19th Hole Hotel, Carnoustie

This hotel stands out as a welcoming local pub and a comfortable accommodation, particularly celebrated for its excellent food quality and its prime location near the Carnoustie golf courses. Guests consistently highlight the friendly staff and the hotel's overall cleanliness. While most rooms are found to be comfortable, some guests note issues with mattresses. The hotel's atmosphere makes it an ideal choice for golfers seeking convenience to the links, families looking for a relaxed stay with good dining options, and couples or solo travelers exploring the coastline. Its dual nature also appeals to locals who frequent the lively bar. For those seeking a quieter experience, it is advisable to inquire about rooms in the annex building, and guests should confirm bed configurations if a traditional double bed is a priority.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests generally find the hotel's facilities to be convenient and well-appointed. Rooms are equipped with in-room tea and coffee making facilities, often replenished daily, and a fridge for guest use. Many appreciate the presence of a power shower in the bathrooms. While some guests praise the well-stocked minibar, a few note the absence of snacks or find the prices to be high. A recurring point of feedback is the hotel's lack of a lift, which can be a consideration for guests with mobility issues or heavy luggage, though ground floor rooms are sometimes available. Some rooms are noted for having limited electrical sockets, which can be inconvenient for charging multiple devices. The hotel also offers rooms in an annex building across the road, which are frequently described as spacious and quiet.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel receives consistent praise for its spotless cleanliness throughout the rooms and common areas, contributing significantly to a pleasant stay. Most guests describe their rooms as comfortable and well-appointed, often highlighting the quality of the showers and the provision of fresh linen and great size towels. Many rooms, particularly those in the annex, are noted for being quiet, ensuring a restful night. However, a significant number of reviews mention issues with bed comfort, specifically uncomfortable mattresses where springs could be felt, leading to disrupted sleep for some. While most feedback on room condition is positive, isolated comments refer to minor issues such as inadequate heating, non-functional bathroom extractor fans, or occasional mould in showers. Some guests also experienced issues with noisy neighbors or creaky beds.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining experience is a major highlight for many guests, with both breakfast and dinner receiving widespread acclaim for their excellent quality and good value. The breakfast is frequently described as plentiful, well-cooked, and a great start to the day. For other meals, guests particularly rave about the burgers, often calling them the best they've had, and the legendary steak pie. The menu offers a good variety of options, and the food is consistently praised as delicious and served in generous portions. However, feedback on service speed is mixed; while some find it efficient, a notable number of guests report long wait times for food, especially during busy periods, and some experience the kitchen closing earlier than advertised. The bar area, where food is often served, is lively and popular, but can become noisy during sporting events.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as a significant advantage. It is ideally situated within easy walking distance to the Carnoustie golf courses, making it a prime choice for golfers. Guests also appreciate its close proximity to the beach, often just a few minutes' walk away, and the local high street with its shops and takeaways. The hotel is conveniently located near public transportation, including the train station, providing easy access for further exploration. While many guests find parking to be ample and available at the rear of the property, some mention that the car park entrance can be challenging or that spaces are limited, especially during peak times. Overall, the location is praised for its convenience to local amenities and attractions.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and accommodating nature. Many guests highlight the team's willingness to go the extra mile to ensure a comfortable stay, from assisting with luggage to resolving room issues promptly. The check-in process is generally described as smooth, though a few isolated instances mention delays or a lack of immediate reception presence. Guests appreciate the attentive service provided in both the hotel and the bar areas. While the vast majority of reviews commend the staff, a small number of guests report isolated negative interactions, such as perceived rudeness from some bar staff or a lack of attention during busy periods. The bar staff are particularly noted for their dog-friendly service, often providing water bowls and treats for canine companions.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel occasionally undergoes refurbishment, though this is generally reported to cause minimal disruption. The hotel's bar area is a popular spot, known for its lively sports bar atmosphere with multiple large screens for viewing events, which can contribute to noise levels, particularly in adjacent rooms. A notable feature is the dog-friendly policy within the bar area, where staff are welcoming to pets and their owners. Many guests consistently highlight the hotel's good value for money, considering the quality of accommodation and dining. For those seeking a quieter stay, rooms located in the annex building across the road are frequently recommended as they offer more tranquility away from the main bar area.