Concierge at Old Course Hotel

Hi folks, good to speak to you all again.

A guest approached me in the lobby yesterday and asked me a question I hear regularly: “In what year was the Hotel built?” After I had answered our guest I started to think…there a few wee historical facts that you might not know about the Hotel.

Let our History lesson begin…

• The Hotel was built in 1968 by the British Transport Authority on the site of the original railway station. The “new” railway station resided from 1867, where the current bus station lies, until the famous Beeching Railway cuts saw the railway line close in 1969: only one year after the Hotel opened.

• The Hotel is currently owned by US Company Kohler Co.  In 1883 Kohler Co., who are world famous plumbing and bathroom suppliers, created the first ever enamelled cast-iron water trough which was then sold as household bath.  The hotel bedrooms today showcase cutting edge Kohler plumbing design in our stunning bathrooms.

• The original entrance to the Hotel sat on the side of the golf course, where the Conservatory is now.  In the late 1970’s this access was closed off and the entrance was moved to the side of the Hotel facing the A91.  Probably a good thing  – less golf balls to dodge as I’m greeting our guests who can now enjoy the stunning views over the course from many of our guestrooms, the fourth floor and the Conservatory itself.

• The Jigger Inn dates back to circa 1850 when it was originally built as the station master’s lodge.  It wasn’t until 1974, six years after the Hotel was built, that the Jigger became part of the Old Course Hotel.  Structurally nothing has changed since 1850 as the Jigger Inn is a listed building.

I’m sure a few of these facts have been a ‘blast from the past’ for many of you!  Of course I was just a laddie and far too young to remember the Jigger as a separate building to the Hotel!

Remember if you’re planning a trip to the Hotel or St Andrews then do get in touch, I would love to help you plan your break.

Speak soon

Ralph