The Russell Hotel

Communication between the various people responsible for the hotel needs improvement. Despite a very clear need for an extra bed for our son, it was not there upon arrival at 5pm. No problem for us as we were going out for dinner. Clear understanding it would be in place by 8pm. When we returned at 10pm it still wasn't there. Yet another call to make it happen. By 10:30pm my son't bed was ready. I needed to ask for extra towels for him. Sounds pedantic but for the price we're paying it should be obvious. Next the restaurant. Very small tables (we are not big people). Breakfast runs until 10:30am but arriving at 9:50 means that all the crosissants, breads and pasteries are already gone and not refreshed. Fresh fruit? Totally picked over. Kippers? Not available during the 2 days were were there. Had a lovely conversation with Mike the chef (and son of the owner) he was very sorry to know that the fish delivery hadn't happened - the staff had not informed him. We were very appreciative to have a quiet table despite the loudness of the other patrons - they kindly moved us so we could hear each other speak. Hats off to Nina and Chef Mike. Room 5 has the beautiful bay window with the sea view and is probably the best room at the Russell. Recommend for one or two nights but wouldn't stay longer. Would stay again in the winter so as to avoid the loud golf groups.

Stopped for a drink to avoid the rain, but ended up staying for dinner! We had one of the most delicious fish dishes we have ever eaten - and service was super friendly and accommodating! The warmth, the welcoming atmosphere, and the soft music were perfect for a November night (and probably equally great during any other month too 😉)

What a find! Owner Michael was fantastic and he took 5-star care of us. We were originally planning to leave very early and he planned to pack us breakfasts for the road at 6 am. We ended up changing plans and nonetheless we wished we had more time to stay there. The room was gorgeous. The restaurant was very good and I had a phenomenal gin & tonic. ********** lists as 3 star, but the Russell is 5 star in my book. Thank you, Michael!

Amazing place ! We experienced drinks after dinner one evening and liked it so much we returned for dinner the next night. Superb service and 5* food!!! The view is spectacular especially at sunset . So peaceful!!! Will recommend this place to all our golfing friends who visit St Andrews!

We had a great meal in the lovely cosy bar. Tasty starters of hot and cold smoked salmon- gorgeous and a huge portion and amazingly light and full of flavour duck parfait. The haddock was best in town- lovely big flakes, cooked to perfection and the burger was amazing- delicious chunky beef. Very reasonably priced wine list, extensive malt whisky selection -great cocktails too with a special shoutout to barman John’s Espresso Martini with Reapers rum - a real treat. All the staff are so friendly and we would strongly recommend a visit to this gem of a place.

Still my favourite in St Andrews. The steaks were cooked to perfection and the crispy onions takes me back to my childhood dining in The Niblick. The reason for a 4 and not a 5 was the peppercorn sauce just not quite reduced enough but I must say it was lovely to actually have a sauce made from cream and freshly ground pepper and not whole peppercorns. I look forward to my next visit before this establishment is destroyed and turned into another block of flats. A disgrace to see one of last family-run hotels in St Andrews become a mere memory.