Starwood Preferred Guest - The Westin Turnberry Resort, Scotland closed Nov 08 - June 09 [Master Thread]

I have just checked out from a stay here with my family. I approached Westin in advance about the kids programme which they said was in play.......it wasn't. The (very cheap and limited) stuff for the kids arrived after I asked although the adult gifts were v nice (no upgrade tho' even for a platinum paying for 2 rooms because they said all the suites were being upgraded!!!). I asked for toys in the spa and was told they were not allowed (I appreciate the beautiful view but does a 5 year old?) On one night there was no opportunity to feed the children before 7pm because all restaurants were closed despite the guest services brochure saying ALL should be open. The fish suppers in Girvan were superb and I recommend Mr Chippy in the Main Street!

The golf facilities are outstanding (was that really a young girl [around 8] abandoned in the clubhouse while parents played golf?)although opportunities are limited due to lack of child facilities.

Westin told me in advance that Westin for Kids is in operation....it ain't and the next time I want to spend over £1000GB for a weekend away I'm afraid it won't be at Turnberry despite the nice staff.

I probably sound horrible here but if I were paying £1000 (GBP) for a weekend in a posh hotel I probably would prefer if the spa facillities weren't full of kidies and kidies toys.

Sorry.

Stephen

Sorry Stephen but if they are trying to do resort and bring kiddies then they should have facilities. In Turnberry there are lots of exclusively adult places and the establishment has suffered from an attitude of not being child friendly. It has a fantastic location and a golden opportunity if taken

Does anyone have any recent feedback to give?

I stayed there in August 2000 as PLT, using points for 3 nights. I needed adjacent rooms (for kids) and the hotel was full so no front facing rooms overlooking the Golf Course and Water for me. However the rooms we had very very nice.

Staff was very professional and took care of every detail. The Manager even sent up a couple of complementary dolls from the gift shop for my 4 yr. old daughter (nice touch).

I would highly reccommend the 7 course dinner. Try to get later reservations so you can have the table for the evening.

If you are planning to play golf, I suggest getting a caddy - will save at least a few strokes. What a course!

The SPA is excellent. My wife spent every morning there.

And don't miss the sunset over a single malt in the lounge.

Overall one of my favorite Starwood resort properties.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Andrew14302:
Does anyone have any recent feedback to give?</font>

Andrew - I've stayed there twice last year, and will be going so again in 2 weeks time. In fact, I'm getting married there in August and taking over a fair % of the hotel for the weekend.

It's an excellent hotel, recently refurbished. Rooms are very good - cottages are even better. Food is expensive but of high qualify. Service levels are superb (I've been met by the hotel manager upon arrival each time).

The main golf course is one of the top 20 in the world (150-200USD per round!) and the other is also very good. Caddy is well worth going for.

Rooms can be expensive (up to 500-600USD prpn), so the 10K SPG points needed become good value.

Excellent spa/pool. Off-site activities include archery, clay pigeon shooting, off-ride driving etc.

Check out www.turnberry.co.uk. (http://www.turnberry.co.uk.)

Good advice given on the single malts http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

If you want specific details, email me.



[This message has been edited by influential (edited 04-22-2002).]

Just arrived home from a 3 day stay at Turnberry (arranging our wedding there for August) and have nothing but positive feedback to give.

The hotel and grounds are in superb condition, food was excellent, malt whiskey selection (53 to choose from!) awesome and the "activity centre" is now more complete than 6 months ago (4 wheel drive course finished and a few other additions). In fact, even the weather was excellent.

influential,

glad you had a good stay; and if I didn't say it before, congratulations on your wedding. (Getting married was probably the smartest thing Ihave ever done.)

I just want to know one thing, what do they consider good weather in Scotland? It only rained for two hours that day? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

NickyD - thankyou, and I can't wait for August to come round.

The weather in Scotland is typically worse than that of the South of England where I am from. For example, I heard this morning that it rained @ Turnberry every day for the first 40 something days of this year!

One can gauge the likely good weather on the rack rates @ Turnberry. August is most expensive, following by July, September and June.

We were there for 3 days this weekend and it was 18C with bright sunshine each day. Locals were literally falling off their chairs in shock at the pleasant weather each morning, so it's fair to see that this was a little unusual. Also, Turnberry is in a nice bay in SW Scotland, so does see probably the best of the weather of anywhere nearby.

I've visited the area about 10 times in the past 15 years, and my personal experience has been that early May or early September have been the finest periods to go.

If you're thinking of going, I'd rate Turnberry as one of the finest Starwood locations around, particularly for a category 4. And, if you like golf (or malt whiskey http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif), it's even better.

Thanks for the recommendation. I am golfer at heart (wish I had as much skill as I have love for the game). Turnberry is already on my list of places to go, though my vacations for the next 3 years are already planned.

My father-in-law and I used to play golf every weekend before my son was born; we always discussed a trip to Scotland. I'm sure we'll make it some day. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

NickyD - I shared the bar with several Americans each night during my stay @ Turnberry (one of which paid our entire bar bill one night as an "early wedding present" - if you're a FlyerTalker, thanks again &lt;IMG SRC="http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starsmilie.gif"&gt; ) each was on a golfing tour of Scotland - Carnoustie, Gleneagles, Troon, St. Andrews, Turnberry etc.

I'm not so much into the 150USD+ per round to play at one of the famous courses when there are literally hundreds of other high quality courses adjacent to the famous ones for 10-20% of the price.

