Location, location, location. The Rusacks Hotel benefits from its site, takes inspiration from its position and pays homage to its surroundings. It is quintessentially St. Andrews, one of the most famous locales in all of golf.

A plaque on the wall leading out to the Old Course - with the famous links in the foreground and the West Sands stretching as far as the eye can see in the distance - states that the hotel was built in 1887 and reimagined in 2021. Every step taken through the building - whether it be the original structure or the extension that added bedrooms, suites and the stunning '18' rooftop bar and restaurant - reminds residents of where they are and the history and culture that envelopes the town. Even those with only a casual interest in golf will recognize the portrait of Old Tom Morris that watches over the front door as guests are given a welcoming, attentive check-in at reception. Alongside Old Tom is Allan Robertson, one of the first professionals of the game. Below them, the crackling fire provided a pleasant warmth from the cold, crisp winter air outside. They say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. In the case of The Rusacks, it is in the eye of the designer. There is a sense of the outside coming in when we step through the door of our room on the corner of the extended part of the hotel. The palette of green, gold and brown will not be to the taste of all guests, and neither will the bold blues and rich reds in the corridors. Dark ceilings and walls are given natural light by the windows at the far end of the bedroom, while navy cushions -embossed with a crossed clubs logo similar to that of St. Andrews Links - and burnt orange furniture take the eye away from the patterned wallpaper.

The Rusacks does not just hold its own in illustrious company in St. Andrews, it holds a special part of it. It has much more going for it than just its location, location, location.