We found the outside of the hotel somewhat disappointing. The grounds appeared to be in the process of extensive redesigning using diggers and the hotel is somewhat standard looking.

The entrance was however very grand with a fire and a huge portrait. We had prejoined the presidents club, and despite getting a very cheap rate they still treated us royally at reception and had our room details ready.

The room itself was spacious and well stocked with high quality toiletries and bath robes. Having stayed in Fairmonts in Canada we were expecting it to have a bit more individuality but it was decorated in bland neutral colours which most UK hotels seem to opt for.

We decided to "relax" in the spa.Now we knew it was being renovated, and we knew that the changing rooms would be a portacabin, but it was all so grim. We had to get their via the fire stairs which looked like they had never been decorated, access the pool via the gym and a singularly unfriendly attendant. The portacabin was cold and dingy and the door kept flying open so anyone walking past could see you getting changed. There was no water dispenser at the pool, so I had to go back to the gym to get a glass of water. I guess the price reflected this, but if I had paid full price for my room I would be very upset by the low standards.

We had planned to take the free shuttle bus into town, but hadn't realised that the hotel was a good 2 miles from the city centre so decided to eat in one of the hotel restaurants Esperante instead. I was amazed by the quality of the food. It isn't cheap but if you enjoy fine dining then I would recommend it. Word of warning though, don't go too hungry as the portions are small.

Our kingsize bed was comfortable and the shower was strong. Breakfast is amazing. A wonderful choice of hot and cold food, I loved the bircher muesli.

So overall for the price we paid it was a great experience, but just not up to the standard of the Fairmonts abroad.

Oh and parents take note, we went sans munchkin but there is a kids club from aged 2 up and there were a lot of families there.

We had booked a midweek two night stay here via the hotel connexions website on 6th February. We arrived on the 12th March at 5pm after a long drive (the forth road bridge was shut due to bad weather), only to be told that the hotel could only accomadate us on the first night and not the second. We were advised we would be accomadated in a self catering lodge elsewhere on the grounds on the second night - we would have to pack and move there after the first night or could stay there for both nights. The fairmont had a booking for the full hotel on the second night and clearly we were an inconvenience. Noone had contacted us to tell us this prior to our arrival - the hotel stated that Hotel Connexions agency did not know about this when they accepted our booking - but the Fairmont had our address and phone number on the registration form, so I don't know why the Fairmont could not have called us directly. I was 7 months pregnant while visiting and did not relish the thought of a 10 minute walk from the lodge in the wind and rain every time we wanted to go for a swim, have breakfast or dinner. We asked to see the lodge. It is a self catering lodge, but the rooms were very basic and we would be sharing communal areas (kitchen, lounge) with other guests. When we arrived at the lodge there were dirty coffee cups on the table!

We overheard other guests in a similar situation being offered a move to another hotel. We had not been offered this, but on seeing the lodge, we requested a move to another hotel for both nights. They seemed reluctant at first but eventually we were moved to the Old Course Hotel. It was much nicer in any case and the staff much more pleasant. The only issue with it was that there were renovations commencing at 8am each morning - needless to say the Fairmont did not warn us about that. So much for a relaxing break. I would return to the Old course, despite the fact that it is pricier than the Fairmont, but would definately not book the Fairmont again. One of the more helpful staff members there told us that they overbook the hotel on a regular basis and move guests- be warned!

My husband booked us into this excellent hotel for 4 days for a birthday treat for me. As soon as we arrived we were met by excellent and extremely friendly staff who offered to valet park my car after unloading our luggage and husbands golf clubs. The suite my husband had booked for us was unavailable and we were upgraded to a deluxe suite. This suite was stunning and massive with 2 TV's, DVD player etc. The bathroom was very clean with seperate walk in shower and corner bath, robes, fluffy towels, large bottles of toiletries etc.. Food in all the restaurants was great especially the ample breakfasts that set you up for the day...
If you had indulged too much try the Spinning Class in the gym or Ali's Aqua class to burn off the pounds...both were very good..
The concierges/drivers were very friendly and informative and their bus service to St Andrews was a godsend, due to the restrcitive parking in the town due to road works..
The Golf was superb as was the Spa where the Hot Stones Massage was one of the best I had ever had.
Prices for everything were reasonable..
The extra touches of chocolates arriving with a birthday card to my suite and the "to die for birthday cake" at dinner made this a very memorable birthday treat and we will definately be back later this year..

I went to the Fairmont with my husband and stayed in a deluxe suite which was the size of a one bedroom flat .The bed was very comfortable and eveything was well maintained.
I can't say i have any complaints about this hotel as everything was nice ,a great breakfast .Only downside was when we went to use the pool it was full of children so they might want to condsider having a time in the day when it can be child free.I'm not anti children as i have 2 myself and i work with children every day but when its advertised as a spa resort it conjours up images of relaxation which it definately wasn't and we just turned around and left. I don't think i would go back as it all felt a bit big and lacked in atmosphere