As to quality of play, it sounds like I'm in the same boat as you http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Andrew14302 - do you have an imminent stay? If so, I know the senior players there very well now, so could probably get a good word in for you http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

[This message has been edited by influential (edited 05-07-2002).]

Just wanted to know if anyone has done the drive to Westin Turnberry Scotland from London Heathrow? I'm here on business trip for 10 days and thought this would be a once-in-a-lifetime chance to go to Scotland using the free weekend reward and play on the famous golf course. However, I've been getting estimates from 5-8 hours to get there from London. This would mean leaving around 6pm Friday and then coming back Sunday night. Has anyone done this trek for the weekend and any suggestions for golf and renting clubs?

Ref. Travel, might I suggest a cheap flight from London Stanstead to Prestwick (just up the road from Turnberry) with Ryanair ?

www.ryanair.com (http://www.ryanair.com)

Flights are typically very cheap, and you can enjoy your time in Scotland much more than if you had a 6-8 hour drive !!

Agreed. Take the flight unless you really want to see the country out of a windshield. It might actually end up being cheaper than renting a car in London for such a long drive. You'll also gain time to play more golf or enjoy the Spa at the hotel.

I've been to Turnberry for a long weekend once (combined free weekend with a couple of extra nights). As you'd expect, the golf is world class and so are the golfing facilities. They have high quality rental clubs available, Calloway X14 irons and Steelhead woods if I recall correctly (I always travel with my own clubs though). I would also suggest hiring a caddie. It can really make the difference between a nightmare or just an incredibly challenging round.

No question that the flying option is the one to go for - if you can book a little in advance, BA and BD have both reduced _some_ prices to go after the lo-cost airlines, so you could fly from LHR rather than STN.

The drive is more like 5-10 hours, depending on traffic around London and Birmingham !

Agreed with all. Have been there twice recently and am getting married there in August. Ryanair is a good choice as the 50 odd minute flight plus shortish cab journey at the other end (or even hire a car via the Hertz/Ryanair relationship).

When you're there, check out the whiskey bar if that's your tipple.

If air is not an option, you might want to check the train to Glasgow and then a connector to Prestwick.

The course is awesome. I would also highly reccommend hiring a caddie for your round. It is well worth it.

[This message has been edited by tullupump (edited 06-19-2002).]

I just booked a Free Weekend award at Turnberry and was given a "lodge room" rather than a standard room by the SPG agent. She claimed that lodge rooms at Turnberry are better/larger than standard rooms but I'm worried that since the bed type is confirmed as "2 Twins: Join as K" that's not as good an arrangment as 2 single beds (this is a golf weekend with my dad). Or maybe the beds can also be unjoined and moved.

Anyway, are the lodge rooms at Turnberry really any different/better than standard rooms? Should I stick with this or try and call the hotel and see about changing to a different type (if this is truly an upgraded room type I'm sure they'd be willing to downgrade me to something with more suitable bedding)?

Any comments on what room or room type to request when I get there are greatly appreciated. From the looks or previous reviews of Turnberry it sounds like I'll be hard pressed not to have a great time at this resort.

Stayed there two years ago and totally had the most relaxing time of my life. The swimming pool is simply fantabulous with a view of i think the Irish Sea. The staff were extremely friendly, which was unlike the last time i was in Scotland. As for the room, it has a nice bathroom and a very comfortable bed. Definitely an excellent hotel!

Herb687, call the Customer Contact Center back and have them request the two twins to be separated or send the hotel an email to request it at turnberry@westin.com.

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Specialist, E-Communications Department
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Starwood Lurker:
Herb687, call the Customer Contact Center back and have them request the two twins to be separated or send the hotel an email to request it at turnberry@westin.com.</font>

William, thanks for the suggestion. I just read the remarks section of my reservation confirmation and it looks like the (very helpful and friendly, by the way) SPG agent who booked the reservation already requested that the beds be separated. So I guess now all that's left for me to do is practice my golf game and get my tolerance up for some serious single-malt tasting!

53 single malts to choose from. I wish I could fit in one of your bags. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Specialist, E-Communications Department
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Just back from our wedding at Turnberry over the weekend. Superb. Didn't see you there William as I sampled over 20 of their whiskies over the few nights. Not sure I ever want to touch another whiskey though http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Full marks to everyone at Turnberry - they excelled in every respect.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by influential:
malt whiskey selection (53 to choose from!) awesome.</font>

I have a feeling that maybe the selection is of malt whisky, although I have no doubt they have a few whiskeys as well http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Indeed - they had both. Being in Scotland though, I sampled purely the whisky side of things.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by influential:
Just back from our wedding at Turnberry over the weekend. Superb. Didn't see you there William as I sampled over 20 of their whiskies over the few nights. Not sure I ever want to touch another whiskey though http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Full marks to everyone at Turnberry - they excelled in every respect.</font>

Glad to know that everything went off without a hitch. If you're like me, you will only do this once. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

By the way, influential, what is your favorite single malt?

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Specialist, E-Communications Department
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Starwood Lurker:
By the way, influential, what is your favorite single malt?
</font>

Sorry to butt in - I know you didn't ask me - but isn't that a bit like asking which your favourite girlfriend is? I mean surely it depends on the circumstances...

In the afternoon you might want one that's lighter, perhaps a little sweet, but not too complex. Whereas after dinner something altogether heavier, darker and smokier is called for. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Perhaps a Glenturret 15-year old (whisky that is, not girlfriend - unless you're in Sweden) with a little water in the afternoon, and a Lagavulin (the older the better) after dinner.

[This message has been edited by christep (edited 08-20-2002).]

