Marooned just steps away from the golden sands of Troon beach lies the sandstone monolith that is the Marine Troon Hotel.
Golf fans may be familiar with the commanding view of the red-brick façade, as it presides over the 18th fairway of Royal Troon’s Old Course, the host of the Open Championship last year.
Formerly The Marine Hotel, it was taken over by hotel and resort firm Marine & Lawn and completely transformed into a lavish 89-bedroom destination hotel which reopened in 2022.
Inside, there’s a maximalist approach to the decor. Striking floral wallpaper covers the ceiling of The Seal bar, named after the first hole at Royal Troon, which clashes tastefully with the dark blue sofas and colourful rugs. Think a relaxed sense of luxury.
Formerly The Marine Hotel, it was taken over by hotel and resort firm Marine & Lawn.
It’s fair to say the hotel’s appeal lies with golfers, particularly American golfers.
There are maritime touches throughout the hotel. Artistic scenes don the walls, while driftwood chandeliers hang from the ceilings in a nod to Troon’s allure as a seaside retreat rather than its proximity to the much sought after links course.
That’s not to say the hotel has forgotten to pay homage to its golfing connection, each room has its own bespoke sketch of Arthur Havers, who won the Claret Jug in 1923 at Troon, by artist Luke Edward Hall.
The no-holds-barred approach to the interiors extends to the rooms, as does the maritime feel which continues in the bathroom with algae green tiling and sea blue paint.
Pull back the curtains of my sea view suite and you’re bathed in the unobstructed, glorious views of the Ayrshire coast. And in the distance, Ailsa Craig, Ayrshire’s famous island of microgranite used for making curling stones. On the day I am visiting, a pair of newlyweds are snapping happy shots in front of the baronial building, dress and kilt blowing in the wind.
Each room has its own bespoke sketch of Arthur Havers.
Some of the hotel’s 89 rooms have stunning sea views.
It’s fair to say the hotel’s appeal lies with golfers, particularly American golfers, desperate to play the classic links course. But there’s plenty to keep non-golfers amused too, including a spa, pool, gym and squash court.
In the spa, the sauna and steam room are adequate for a relaxing afternoon, and while the pool could do with some TLC, it’s quickly forgiven by the floor to ceiling glass windows which allow the sun to beam in and provide the perfect sea view backdrop for a swim.
The Rabbit restaurant, named after Royal Troon’s notoriously tricky 17th hole, has an elegant feel to it, with black and white chequerboard flooring and plush navy booths. The food is overseen by Executive Head Chef Ryan Marshall who is dishing up elevated gastropub food. Diners can also enjoy the bar menu from The Seal, which offers a medley of pub classics, from burgers and fish and chips to curries.
It was hard to overlook the Lochlea Single Malt cured salmon to start, but in the end I opted for the terrific seared mackerel, with a fresh pineapple salsa, and zingy tomato vinegarette. The wood pigeon, served with salt baked beetroot, chicory and sweet blackberries was cooked to perfection. The starter menu also includes oysters, with the very fitting option of having them ‘Old Fashioned’ with a whisky and peppercorn vinegarette.
The Seal Bar has an extensive cocktail menu.
Executive Head Chef Ryan Marshall serves up elegant dishes at The Rabbit.
For main, pink peppercorn glazed duck breast with fresh cherries, beets and a fantastic chunk of potato terrine – rich and crispy on the outside but deliciously buttery smooth on the inside. The Ayrshire lamb rump was also a delight. Sitting on a bed of nutty wild mushroom and bean fricasse, and topped with a bright green salsa verde.
We rounded off the meal with a white chocolate cheesecake, tangy with lime and ginger, and a coconut crisp crunch, it was simply wonderful.
Breakfast the next morning is a delightful continental spread of meat, cheese, breads and pastries, alongside a make-your-own Virgin Mary area, served in The Rabbit. There are also a host of hot food choices available to order from the menu, from hot rolls, to avocado eggs, and the traditional full Scottish breakfast.
You might recognise this grande dame and its panoramas of perfectly manicured lush green lawns from the backdrop of golfing events on TV, but you don’t have to like the golf to love this fantastic hotel.
The spa makes for the perfect relaxing afternoon.
To find out more, head to The Marine Troon Hotel.
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