If you’re looking to explore Scotland’s travel scene, Marine Troon is a gem of a hotel. Boasting Instagrammable interiors, incredible locally sourced food and unbeatable Scottish hospitality, oh, and a wealth of golf courses on its doorstep and a celebrated spa for some R&R, this is one to bookmark immediately.

The location

Marine Troon sits on the rugged coastline of Ayrshire, overlooking the Isle of Arran. The surroundings feel particularly Scottish – windswept and vast, like you might need your coat even in the height of summer, but nonetheless breathtaking and beautiful. As are the hotel’s bones.

The huge building dates back to 1894, built by notable Glaswegian architects Salmon and Gillespie, and its grand and almost filmic stature offers the perfect location to bed down for a weekend away from city life, in front of crackling fires, under tartan blankets, with only the fresh Scottish air and black sealine as company. It’s also perfectly positioned for those travelling from Glasgow, under an hour away, or Edinburgh, accessible in under an hour and a half. 

Whilst Marine Troon feels like the grande dame of Troon, a behemoth of a hotel popping up from the wilds of the Scottish landscape, the town itself is sweet and full of character. Seaside shops selling optimistic buckets and spades are sat next to traditional sweetie stores that look unchanged for decades, as well as trendy cocktail bars and whiskey shops perfect for picking up a wee dram – or a bottle, rather – of Scottish produce to take home. 

The pool is a real selling point of the hotel, looking out through floor-to-ceiling glass onto that cold, rugged coastline.

What sets it apart

Golf fans will be delighted to know that the hotel sits right on the doorstep of Royal Troon’s Old Course. It’s one of Scotland’s most prestigious courses, playing host to nine Open Championships, and currently gearing up for the 2024 rounds. It’s clear that the Marine & Lawn group, which founded the hotel, take their golf very seriously, as they have also opened hotels in St Andrews and North Berwick – two other major golfing locations. 

In addition to the Royal Troon, there are around 50 further courses within Ayrshire itself for those wishing to golf. And for those not fussed? The hotel comes complete with an indoor pool and spa treatments, which was much more our vibe. The pool is a real selling point of the hotel, looking out through floor-to-ceiling glass onto that cold, rugged coastline, which feels particularly magical as you take lengths in the warm, cocooning water inside. 

The interiors

The interiors at Marine Troon are perhaps what won us over the most. They lean into the hotel’s rich golf history and stunning opulent features, but are also peppered with modern touches and quirky design details that are waiting to be added to an interior’s Pinterest board. In the main bar, we sank into upholstered sofas in jewel tones and fawned over intricate floral wallpapers covering the walls and ceilings in the main restaurant. There’s a grand sweeping staircase in the foyer, dramatic curtains in heavy velvets throughout, and seriously good lighting, from woven seagrass chandeliers in the bar to fringed lamps nestled in corners of the restaurant, perfect for romantic dinners in dark corners. 

Those familiar with the area will probably remember the hotel in its previous guise, The Marine Hotel. We visited with family who had stayed there a decade previously and they were won over by the revamp of the place. Think the much-celebrated Gleneagles Hotel aesthetic, but a little more low-key – stylised and Instagrammable but homely and warm – and a fraction of the price. 

The rooms

Beautiful interiors seep through into all of the rooms. Our twin room was decked out in Tiffany blue velvet drapery, forest green headboards and lively floral tapestry carpets. Each room plays host to one of the UK’s most exciting artists right now, Luke Edward Hall, who has created bespoke sketches of Arthur Havers, who won the Claret Jug in 1923 at Royal Troon. It makes for a nice nod. 

Beautiful interiors seep through into all of the rooms – Tiffany blue velvet drapery, forest green headboards and lively floral tapestry carpets.

The bathrooms feel both traditional and modern, with glossy tiles, heavenly-smelling toiletries by Floris, grand antique mirrors and the prerequisite fluffy robes and slippers every luxury hotel needs. It’s the little touches that run throughout Marine Troon that really make it a gem in this coastal town. 

Food & drink

It is safe to say that we ate and drank well over our weekend. Both the main Bar, The Seal, and the more formal restaurant, The Rabbit, plays to the incredible Scottish product available nearby. From McSween haggis sourced from Edinburgh and small batch-made with a recipe unchanged since the 1950s to cheddar from a family-run farm on the Isle of Mull. 

Standouts have to be haggis bon bons with a local Arran mustard which were little pops of sheer peppery delight, especially paired with a classic cocktail in the mid-afternoon after a chilly walk along the beach. In the evening, we tucked into local mussels and a berry and pistachio-topped panna cotta, served with a perfect and most satisfying wobble.

Things to do nearby

Golf really is at the heart of this hotel so if you’re a fan, you’re pretty spoilt for choice. The hotel will lend or store equipment, book you in and give you access to their putting green to get in a few practice shots. Saying that, if you don’t know your birdie from your bogie (can you tell we don’t?) there’s plenty to keep you occupied without teeing off.

Take a day trip to the picturesque Isle of Arran by ferry from Ardrossan, just half an hour away, or stay local and make the most of the hotel’s bike rental – the perfect way to see Troon as you cycle along the seafront.

The verdict 

There are some hotels that you just know from the moment you check-in you’ll want to revisit. Marine Troon is just that. Inspiring interiors that take you home with a bucket list of redecorating ideas, Scottish hospitality that leaves you feeling thoroughly spoilt and well-fed but also like you’ve had a right old laugh with old friends, and grounding, blow-the-cobwebs-away landscapes that are much needed if you live in a city. 

Whether you’re a mere 40 minutes away from nearby Glasgow or make the trip from down south, Marine Troon is well worth a visit if you’re looking to explore Scotland’s travel scene. We’ve promptly added the rest of the Marine & Lawn portfolio of hotels to our must-visit list. 

Getting there

Glasgow is approximately a 45-minute drive away, and Edinburgh is one hour and a half. If you’re travelling to Scotland by air, Glasgow Prestwick is just four miles away, Glasgow International 30 miles and Edinburgh 72 miles. There is also extensive on-site parking for all residents. 

Bookings & rates

Room rates start from a very reasonable £159, subject to seasonality and availability per room per night, and all include a full Scottish breakfast before you check out. 

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Europe, Hot Hotels, Hotel Reviews, Travel, Travel Reviews

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