I am also partial to the Islay malts myself. Lagavulin is exceptional, as are Baunahavin(sp?) and Ardbeg - 15, although a little hard to get in the Chicago suburbs.

Ah, the single malt afficianados have begun to fall out...certainly don't mind your participation, christep. Interesting viewpoint, but the Lurker has neither the wallet or the liver to handle four different single malts a day depending on the hour/occasion. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

I guess for me it has to be Lagavulin (the older the better - agreed). On the darker, smokier side did you have in mind Loch Due? Seems to be a good choice for those who don't necessarily like single malt Scotch to begin with. Although I like the first part of the bottle, toward the end it begins to taste like old wet ashtrays. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Thanks to you and tullupump for expanding my horizons.

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Specialist, E-Communications Department
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

[This message has been edited by Starwood Lurker (edited 08-21-2002).]

William,

My personal favourite is Laguvulin, but not the standard 16 year old (v. nice that that is) but there is a 1984 double matured version (not much more expensive) that really is superb. Other than that, most of the Islays, including those already mentioned.

I use a superb whisky shop in central London where the choice of 150-200 different malts satisfies virtually any desire...

It did indeed go well. If I knew a way of pasting pictures into this post, I'd show you a picture of myself with ten malts lined up at the Turnberry bar http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Ten single malts in one sitting...I can feel my liver burping and gurgling now. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Specialist, E-Communications Department
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Bowmore and Balvenie are two extremes worth trying (reasonable price and easy to find in the US). Quite a contrast in flavour and while not the finest single malts, they are well worth trying (Bowmore is salty and Balvenie is sweet). But I still like Glenmorangie Madeira wood finish best (the other Glenmorangies are nice too but there is something about the madeira barrels ...).

number6 - if you're a Balvenie fan, have you tried the 12 yr old Balvenie Doublewood? It's my favourite over the 10 and 15 year old varieties.

Sounds like we have a few malt appreciaters on this board...

I was contacted by Mr. Mark Ancrum, the Operations Manager of the resort, who recently saw our comments about single malts. He thought everyone might want a idea of what is available. Regrettably, I'm unable to reproduce the format here as it was sent to me, but here goes:

"We trust you will enjoy the fine selection of Malts, some rare, from all Malt producing regions of Scotland.

Our full selection of over 135 malts is available in the Whisky Bar, situated between Reception and the Turnberry Restaurant, a delightful venue to while away the time into the early hours with great company and a great Havana Cigar. A smaller selection is available in the Ailsa Bar, The Terrace Brasserie & Tappie Toorie at the Clubhouse.

There are several books and almanacs available in the Whisky Bar for you to pursue further reading and copies for you to purchase in the Gift Shop.

For those of you from the other Gaelic nation, there is a smaller but equally nice selection of Irish Malts to be compared.

Our selection follows a route starting with the Malts closest to Turnberry - those from the Lowlands, Islands, Islay and Campbeltown; and finishing with the Highlands & Speyside

Most of the malts are available by the full bottle, for sale to you in your room. Please ask for a Full Bottle Pricelist.


“There is no cure for the night when you have one too many, except for an early rise, a hearty cooked breakfast and a round of golf.”



ISLAY

Of all Scotland’s malts the Islays are probably the most easily recognised. There are however some surprises within a selection that are traditionally the heaviest and most pungent available.

During the 18th & 19th centuries, the islanders supplied a local market from stills, both legal and illegal, which were operated from farmyards, bothies on the bleak moors above Port Helen and in remote caves along the coast of the Oa.

Islay had three major assets in their malt development – a ready source of barley (bere), inexhaustible supplies of peat and burns running brim-full of soft water.

It is impossible to visit Islay and not notice the peat. This fuel was the only means by which the islanders could dry their grain – as the grain dried in the fumes, the peat imparted to the barley a highly distinctive character which manifested itself when the spirit was finally distilled.
These characteristics are still evident in Islays malts today.


Ardbeg 30 y.o. Very Old 40.0% twenty-nine pounds
Ardbeg, 1978 40.0% ten pounds
Ardbeg 10 y.o. 46.0% seven pounds

Ardbeg malts develop a lovely peaty aroma with a hint of sweetness. The water sources are the lochs Arinambeast and Uigedale. Full-bodied and luscious with an excellent aftertaste, a great after-dinner malt.

Bowmore 1957 40.1% one hundred & forty pounds
Bowmore 25 y.o. 43.0% thirty-two pounds fifty
Bowmore 21 y.o. 43.0% sixteen pounds
Bowmore 17 y.o. 43.0% ten pounds
Bowmore 12 y.o. 40.0% seven pounds

Distilling since 1770, this is a light, peaty-smoky malt; a healthy middle-range Islay with medium weight and a smooth finish. Older vintages are outstanding. The water source is the River Laggan.

Bruichladdich, 25 y.o. Stillmans Dram eighteen pounds
Bruichladdich 1969 Cask Strength seventeen pounds
Bruichladdich 10 y.o. 40.0% six pounds fifty

Bruichladdich is a great pre-dinner dram and an excellent introduction to the Islay style. A light to medium body and a good hint of smoke leaves a pleasant lingering flavour. The water source is from the local hills above Port Charlotte.

Bunnahabhain, 1963 43.0% twenty-eight pounds
Bunnahabhain, 1968 40.0% twenty-four pounds
Bunnahabhain 12 y.o. 40.0% seven pounds fifty

Pronounced Boo-na-ha-venn, and produced with water sourced from local springs, this has a pronounced character with a flowery aroma. It is not reminiscent of the traditional Islay style, but has a lovely round flavour nonetheless.

