The Albany St Andrews

The hotel offers a unique blend of traditional charm and modern comfort, characterized by its status as a charming Georgian townhouse conversion. Its signature feature is its excellent breakfast, consistently praised by guests for its quality and variety, alongside a central location that places visitors at the heart of the town. The friendly staff further enhances the welcoming atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for golfers and university visitors due to its proximity to key sites. Sightseers and couples will also find it a cozy and convenient base for exploring the area's historic attractions and vibrant atmosphere. For families, the availability of larger suites can provide ample space. To ensure a comfortable stay, guests should be aware of the numerous stairs as there is no elevator, and it is advisable to inquire about the status of any ongoing renovations before booking to avoid potential disruption.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a cozy lounge bar, often featuring a fireplace, providing a relaxing space for guests to unwind after a day of exploration. Some rooms, such as the Garden Suite and Junior Suite, boast private patios or verandas with garden views, offering a pleasant outdoor retreat. Guests generally find the Wi-Fi reliable throughout the property, though some report inconsistent TV signal in certain rooms. For those traveling with golf equipment, club storage is conveniently available. While some rooms are equipped with basic amenities like a coffee maker, a few guests noted the lack of a hairdryer in their rooms. The hotel also provides a makeshift bar area during certain periods, adapting to operational needs.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room comfort is mixed, with many describing rooms as clean and comfortable, often highlighting comfortable beds and quality linens that ensure a good night's sleep. Some rooms are noted for being spacious, particularly the suites, and some bathrooms have been updated. However, a recurring theme is the small or tiny size of many standard rooms, which can feel cramped with luggage. The decor is frequently described as dated, tired, or shabby, with instances of peeling wallpaper or chipped furniture. Noise can be an issue, stemming from thin walls, creaky floorboards, street noise, or even building works during renovations. Shower experiences vary, with some reporting weak pressure or unpredictable temperature fluctuations, while others found them perfectly adequate. Some guests also noted issues with rooms being too warm or having insufficient blackout curtains.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast consistently receives high praise, often described as excellent with a wide variety of choices. Guests appreciate the option of a full Scottish breakfast cooked to order, alongside a selection of fresh fruit, cereals, and other items. The breakfast room is often noted for being bright and offering a pleasant garden view. Service in the dining area is generally highlighted as attentive and friendly. While the breakfast is a major highlight, some guests experienced long waits during busy periods or due to staff shortages, and a few mentioned an additional charge for specific items like cappuccinos. The hotel also features a bar, which some guests found cozy, though a few noted it could be expensive or lacked certain options like draught beer.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a significant advantage, placing guests within easy walking distance of numerous key attractions. It is ideally situated for visiting St Andrews University, the Old Course, various shops, restaurants, and bars, making it an excellent base for both sightseeing and golfing trips. Popular landmarks such as the castle and cathedral ruins are also just a short stroll away, allowing guests to explore the area on foot. Many guests appreciate the availability of free parking directly on the street outside the hotel, though it is noted that these spaces can be limited and tricky to secure during busy times, particularly during peak hours or university events. Despite some reports of noise from pedestrians on the busy street, the overall convenience of the location is highly valued.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive glowing reviews for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Guests frequently highlight their accommodating nature, from assisting with luggage due to the lack of an elevator to providing excellent service during breakfast. The check-in process is generally described as quick and efficient, with staff making guests feel welcome upon arrival. Many reviewers commend the staff's professionalism and willingness to go above and beyond, contributing significantly to a positive guest experience. However, a few isolated incidents mention some resistance from management regarding specific issues, such as renovation-related complaints or booking changes, and some found staff to be less proactive in resolving certain problems. Overall, the service is a strong point, with staff often described as a "huge credit" to the hotel.

Additional Information
A significant point for prospective guests is the ongoing renovation work at the hotel. While some guests were forewarned, others reported unexpected disruption, including noise, debris, and blocked access, which negatively impacted their stay. It is highly recommended to inquire about the current status of these works before booking to avoid potential inconvenience. As an older building, the hotel does not have an elevator, which means guests must navigate stairs to reach their rooms; this is particularly relevant for those with mobility concerns or heavy luggage. Additionally, some guests have experienced a very stringent booking policy regarding cancellations or changes, with full charges applied even for mistaken bookings, which is an important consideration when making reservations.