The hype
Guests adore the gardens and the 'Downton Abbey' vibe but often find the bathrooms and in-room tech dated.
Greywalls Hotel And Chez Roux
$240-480/ night
Book this if You're a golf purist who wants to wake up staring at the 10th tee of Muirfield without the corporate sterile feel of a resort.
Why People Love It
- Location literally on the edge of Muirfield Golf Course
- Edwardian country house architecture by Sir Edwin Lutyens
- Chez Roux restaurant offers serious French-Scottish fine dining
Quick Take: A stunning architectural time capsule that feels more like staying with a wealthy, slightly eccentric aunt than at a modern hotel.
Reviewed by @itskimberlyfisher: I felt like I stepped onto a movie set staying here. The room has so much character with the antiques and tartan touches. It's incredibly cozy and perfect for a quiet weekend away. Highly recommend if you love history.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'peace and quiet' is occasionally shattered by groups of loud golfers reliving their rounds in the library or bar.
- You appreciate creaky floorboards and antique furniture over sleek modern design
- You are playing Muirfield or Gullane Golf Club
- You want a formal, old-school dining experience where jackets are encouraged
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Generally excellent daily service, though some reviews note dust in hard-to-reach corners of older rooms.
- Bathroom hygiene: Clean but dated. Complaints exist about 'unstable WCs' and 'no hot water' in specific bad experiences.
- Maintenance: The building is over 100 years old and shows it. Peeling paint on window frames and creaky floorboards are part of the 'charm' but can feel like neglect to some.
- Linens & towels: High-quality Egyptian cotton, crisp and clean.
- Odors & scents: Old house smell (wood polish, old books, faint dust) rather than artificial air freshener.
Sleepability™
7.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Creaky floorboards from guests above
- Plumbing noise from adjacent bathrooms
- Early morning golfers leaving for tee times
Before you book
Good to know
- Breakfast is NOT always included in the base rate and costs ~£23.50pp.
- Dinner at Chez Roux requires a reservation well in advance, even for guests.
- There is no on-site gym; guests must go to Archerfield or North Berwick for fitness facilities.
What to pack
- A jacket for dinner (the restaurant retains a formal dress code)
- US/EU to UK power adapters (older rooms have limited outlets)
- Earplugs if you are sensitive to creaky floors
Room Genie
Best picks
- Caddie's Closet: Small single rooms but offer unbeatable direct views of the Muirfield course for a lower price.
- Golf Wing Rooms: Ground floor with French doors opening directly onto the lawn—perfect for summer.
- Room 1: Historic room once occupied by royalty, overlooking the 10th tee.
Rooms to avoid
- Small Main House Rooms: Can feel cramped and dark compared to the Cottage or Golf Wing options.
- Rooms near the kitchen/service areas if you are a light sleeper (ask specifically to be away from the 'service wing').
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am booking this stay specifically for the history and views. Please assign a room in the 'Golf Wing' or a 'Main House' room with a view of the course. Please ensure I am NOT in a room directly above the bar or kitchen.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a gym or pool?
No. There are tennis courts and a croquet lawn, but no pool or fitness center.
Is it pet friendly?
Yes, but only in the 'Cottage Rooms' located in the grounds, not in the main house. Fee is £20 per night.
Does the hotel have air conditioning?
No. Fans are provided, but the historic building does not have A/C.
How far is the walk to the beach?
Gullane Bents (beach) is about a 10-15 minute walk or a 2-minute drive.
Is parking free?
Yes, there is ample free parking on-site.
Can I play Muirfield if I stay here?
Staying does not guarantee a tee time. You must book Muirfield separately, often a year in advance.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Ask for a tour of the gardens; they were designed by Gertrude Jekyll and are a masterpiece.
- ✨
The 'Whisky Room' is a great spot for a private drink if the main bar is rowdy.
- ✨
You can walk through the gate at the bottom of the garden to get a closer look at the golf course (respecting the players, of course).
5 things to know before you go
💡The water pressure in some top-floor rooms can be 'gentle' (read: weak).
💡You might have to crouch to plug in your phone; outlets are often near the floor in odd corners.
💡The 'Caddie's Closet' rooms are tiny but have the best golfer-watching views in the house.
💡There is no elevator, so pack light or be prepared to wait for a porter.
💡The hotel is a popular wedding venue, so check if your stay overlaps with a big event which might limit access to public areas.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Greywalls Hotel And Chez Roux is located and what's nearby.