Caol Ila 15 year old 43.0% nine pounds

Pronounced Koal-eela, this is light & fresh with a hint of peat. A lighter Islay with pleasing weight, round flavour & a smooth finish. A popular after-dinner dram, water sourced from Loch Nam Ban and a distillery spectacularly situated on the Sound of Islay.

Lagavulin 16 y.o. 43.0% nine pounds

(Lagga-voolin) A typical Islay – heavy, powerful aroma. Unmistakable. Water sourced from the Solum Lochs, this is quite heavy and very full with a delightful hint of sweetness. A gentle giant of a dram.

Laphroaig 15 y.o. 43.0% eight pounds fifty
Laphroaig 10 y.o. 40.0% seven pounds

(La-froyg). Well balanced, peaty & smoky. Full of character, a big peaty Islay flavour with a delightful touch of sweetness that betrays it’s proximity to the sea. An excellent after-dinner malt with water drawn from local mosses.

Port Ellen 20 y.o. 60.9% sixteen pounds

A hint of peat with a delicate bouquet. Light for an Islay and missing much of that peaty character, water is sourced from the Leorin lochs. A dry finish and a very popular pre-dinner dram, this distillery is currently not in production. One of the pioneers of direct malt exports to the Americas since 1840’s.


CAMPBELTOWN

In the middle of last century there was only one place that could lay claim to being Scotland’s Whisky capital – Campbeltown.

Situated on the lee shore of the Mull of Kintyre, and on the road to Machrihanish Golf Course, this town was literally awash with distillate a hundred years ago.

When Alfred Barnard compiled “The Whisky Distilleries of the United Kingdom” in 1866 he found no less than 21 distilleries in and around the town.
These were Hazelburn (established 1836), Springbank (1828), Dalintober (1832), Benmore (1868), Ardlussa (1879), Dalaruan (1824), Lochead (1824), Glen Nevis (1877), Kinloch (1823), Burnside (1825), Glengyle (1873), Lochruan (1835), Albyn (1830), Scotia (1832), Rielachan (18825), Glenside (1830), Longrow (1824), Kintyre (c1826), Campbeltown (1815), Argyll (1844) and Springside (1830)


Springbank 50 y.o. Ltd. Edition 40.5% two hundred & ninety pounds
Springbank 45 y.o. Ltd. Edition 40.1% two hundred & thirty pounds
Springbank 40 y.o. Ltd. Edition 40.1% two hundred & ten pounds
Springbank 35 y.o. Ltd. Edition 46.0% sixty-five pounds
Springbank 30 y.o. Ltd. Edition 46.0% thirty-nine pounds
Springbank 25 y.o. Ltd. Edition 46.0% thirty-nine pounds
Springbank 21 y.o. 46.0% sixteen pounds

Particularly rare, with a positive, rich aroma & a slight sweetness. Well balanced, full of charm, a malt drinker’s dream and a superb after-dinner drink.

The ultimate connoisseurs Malt flight – a vertical tasting of one single nip each of Springbank 50 y.o. 45 y.o. 40 y.o. 35 y.o. 30 y.o. & 25 y.o. Limited Edition Malts four hundred & fifty pounds
Includes complimentary four-course dinner for two in the Turnberry Restaurant!

Glen Scotia 14 y.o. 40.0% fourteen pounds

Light for Campbeltown malt. Faint touch of smoke, intense aroma, but still delicate and sweet. A pre-dinner dram, water sourced from Campbeltown loch.

Longrow 10 y.o. 46.0% twelve pounds fifty

An island-peaty medicinal aroma. Well-balanced, with a hint of sweetness, a succulent malty palate and a fine lingering aftertaste. Almost an Islay. Water sourced from Crosshill Loch, a dram for the connoisseur.


THE ISLANDS

Highland Park 1977 Bicentennial 40.0% twenty-eight pounds
Highland Park 25 y.o. 51.5% twenty-six pounds fifty
Highland Park 12 y.o. 40.0% seven pounds fifty
Isle of Jura 10 y.o. 40.0% seven pounds
Talisker 10 y.o. 45.8% seven pounds fifty

LOWLAND
Turnberry Malt 10 y.o. 40% six pounds twenty-five
Our own malt, specially bottled
Auchentoshan 10 y.o. 40.0% six pounds twenty-five
Auchentoshan Triple Wood 43.0% eight pounds fifty
Bladnoch 10 y.o. 43.0% seven pounds fifty
Bladnoch 1988 40.0% seven pounds fifty
Glenkinchie 10 y.o. 43.0% seven pounds
Glenkinchie Distillers Edition 86 43.0% nine pounds fifty
Inverleven 1985 40.0% eight pounds fifty
Littlemill 8 y.o. 40.0% seven pounds
St Magdelene 19 y.o. 63.8% eighteen pounds

