Marine Troon, Ayrshire: Review of the hotel ahead of golf 152nd Open

Glasgow can be the best city in the world when the sun is shining, but after being slapped with the 10th named storm of the season, I could use a little seaside remedy.

Partner in tow, we headed to Glasgow Central on a Friday afternoon for a trip “doon the watter” – destination, Marine Troon.

The journey to Troon is only 40 minutes with services departing every half hour. After a 20-minute walk from the station, we arrive at the landmark hotel overlooking the Ayrshire coastline.

Formerly The Marine Hotel, it was taken over by hotel and resort firm Marine & Lawn and completely transformed into a lavish yet modern 89-bed destination that reopened in 2022.

Golf fans may be familiar with the view as the property overlooks the first and 18th holes of Royal Troon’s Old Course, the host of the 152nd Open Championship later this year.

I’ve always been in the “golf is a good walk spoiled” camp, but even I can’t argue that the fairway view adds to the tranquillity of the hotel.

The Room

It’s early evening when we check in to our room, a Marine King on the first floor.

Our footsteps are greeted by a rich dark floral carpet and the walls are decorated with a light blue ocean toile wallpaper. Maximalist, but it works.

There is a bright blue chair, and the TV is sat atop a wooden cabinet containing the minibar and coffee tray.

I peel back the mint curtains to reveal a not-so-scenic view of the roof, from which the hum and buzz of an extractor fan will keep us company all night.

Apart from the view, the room is cosy and opulent with a soft and doughy bed that takes the city woes away for a night.

The stunning bathroom has black and white marble checkerboard floors and a deep emerald-tiled shower.

Between the swanky Floris toiletries and plush robe and slippers the room does feel like a luxe escape.

Eating and Drinking

The Seal Bar (Image: Alexander Baxter, Marine Troon)

The Rabbit Restaurant (Image: Alexander Baxter, Marine Troon)

We have dinner booked at The Rabbit restaurant and have cleaned up ahead of schedule, so we pop into The Seal Bar for a drink.

Both the restaurant and the bar have menus led by executive chef Derek Johnstone, winner of the first MasterChef: The Professionals series.

It’s dark (and raining) so we can’t enjoy the view of Royal Troon’s opening hole, but the swish décor offers plenty to look at. Patterned ceiling, sofas, carved wooden chandeliers topped with fringed lampshades, and more blue and cream toile wallpaper. 

Across the lobby and inside The Rabbit, we order three courses off the menu that ‘champions the best of Scottish and British cooking’.

Locally baked focaccia, a meaty pile of grilled West Coast langoustines and a hearty bowl of Cullen skink with sourdough are demolished.

Main courses of herb-crusted sea trout fillet and smoked Ayrshire pork belly are just as rich.

For dessert, Arran gold cheesecake with homemade honeycomb is upstaged by the glorious chocolate and caramel delice paired with salted caramel ice cream.

Each menu item is tasty and well-crafted but oh-so-rich. We waddle back upstairs defeated and prepped for an early night.

Spa and Leisure

After tucking into our complimentary breakfast at The Rabbit, we headed to the wellness facilities.

The heated indoor pool and hot tub overlook the coast with adjacent steam and sauna rooms to fully unwind.

We only have an hour to take advantage of the pool area before 11am checkout (call ahead to chance your luck at a late checkout) but leave feeling restored, nonetheless.

After staring at the coastline all morning, we leave our bags at reception to wander along the beach.

By 1pm, it’s time to head back to Glasgow, feeling like we have been away for much longer than 24 hours.

If you're thinking of staying, arrive as soon as check-in opens to take full advantage of the leisure facilities and chance a late check out (if available) for extra time to relax. 

The staff are incredibly attentive and accommodating in all areas of the hotel.

It may seem counterintuitive to head “doon the watter” in the cold weather, but a night on the coast is the perfect push to get your cart over the winter hump and excited for spring.

Marine Troon, 5* hotel at Royal Troon Golf Club, 8 Crosbie Rd, Troon KA10 6HE. Rooms start at £160 for a winter stay with breakfast included. Dinner at The Rabbit is about £40 per head for three courses. All guests have access to the leisure facilities. To find out more, click here.