We had wanted to stay at the Old Course Hotel, but were unable to justify the price. Once in St. Andrews in April, we found this hotel to be in a much better location. Town, the beach and the Old Course were a very easy walk from the hotel. Our room was an economy room on the 2nd floor on the street, but with a window on the back so we viewed the Old Course and the ocean. It was a lovely room. The rest of our family had 2 ground floor rooms on the street and were bothered somewhat by the noise when trying to nap mid day on our first day in from the States. However, it was quiet at night.

The elevator did not work even though there was no evidence of construction. The hotel is very nice and all of the staff very pleasant and helpful. The view from the Solarium cannot be beat! We were able to save about $60 per double room per day by booking the hotel only, not the bed and breakfast option.

Meals in the hotel cost more than we wanted to pay, so we found a pub-type restaurant called Playfair's Scottish Restaurant and Bar about a block and a half from the front of the hotel up the main street on the left that we enjoyed enough to return for a second dinner. Their Sticky Toffee Pudding was especially good.

This was our first stop in Scotland. We were very satisfied with our choice of the Rusacks as the place to begin our trip.

We stayed at the hotel for a second time last weekend, 18th and 19th May 2007. It didn't disappoint us in the slightest and was like going back to a much loved relative's home. We felt so relaxed here. We were given Room 20 which is on the lower ground floor (we had our dog with us) and this gave us direct access outside without having to walk through the hotel. A 3 minute walk and we were on the beach. Perfect ! The evening meals were lovely and whilst I like a lengthy meal time, for some the time between courses would have been too long. The lounge is wonderful with views over the golf course. The staff are attentive without being intrusive and are always friendly and chatty. Breakfast choice is extensive and every tase is catered for. We'll certainly be going back for another stay.

I stayed here just recently as part of a working visit to St Andrews University. It really is a fantastic hotel. I had a really big room with a great bathroom and quite a large TV. The only thing that bothered my very comfy nights sleep was the stereo device which beeped and flashed during the night - it was built in and so I coudn't find any way of turning it off once I realised the remote control wasn't working. After piling many of the ornate pillows on top of my head I managed several hours peaceful sleep. The plus point with this place really is the restaurant, the view out of the window is amazing, the beach and the sea are an awesome sight. The food is top notch, though not cheap. I really enjoyed the scallops. My dinner guest was equally impressed, a local resident who had not ventured in here to eat previously. A stay here is highly recommended.

We decided to stop at St Andrews on the way home from a trip up north on the off chance that the Rusacks had a room available (on a warm Saturday evening in April, we were doubtful), this being our second visit to the Rusacks, which I must say was even more enjoyable than the first, back in August of last year.

The helpful receptionist (Sonja) confirmed a B&B rate and availability of a twin bedded room, and also advised of the supplement for a seaview room (we knew from our past experience to request this type of room!). We decided to take up her offer of the twin room and after checking her computer system she came back to us and advised that she had "managed to find" a junior suite with a sea view, and could offer it to us at no extra cost. Delighted at this, we found our way to our room (the elevator was out of order and we had to climb a few flights of stairs). The view once we were inside, however, was well worth it, overlooking the golf course and west sands (as shown in pictures).

The room itself was very nice, reasonably clean and tastefully decorated. It consisted of a sitting area with flat screen television and separate bedroom with double bed and another flat screen TV, each room with it's own large window allowing you to look right out across the beach. The bathroom was very small but had all you need. Where housekeeping is concerned, more attention could be paid to higher places, such as light fittings and book shelves, although overall, it was satisfactory.

We had dinner at a small restaurant in the town centre (The Eating Place - don't go there, they charge you for things that you send back and don't eat, and then argue with you when you query it!!) but did have a couple of drinks in the bar before retiring to our room, which was very relaxing, and staff helpful and courteous.

The bed was comfortable and overall we had a fairly good sleep (having to tolerate the slight hindrance of golfers up very early in the morning slamming doors).

Breakfast, once again, was superb (one of my reasons for returning to this hotel!) and we had a nice table for two overlooking the same view we had from our room. Again, all staff very friendly and service was efficient.

We will definitely be returning to the Rusacks and find it quite difficult to fault this Hotel in any way. Any slight flaws that we did come across (stairways looking rather shabby with peeling wallpaper and broken light fittings) almost don't seem to matter due to the superiority of the rest of the Hotel and the professionalism of the staff. St Andrews itself is a great place to visit, although not too far from home, far enough away to feel like a good break, great location, lots of shops and lots to see and do.