SPEYSIDE
Aberlour 10 y.o. 40.0% six pounds twenty-five

Balmenach 12 y.o. 43.0% seven pounds fifty
The Balvenie 15 y.o. 50.4% eight pounds fifty
The Balvenie Double Wood 12 y.o. 40.0% seven pounds fifty
The Balvenie 10 y.o. 40.0% seven pounds
Benriach 10 y.o. 43.0% seven pounds
Benrinnes 15 y.o. 43.0% eight pounds fifty
Benromach 17 y.o. Centenary 43.0% fifteen pounds
Caperdonich 1980 CC 40.0% eight pounds fifty
Cardhu 12 y.o. 40.0% seven pounds fifty
Coleburn 1972 40.0% twelve pounds
Convalmore 1981 CC 40.0% fourteen pounds
Cragganmore Distillers Edition 84, 40.0% nine pounds fifty
Cragganmore 12 y.o. 40.0% seven pounds fifty
Dailuaine 1952 (10th Ann.) 49.4% forty-five pounds
Dufftown 15 y.o. 43.0% eight pounds fifty
Glen Albyn 1973, CC 40.0% ten pounds
Glenburgie 1968 40.0% fifteen pounds
Glenburgie 1962 40.0% fifteen pounds
Glendronach 15 y.o. 40.0% eight pounds fifty
Glendullan 12 y.o. 43.0% eight pounds
Glen Elgin 21 y.o. Cask Strength 50.3% fifteen pounds
Glenfarclas 30 y.o. 43.0% sixteen pounds fifty
Glenfarclas 25 y.o. 43.0% thirteen pounds fifty
Glenfarclas 21 y.o. 43.0% eleven pounds
Glenfarclas 10 y.o. 40.0% seven pounds
Glenfiddich Cask Strength 51.0% eight pounds fifty
Glenfiddich 12 y.o. 40.0% six pounds fifty
Glenfiddich 15 y.o. 40.0% six pounds fifty
Glen Grant 1954 40.0% twenty-eight pounds
Glen Grant 10 y.o. 40.0% six pounds
Glen Keith 10 y.o. 43.0% seven pounds
Glenlivet 1946 40.0% eighty-five pounds
Glenlivet 1973 Cask Strength 57.2% seventeen pounds
Glenlivet (Smiths) 21 y.o. 40.0% nine pounds fifty
Glenlivet 12 y.o. 40.0% six pounds fifty
Glenlossie 10 y.o. 43.0% eight pounds fifty
Glen Mhor 1979 40.0% nine pounds
Glen Rothes 1989 43.0% nine pounds
Glentauchers 1979 40.0% ten pounds
Imperial 1979 40.0% eight pounds fifty
Inchgower 14 y.o. 43.0% eight pounds
Knockando 1990 40.0% seven pounds
Knockando 1987 seven pounds
Knockdhu 12 y.o. six pounds
Linkwood 1939 40.0% ninety-five pounds
Linkwood 1954 40.0% thirty-two pounds
Linkwood 12 y.o. 43.0% eight pounds
Longmorn 1969, Cask Strength 53.8% eighteen pounds fifty
Longmorn 15 y.o. 45.0% eight pounds fifty
Macallan 25 y.o. 40.0% nineteen pounds
Macallan 18 y.o. 43.0% ten pounds fifty
Macallan 10 y.o. 40.0% six pounds fifty
Milton Duff 10 y.o. 40.0% eight pounds
Mortlach 16 y.o. 43.0% nine pounds fifty
Pittyvaich 12 y.o. 43.0% eight pounds
Royal Brackla 1974, CC 40.0% nine pounds fifty
The Singleton of Auchroisk 43.0% six pounds fifty
Speyburn 1974 40.0% twelve pounds
Strathisla 1967 40.0% eighteen pounds
Strathisla 12 y.o. 43.0% seven pounds fifty
Tamdhu no age 40.0% six pounds fifty
Tamnavulin, Stillman's 24 y.o. 45.0% twenty-one pounds
Tamnavulin 12 y.o. 40.0% seven pounds
Tomatin 10 y.o. 40.0% seven pounds

HIGHLANDS
Ardmore 1985 40.0% eight pounds

NORTHERN
Balblair 16 y.o. 40.0% seven pounds fifty
Clynelish 14 y.o. 43.0% eight pounds
Dalmore 12 y.o. 40.0% six pounds fifty
Dalwhinnie 15 y.o. 43.0% eight pounds fifty
Glen Ord 12 y.o. 40.0% seven pounds
Glenmorangie 18 y.o. 43.0% ten pounds
Glenmorangie Madeira Wood 43.0% seven pounds fifty
Glenmorangie Port Wood 43.0% seven pounds fifty
Glenmorangie Sherry Wood 43.0% seven pounds fifty
Glenmorangie 10 y.o. 40.0% seven pounds
Old Pulteney 12 y.o. 40.0% seven pounds
Teaninch 23 y.o. 57.1% fourteen pounds

EASTERN
Banff 1975 40.0% twelve pounds
Glenesk 1985, CC 40.0% eight pounds fifty
Glen Garioch 21 y.o. 43.0% sixteen pounds
Glenury-Royal 1976, CC 40.0% ten pounds
Old Fettercairn Stillman's Dram 45.0% fourteen pounds
North Port 1981 40.0% eight pounds fifty
Royal Lochnagar Selected Res. 43.0% thirty-seven pounds fifty

SOUTHERN
Aberfeldy 1978 CC 40.0% eight pounds fifty
Blair Athol 12 y.o. 43.0% seven pounds fifty
Deanston 12 y.o. 40.0% six pounds fifty
Edradour 10 y.o. 40.0% seven pounds
Glengoyne 10 y.o. 40.0% six pounds fifty
Glenturret 18 y.o. 40.0% twelve pounds
Glenturret 15 y.o. 40.0% nine pounds
Tullibardine 10 y.o. 40.0% six pounds fifty
Oban 14 y.o. 43.0% seven pounds fifty

IRISH WHISKEY
Midleton Very Rare 16 y.o. 40.0% twenty-two pounds fifty
Bushmills Malt 10 y.o. 40.0% seven pounds
Bushmills Black Bush Special 40.0% six pounds
Locke's 40.0% six pounds fifty
John Jameson Irish Whiskey 40.0% six pounds
Kilbeggan 40.0% six pounds
Tyrconnell 40.0% six pounds
Connemara 40.0% six pounds


