The Epic Story of a Scottish Icon 

It all began on the tails of a perceived slight. More than a century ago, Thomas Hamilton commissioned his masterpiece immediately after the Royal and Ancient Golf Club rejected his membership application.

In an attempt to channel his outrage, Hamilton set out to eclipse the Royal and Ancient by constructing a larger, more extravagant building adjacent to it.

In 1895, his dream came true. And the world was treated to The Grand Hotel, a lavish retreat boasting unparalleled views of the Old Course, West Sands Beach and North Sea.

Of Soldiers and Scholars

During World War II, the Grand Hotel was transformed into training headquarters for the Royal Air Force, never to host high society again.

Shortly after the War, the University of St Andrews acquired the building and opened it as a dormitory under the name Hamilton Hall. For 56 years, it faithfully served St Andrews’ student body. And now history has called it for a new purpose.

A new chapter is beginning, one of privilege and romance. And this story promises to be the greatest of all.