Greyfriars Hotel St Andrews: Central Pub-Inn Review

Greyfriars Hotel in central St Andrews blends a 20-room contemporary inn with a lively Greene King pub, drawing golfers bound for the Old Course and visitors to the historic university town. Verified guest ratings across Expedia and Booking.com consistently highlight its walkable location and friendly staff. This guide pulls together official listings and aggregated reviews to help you decide if Greyfriars is the right home base for your St Andrews stay.

Last checked: 2026-07-30

Hotel name: Greyfriars Hotel (Greene King Inns) · Location: Central St Andrews, Fife, Scotland · Number of rooms: 20 en-suite bedrooms · Price range per night: from €209 (2026)

Greyfriars Hotel at a glance

1Hotel name

• Greyfriars Hotel / Greyfriars Inn by Greene King Inns (VisitScotland)

2Location

• 129 North Street, St Andrews, KY16 9AG, Scotland (VisitScotland)

3Rooms

• 20 en‑suite bedrooms (VisitScotland)

Fact	Detail
Address	129 North Street, St Andrews, KY16 9AG, Scotland (VisitScotland)
Number of bedrooms	20 en‑suite (VisitScotland)
Check‑in / Check‑out	From 14:00 / Until 11:00 (KAYAK)
Tripadvisor ranking	#5 of 16 St Andrews hotels, 580 reviews (Tripadvisor)
Expedia rating	9.0/10 ‘Wonderful’ from 287 reviews (Expedia)
Trivago aggregated score	8.5/10 ‘Excellent’ from ~2,252 ratings (Trivago)

What is Greyfriars in St Andrews known for?

Greyfriars operates as both a small contemporary hotel and a lively Greene King pub‑inn. Its name refers to the Franciscan friars who wore grey habits, a historical thread that ties it to a broader Scottish tradition (Greyfriars in Edinburgh, etc.). Today the property is marketed as Greyfriars Inn by Greene King Inns and consistently scores high marks for location and staff.

Regular guests describe it as a “home away from home” (Tripadvisor editorial) thanks to plush en‑suite bedrooms and a welcoming bar. Among 16 St Andrews hotels on Tripadvisor, it ranks fifth overall with 4.3 out of 5 stars based on 580 traveler ratings (Tripadvisor). The bar draws a mixed crowd of locals, students, and tourists, with four plasma screens showing live sport (Fanzo).

The bottom line: Greyfriars is known for its central location, pub atmosphere, and the convenience of having a reliable chain behind it.

Where is the Greyfriars Hotel located?

The hotel sits at 129 North Street, in the heart of St Andrews, approximately 1,000 feet from the town centre and about 1,650 feet from the nearest beach (Booking.com). It is a short walk to St Andrews Heritage Museum, the University buildings, and the Old Course – the first tee is roughly five minutes on foot (Ginger Beer Golf Travel).

For those arriving by car, paid parking is available at nearby public car parks; the hotel itself lists free parking on some booking channels (Tripadvisor amenity list), though availability and cost vary. Edinburgh is about 50 miles south (roughly 1.5 hours by car), and Glasgow is about 80 miles west (2 hours).

The pattern: Greyfriars is one of the most walkable hotels in St Andrews – almost everything a visitor needs is within a 10‑minute radius.

What are common guest reviews of Greyfriars?

Across platforms, guests highlight the friendly staff, cooked breakfast, and central location. On KAYAK, reviewers describe breakfast as “delicious with plenty of choice” and staff as “lovely, friendly, and helpful.” Expedia’s 287 verified reviews give it a 9.0/10 ‘Wonderful’ rating, with 163 rating it 10/10 (Expedia).

The most consistent criticism is noise from the ground‑floor bar and busy street. Multiple reviewers on Trivago advise requesting a room away from the pub area to minimise disruption. A few also mention minor maintenance issues – shower temperature inconsistency and bathroom fan operation – though these are balanced by many who praise the “powerful showers.”

The catch: You trade bar convenience for bar noise. The trade‑off works well for social travellers but may frustrate light sleepers.

What is included in a stay at Greyfriars?

All 20 en‑suite bedrooms include free Wi‑Fi, flat‑screen TV, tea and coffee facilities, a room safe, hairdryer, iron and board, and desk. Room types cover single, double, and family configurations (Booking.com).

The on‑site bar and restaurant serve pub‑style food from midday to late evening, with a menu that includes Scottish cask ales and kids’ meals. Ginger Beer Golf Travel notes the restaurant is popular with families and golfers alike. Free breakfast is mentioned on some booking channels, but it may be rate‑dependent; always confirm at time of booking.