CIGARS

HAVANAS

Bolivar Corona Gigantes £ 19.50
Bolivar Tubos No. 1 £ 14.00

Cohiba Esplendidos £ 29.00
Cohiba Siglo IV £ 19.00
Cohiba Siglo III £ 18.00
Cohiba Siglo II £ 14.00
Cohiba Panatellas £ 9.00

Cuaba Generosos £ 10.00

H Upmann Coronas £ 12.00

Montecristo No. 2 £ 18.00
Montecristo No. 1 £ 16.00
Montecristo No. 3 £ 13.00
Montecristo No. 4 £ 10.00

Partagas Lusitanias £ 22.50

Punch Churchills (tubed) £ 22.50
Punch Petit Coronas £ 10.00

Romeo Y Julietta Exhibition No. 3 £ 14.00
Romeo Exhibition No. 4 £ 13.50


DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Santa Damiana Torpedos £ 13.50

CIGARILLOS

Hamlett (Packets of 5) £ 10.00
Castella Drum £ 2.50"

Thanks, Mark!

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Specialist, E-Communications Department
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Starwood Lurker:
I was contacted by Mr. Mark Ancrum, the Operations Manager of the resort, who recently saw our comments about single malts. He thought everyone might want a idea of what is available. Regrettably, I'm unable to reproduce the format here as it was sent to me, but here goes:
...</font>
Woowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww. What a selection!

But wow what prices - these are for 25ml measures of 50ml? In any case even for 50ml, charging 7 quid for a Glenmorangie 10yo which costs about twice that for a bottle is quite outrageous!

Macallan 10yo at 6-50 for another comparison: at my club in Hong Kong that costs a fraction under 3 quid, for a generously large measure.

Quite a selection indeed. I believe they had c. 53 in stock when I was there 3 weeks ago. Prices are high, but I've just witnessed higher: Laguvulin 16 y.o (i.e. standard issue for Laguvulin) was 22Euros per shot at the Danieli, Venice.

Can any hotel beat that for sheer appalling value for money on the whisky front?!

If Mark does indeed read this column, may I pass my thanks to his crew at Turnberry for a superb wedding weekend for us and our 60 or so guests.

I stayed at Turnberry recently with my wife and daughter. We are not golfers but were looking forward to our weekend stay. We left pretty disappointed with the experience.

Check-in was fine but my SPG Gold didn't really seem to do very much (ie didn't even see a newspaper in my room). We stayed in a large room in one of the lodges which was overheated and did not have a working temperature control. Windows open in November meant alternating areas of freezing cold/boiling hot in the room.

The water from the bathtub was brown/green with metal shavings jumping out at us. This persisted even after having the water run for 20 minutes.

Two of our electrical points didn't work, so we had to unplug lamps to make tea.

No one from maintenance seemed to be able to do anything about these problems.

There were no umbrellas in the room which seems a bit of a 'no-brainer' for Scotland in November!

We were overcharged for baby-sitting with bizarre 'transportation fees' that no one had mentioned before check-out.

At breakfast we had to ask two people for toast/coffee. These took about 10 mins to arrive in a 2/3 full dining room.

We gave up waiting for the shuttle service to the main hotel after sitting in our room for near 25 mins (with promises along the lines of 'our driver has just left')

There are plenty more things that put me off but I don't want to whinge. I think that for a resort that trades so much on its reputation, a thorough internal review is in order. I doubt we'll go back anytime soon.

Did you ask to speak to the GM/AGM whilst there?

We were pressed for time while we were there but sent him a letter when we got back to London. His reply boiled down 'I'm glad you had an enjoyable stay at Turnberry. Thank you for bringing up a few shortcomings. We will make sure the appropriate people are notified.' I thought this was a useless reply and was about to suggest that, in future, he save his paper rather than send out letters like this.

Then next step is Customer Services (I sound like William now http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif)

Poor response in any case - pretty amazing too, considering the property.

The arrival of the brown/green water with metal shavings would have prompted my polite request for a new room.

I tried. They were fully booked and it was on the Saturday night that we discovered this 'hidden benefit' of the upgraded plumbing. We figured that even if they did have a better room it would be too much of a hassle to move for one day.

Shower was fine. Well, actually, some genius didn't quite finish the sealing job around the bottom of the door, so that it was impossible to have a shower without (a) a huge puddle on the floor, or (b) going through 2 towels to soak it up. Sorry, don't mean to whinge.

[This message has been edited by LondonElite (edited 12-03-2002).]

LondonElite, if you have not already spoken to the Customer Care Department, this experience is definitely worthy of filing a formal complaint. It can be done by email through the westin.com web site or by calling the Customer Contact Center nearest you and asking to be transferred to customer service.

I apologize for the experience you had at Turnberry. It is surprising in that we hear so many nice things said about this resort, but I suppose any property is capable of not putting forth their best effort from time to time.

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Specialist, E-Communications Department
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

If it's any consolation, we stayed at Gleneagles last year and had exactly the same problem with brown water coming out of the tap in the bathroom. Maybe a Scottish thing?

Apart from that, however, Glenesagles was wonderful. We were thinking of trying Turnberry in the New Year. Maybe not now.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by AndrewC:
If it's any consolation, we stayed at Gleneagles last year and had exactly the same problem with brown water coming out of the tap in the bathroom. Maybe a Scottish thing?

