward. Our welcome on arrival was splendid, our luggage being quickly carried to our beautifully appointed bedroom. Every meal, freshly cooked whether breakfast or dinner, even morning coffee, from comprehensive menus was appetising, washed down by an appealing variety of wines, beers and spirits in the very comfortable lounge, the comfort being enhanced by the warmth of an open fire. The Hogmanay dinner and ceilidh excelled. The company of about eighty guests, mostly strangers one to another, rapidly becoming friends, participating not just in every dance skilfully led by a very capable three-piece band but playing fun baccarat and roulette, the most skilful, or lucky, winner sharing her prize of champagne with all at her table. None of this should have been a surprise as we have been regular visitors to Rufflets since the mid 1950s and have, invariably, enjoyed all our time there, the only exception being a slight blip a few years ago, now repaired, when a long serving manager retired. There were no blips this time so much so that we unreservedly advise everyone visiting St Andrews to make their trip to this historic, wonderful city perfect by spending time at Rufflets.

Cant fault this hotel 4.5 would be a perfect score, leisure facilities would make this 5 star. staff are amazing and friendly, room was huge and very clean, bath was a nice feature and was double bath. Main hotel area very well presented with lovely open fire and same with bar area open fire on and cosy feel. Breakfast was cooked to order and was super tasty and good quality ingredients. Walk into St Andrews was lovely and only a short section of few hundred yards at hotel no pavement. Walk took 35 mins to main streets. Well worth a visit for a cosy couple break or family break with loads on doorstep

Excellent hogmany ceilidh that we return for every year. Only criticism is lack of fresh fruit and yoghurts at breakfast

I booked Rufflets last minute for one night for myself and my two sons (age 6 & 8) to get away after Christmas. I was a bit apprehensive as it’s clearly not a family hotel and the guests are mostly couples and older families. I was put at ease when immediately at checking but the team members who welcomed us and had some fun and jokes with my children. We stayed in a family suite which was outside the main hotel building. It was very spacious and modern and had lovely views. Whilst it’s not a typical family hotel, my sons loved exploring the grounds, playing on the tree swing and in the burn. They also loved seeing the chickens and the two cats that live in the grounds. They can be quite boisterous so I chose not to eat in the restaurant (didn’t want to ruin any romantic meals!!). I’d like to give a shout out to the lady who served us a couple of times and made the boys feel very welcome. I didn’t get her name but she had red hair, an English accent and trained as a teacher! She went out of her way to make them feel special and they were delighted when she let them go and feed the chickens when we were checking out. This was such a highlight for them and really made our stay, so thank you! The boys have already asked when we can go back!

About 1/2 miles outside St Andrews.Reception table just inside of the front door.Check in was straight forward,taken to the room by receptionist.Good old fashioned style room,room was a good size,coffee & tea machine in room and complimentary shortbread (delish)as with old buildings floors were a bit squeaky,in the wardrobe there was house coats and slippers,hairdryer,iron and board. The bathroom had a good shower and Tranquility products to use. The bar/ lounge area’s had gas coal effect fires which were nice,we ate in the bar area and the food was a very good standard,the breakfast was also very tasty