What to watch: Breakfast and parking inclusions vary by rate. Always verify direct with the hotel or booking site before you arrive.

Where does the name Greyfriars come from?

“Greyfriars” refers to the Franciscan order of friars, so called because of the grey habits they wore. The term appears in several Scottish towns – the most famous being Greyfriars in Edinburgh, site of the 1638 National Covenant. In St Andrews, the name likely nods to a historical Franciscan presence in the area, though the current building is a modern hotel conversion rather than a historic friary (Wikipedia – Greyfriars).

Today the name is primarily a brand identifier within the Greene King portfolio, distinguishing this inn from other Greene King properties across the UK.

The implication: The name adds a patina of Scottish history, but the actual hotel is a contemporary pub‑inn built for modern travellers.

Where can I eat in St Andrews with kids?

Greyfriars’ own restaurant and bar is a family‑friendly option, with a separate kids’ meal menu and high chairs available. For variety, a short walk brings you to other central pubs that welcome children, including the Central Bar and the Criterion. Many parents choose Greyfriars precisely because they can feed the family quickly before exploring.

The bottom line: Greyfriars works well for families wanting a no‑fuss, central pub meal – just time it to avoid peak sports crowds.

Why is St Andrews so prestigious?

St Andrews holds dual prestige as the “home of golf” – host of the legendary Old Course – and as the seat of the University of St Andrews, one of the UK’s oldest and most respected universities (founded 1413). The town’s combination of academic heritage and world‑class links courses draws a steady stream of international visitors, from golf pilgrims to parents of students.

Greyfriars positions itself to serve both audiences. VisitScotland explicitly lists the hotel as suitable for “golfers, wedding guests, parents visiting students, business travellers and tourists.” Its central location makes it a practical base for anyone wanting to explore the town on foot.

Full specifications of Greyfriars Hotel

Category	Detail
Brand	Greene King Inns
Room types	Single, double, family (20 en‑suite total)
Standard amenities	Free Wi‑Fi, flat‑screen TV, tea/coffee, safe, hairdryer, iron/board, desk
Food & drink	Restaurant & bar with pub‑style food, kids’ menu, Scottish ales
Entertainment	4 plasma screens with live sport
Parking	Free parking listed on some channels (check rate); public car parks nearby
Check‑in / Check‑out	14:00 / 11:00
Reception hours	07:00–22:00

Greyfriars Hotel: pros and cons

Best for

• Couples seeking central location: Walk everywhere – no need for a car.
• Families dining with kids: On‑site pub menu with kids’ options, central base for sightseeing.
• Golf visitors: Five‑minute walk to the Old Course; hotel used regularly by group tours (Ginger Beer Golf Travel).
• Solo travellers: Friendly bar atmosphere, single rooms available.

Pricing and value

Greyfriars sits in the mid‑range bracket for St Andrews. Published rates from 2026 start at around €209 per night (standard double). Given the central location and included breakfast on many rates, it offers reasonable value compared with larger hotels on the seafront or resort properties. For budget‑conscious travellers, booking direct via Greene King Inns sometimes yields lower rates than third‑party aggregators.

Location and getting there

129 North Street, St Andrews KY16 9AG. The nearest railway station is Leuchars (about 5 miles), with regular trains from Edinburgh (50 min) and Glasgow (1.5 hr). Taxis from Leuchars to the hotel cost roughly £15–20. By car, take the A91 from the M90; public parking at Market Street car park and others are a short walk. Coach services connect St Andrews to Edinburgh and Dundee.

Alternatives in St Andrews

If Greyfriars doesn’t suit, consider these centrally located options:

• Albany Hotel – A boutique property on North Street with a more refined, quiet atmosphere.
• Hotel du Vin & Bistro – A higher‑end option with a well‑known restaurant and spa facilities.
• Rufflets Hotel – A country‑house alternative just outside town, offering gardens and a formal dining room.

Each property targets a different price and style point, so choose based on whether you prioritise nightlife proximity, quiet, or luxury.

Frequently asked questions

What is the address of Greyfriars Hotel St Andrews?

129 North Street, St Andrews, KY16 9AG, Scotland.

What is the check-in time at Greyfriars Hotel?

Check‑in is from 2:00 PM.

Does Greyfriars Hotel have a restaurant?

Yes, an on‑site bar and restaurant serves pub‑style food from around midday to late evening.

How far is Greyfriars Hotel from the Old Course?

Approximately a 5‑minute walk to the first tee.

What is the check-out time at Greyfriars Hotel?

Check‑out is until 11:00 AM.