Apart from that, however, Glenesagles was wonderful. We were thinking of trying Turnberry in the New Year. Maybe not now.</font>


I don't remember brown water from Gleneagles but I would say that the hotels are in different classes (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum74/HTML/005537.html). For me Turnberry is the place to go for golf, ocean air, and ocean views. Gleneagles is the place to go for golf, views, and everything else you'd ever want for the rest of your life.

Turnberry has some challenges around its location that may affect its mystique mainly due to access constraints possibly preventing The Open or Ryder Cup from returning for the foreseeable future that ultimately will have an influenence on investments in the region.

It's a good hotel with excellent golf facilities that has the potential to be an excellent hotel matching Gleneagles (an inland resort) as the sea-side Scottish links resort.



[This message has been edited by michswiss (edited 12-03-2002).]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Starwood Lurker:
LondonElite, if you have not already spoken to the Customer Care Department, this experience is definitely worthy of filing a formal complaint. It can be done by email through the westin.com web site or by calling the Customer Contact Center nearest you and asking to be transferred to customer service.

I apologize for the experience you had at Turnberry. It is surprising in that we hear so many nice things said about this resort, but I suppose any property is capable of not putting forth their best effort from time to time.

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Specialist, E-Communications Department
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com </font>

Thanks for the suggestion. I think I will raise the issue with Customer Care.

I do think that Turnberry is in a lovely location and, so my golfing friends tell me, is THE place to golf in the UK. Overall, we did enjoy our weekend but were disappointed by the many little things that, in our reasonably well-travelled opinion, should not happen at a hotel like this.

michswiss - further to your point about access etc. to Turnberry stopping the main tournaments being played there, I believe they are about to start the bypass exercise through nearby Maybole in an attempt to sort this out.

As for investment/interest in the area, there are a few Barrett Home flats being built a few hundred yards down the road (nothing to do with the hotel) - these are being sold at c. 10 times the cost of ones 5 miles further down the road, just due to the interest in the very localised section of Turnberry that the hotel resides in.

An update on the disappointing stay at Turnberry. On Starwood Lurker's advice I emailed Westin Customer Care who responded the next day with this letter on 4 Dec:

"Dear Mr. LondonElite:

Thank you for taking the time to contact the Starwood Customer Service Department concerning your recent stay at the The Westin Turnberry Resort, Scotland.

I have opened a Corporate Services File and have forwarded it to the hotel's General Manager on your behalf. He will fully investigate the matter you have brought to our attention and contact you within the next 10 days. Your file reference number is: xyz123.

Should you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact us at 1-800-328-6242 quoting the above file number.

Best regards,

Iveta Brike
Specialist, E-Communications Department
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide"

No response yet...

In case anyone cares....

Got a cheque for about £26 yesterday. That's it...no note, letter, interest in finding out what the other (not inconsequential) issues were.

I'm really amazed!

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by LondonElite:
In case anyone cares....

Got a cheque for about £26 yesterday. That's it...no note, letter, interest in finding out what the other (not inconsequential) issues were.

I'm really amazed!</font>


http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/redface.gif - amazing indeed and pretty pathetic.

Very odd way to handle a customer query...

Was the cheque hand-written? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

No...also not from the 15th Court of Palm Beach http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

Just booked a break for Turnberry in October, and I wanted to catch up on recent comments from FTers on the property. So I did a searchin the Starwood forum, but it only came back with one (short result).

Now I KNOW that there are more threads than that out there - I even started one myself when planning a trip last year which ened up getting cancelled at the last minute.

I've searched for all dates, and even searched the words "whisky" (I rememebr there was a thread about a wedding reception), "scotch" and "scotland" but with no luck.

Is this a problem with the site, with my computer or with my mind?

Indeed, there was the wedding/Scotch etc. Turnberry thread and it was my wedding/wallet/liver we were discussing!

I'm guessing archives, but to fail to answer your question, I haven't been back there since August 2002...but will be soon.

Let us know how u get on.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by AndrewC:
Just booked a break for Turnberry in October, and I wanted to catch up on recent comments from FTers on the property.</font>

My wife and I spent four days there the last week of May, and we had a nice time.

The golf was great (obviously) and my wife spent two days at the spa and loved it. We stayed in The Lodges at Turnberry (Nairn, to be specific). Actually, we were fortunate that our entire lodge was empty and we had full run of the lodge in addition to the lounge area which had a full kitchen. Actually, much of the property was empty, and there were never more than four tables filled in the morning for breakfast, and for dinner the one evening we ate at the property, we were one of three tables in the entire room at 7:30.

Service was fine, but to be honest, since we were staying down in the lodge we did not do a whole lot of interacting with staff.

The food was just okay. Breakfast was good, and the oatmeal was excellent, perhaps the best I have ever had, but the dinner was quite disappointing with respect to limited selection, so-so quality, and downright inattentive service for an empty dining room.

I liked the location, but the services in the area are certainly limited. It was about a 45-55 minute drive for us from Turnberry to Glasgow (depending on how many round-abouts I circled more than once), and the only traffic you have to worry about once you get much beyond Prestwick are the sheep. The weather was great there for our four days except for a three hour window of horizontal rain and wind while I was on the Ailsa course.

The following is a picture of:

Nairn Cottage (http://home1.nikonnet.com/sessions/665541176979/6082023lg.jpg)

If you would like, I can certainly email your some other pictures.

Also, if you have more specific questions, I will be happy to answer them for you the best that I can.



[This message has been edited by dsimon (edited 08-27-2003).]

Going on a C&P long weekend to a rainy place - Turnberry.

