If you ever have a chance to visit Scotland, then I would suggest to make sure you include the East Coast in your trip. St Andrews should be at the very top of your must-see list.
Our writer, Rachel McAlley spent a couple of nights at the brand new, luxury hotel The Kithmore in the heart of St Andrews. Here are her thoughts:
The Kithmore is located on the main road through St Andrews, it is in a prime location for the town centre, the golf courses, and the three famous beaches. Newly opened in June of this year, the hotel has everything you need to have the most comfortable of stays.
The Kithmore St Andrews
We checked in on a very hot and sunny Tuesday at the end of July, and the hotel was a wonderful respite from the heat, the tourists, and the hustle and bustle of St Andrews. The two-women team on reception were a pleasure to talk to. We asked about the hotel and when it opened, and enquired about a few of the hotel facilities. They ere eager to talk us through the hotels history and all the hotel had to offer. It was a great way to get to know this newly opened hotel.
Located on North Street, this gorgeous boutique hotel has just 44 unique rooms, with four separate room types. We were staying in two different rooms, including a Deluxe with super king-sized bed, and a Cosy with double bed, with walk-in rainfall showers in each.
The Kithmore Deluxe Room
Both rooms had luxury bedding, complimentary water, and a stunning selection of L’Occitane toiletries. Plus, they each had everything we could possibly have needed for our 2-night stay including hairdryer, smart TV, tea and coffee making facilities, iron and ironing board, and in-room safe.
The hotel itself is built within three existing Georgian townhouses, which makes the layout quirky, individual, and perfectly unique. A wonderful place for exploring each floor, and finding new ways to the restaurant, bar or reception desk.
Our Deluxe room was exceptionally spacious, for the two of us. With vast storage like the wardrobe, drawers, and bureau-style table. We had robes and slippers for our use, along with a hotel-branded umbrella in the wardrobe, which we did need on one of the evenings as it lightly rained. It wouldn’t be a proper trip to Scotland if it didn’t rain for at least one day!
The Kithmore Cosy Room
Equally, the Cosy room was indeed very cosy, yet perfectly set out for our daughter (age 15) who thought she was a superstar. It was the first time she has ever had her own room, and she treated it like a palace. Her own super comfy bed, giant smart TV, luxury toiletries and bottled water – she was in heaven. It was difficult for us to get her to leave the room, she simply wanted to lay on her bed, watch TV and relax! It was such a great experience for her to enjoy the pure indulgence of The Kithmore.
The Kithmore is rooted in heritage, and the restaurant’s name, Bennie’s draws directly from the sites history, honouring the Bennie family, long-time stewards of hospitality at the property. Equally, the name Kithmore is inspired by the Scots words kith, which means friendship, familiarity, and sense of home!
We spent a few hours relaxing in our rooms, napping, and watching the TVs, before heading out into St Andrews. In the town we shopped, visited the Aquarium, and watched the golfers on one of the famous greens.
Once we had unpacked our suitcases, explored the rooms and the floors, and chilled out we ventured to dinner at Bennie’s, the hotel’s in-house bar and restaurant. The menu showcases local dishes alongside European and worldwide options.
Bennie’s at The Kithmore St Andrews
We started with Beef Kabobs (£14), and Buratta with heritage Tomatoes (£12). The Burrata was incredibly fresh, and the kabobs were full of flavour and hearty. Our mains included the Ribeye (£49) with Peppercorn Sauce (£4) and Fries (£4), the Beetroot & Halloumi Burger (£19), and the Honey Glazed Chicken Skewers (£18). We also ordered a side of Confit Thyme Baby Carrots (£5).
The standout dish has to be the Chicken Skewers, they were seasoned perfectly, were cooked perfectly, and melted in the mouth. We couldn’t have asked for a better dining experience at Bennie’s.
All the bar staff, waiting staff, and hotel staff were wonderful. It was great to chat to them and find out about their studies at St Andrews University. Not only did we fall in love with The Kithmore and St Andrews, but the staff were very passionate about the town too, and they all loved working at The Kithmore and Bennie’s.
Final Thoughts – The Kithmore St Andrews
Firstly, if you are looking for a unique stay in the heart of St Andrews I can honestly say that The Kithmore should be on your radar. Secondly, for total luxury, exceptional comfort, and great staff nowhere else comes close. Thirdly, if delicious food is what you want, this is the hotel to book.
Moreover, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Dundee, Dunnottar Castle, Glamis Castle, and the Forth Bridge are a short drive from St Andrews. You couldn’t be based anywhere better for the full East Coast of Scotland experience and scenery.
To book a stay, or find out more about the hotel, visit The Kithmore website. To reserve a table for lunch or dinner visit Bennie’s Bar & Restaurant.
Additionally, Marram Hotel Collection owns The Kithmore, plus The Leddie in Aberlady, and Bushmills Inn in Northern Ireland. Therefore, if you’re looking for another stunning property to visit take a look here.
The hotel rooms vary in price across the year, this depends on the date and whether it is within peak or off peak times. Our Cosy room would have been priced at around £840 (2-nights in late July), and the Deluxe room would have been priced at around £1,002 (2-nights in late July).
Words by Rachel McAlley @LadyRach