Before getting things wrong: C&P rooms are subject to PlatUpgrades, I believe - is this correct?

And, any experience on upgrades @ Turnberry? All roomtypes are available pursuant to spg.com.

Dont know about C&P upgrades, but I was upgraded on an award stay to what must have been the best suite in the hotel. It was fantastic.A bottle of Comp Champange was on ice in the room and a large bowl of fruite.

A fantastic hotel, with great service.

Yes. You get all your normal Platinum hotel benefits like upgrade chances on Cash & Points stays.

You don't get a SPG Stay or Night credit toward elite status, however (unless the hotel makes a mistake in your favor).

Stayed there once as gold on an award stay. The property is fantastic and I loved it. No upgrade, no upgrade no extras had the impression that "you are lucky enough that you are not paying for the room!"

Not a single negative aspect on the hotel. Everything there is nice. Make sure you book in advance if you interested in a treatment at their superb spa (which is free of charge for guests).

Just checked in this afternoon: upgraded to specialty (I assume, as it has a name) suite, champers, fruit and chocs awaiting, very nice and warm check in - so far, perfect place. :-)))

By the way, they also use the new post-its: state "You´ve been upgraded. Enjoy" I assume this may have something to woth the comments here - the note makes clear what has happened. And they use new key folders, that outline Plat Bennies and Amenities. Nice tool, if front desk does not get it.

Trip Report – Turnberry Cash & Points

Went to Turnberry this last weekend for a 4 day stay, on cash & points;

Check-In: Very friendly, greeted by name as we opened the door of our rental car – maybe because there were only few visitors from the “Continent” with toddlers, but, nonetheless a nice touch.

Check-In itself was very friendly, with a great agent – Seanna, very nice. Upon my question re upgrade, the answer was what one likes to hear: You are upgraded to one our specialty suites. Seanna walked us to the room, showed us the huge living room, explained the sights, the hotel amenities etc.

Room: huge living room, with sofas, (electric) fireplace, dining table, gorgeous view over the ocean towards Ailsa Craig, Mull of Kintyre and Arran. Bedroom nicely done, Heavenly bed and a fine bathroom.

Things to do: even without playing golf, to my mind there is enough to do around the resort, from the nice spa with a pool that actually is suitable for swimming, to the outdoor activities, to just walking along the beach.

Restaurants: we tried both the main restaurant and the brasserie, as well as the lounge for tea and drinks. All are rather good, with one drawback: never convert the prices to € or $. Just take them at face value and be happy.

What I need to add – for those travelling with kids – is that throughout the hotel, all staff members were as nice as can be to the little one, and were as helpful as possible. Never had the impression of not being welcome with kid.

Overall: very positive. Obviously, end of October is not their high season, thus experience may vary, once the hotel really fills up. But, as of now, a very good place to go, and certainly in the 90% range.

Just a very quick report on the Westin Turnberry.

I had booked a lodge room with my wife for Fri and Sat night. The rate was good at £149 and didn’t include breakfast.

We checked in at around 6pm on the Friday. At checking the manager came out to introduce himself to us and how much they appreciate SPG plats staying with them. He personally escorted us to a nice 2 room suite in the main hotel and explained all the amenities on the way.

In the room was a bottle of champagne on ice and a large fruit bowl.

The hotel restaurant is 1st class. The service was stunning and the food was good. When asked how the main course was I mentioned how something wasn’t what I had expected politely. When the bill arrived the main had been removed from it. This was very nice and totally expected as I hadn’t complained just commented.

My wife took FULL advantage of all the spare treatments and loved them. I sat in the pool and Jacuzzi looking at the clock thinking that she was costing a lot of money and boy was I right.

We also eat at the clubhouse and in the bar. On both mornings we had breakfast which didn’t appear on the bill as it should have done as per our booked room rate. I can only assume that the upgrade room came with the benefits.

Overall a VERY nice weekend that left me totally relaxed.

I am planning on returning in a month or so.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by CT-UK:

We also eat at the clubhouse and in the bar. On both mornings we had breakfast which didn’t appear on the bill as it should have done as per our booked room rate. I can only assume that the upgrade room came with the benefits.

</font>

I stayed here on award last year and agree , it is fantastic. Was also upgraded to a very nice 2 room suite. Breakfast was not a benefit. The only reason I know this is that despite not taking breakfast I was charged for haveing done so on checkout. Not a problem as the charge was removed. It was then charged to my Credit Card a later date, and I had to Telephone the hotel to have it removed again. Perhaps someone had charged their breakfast to my room.

Posted by CT-UK:
"My wife took FULL advantage of all the spare treatments and loved them. I sat in the pool and Jacuzzi looking at the clock thinking that she was costing a lot of money and boy was I right."
============================================
Just think for a moment how much pleasure these gave her and you got the additional gift of *wood points so that you can return for the "Free" night!!

Turnberry is one of the nicest hotels in the *wood lineup. The staff is fabulous. My family, too was upgraded to a wonderful 2 room suite with like amenities. I would never hesitate to go back. My only concern is not having my next stay be as great as my first!

I've been reading the very positive comments about this hotel. I can only stay one night and am hesitating between the Turnberry and the Gleneagles (non-Starwood.) I'd be very interested to hear if anyone is familiar with both hotels or if anyone partook of the special activities (horseback riding, shooting, falconry) available at either hotel.

Thanks in advance.

Anyone want to buy a golf course that hosts the British Open? I wonder if Herb Kohler will be interested?

http://www.fannation.com/truth_and_rumors/golf

"Hard to believe that in 20 months the 2009 British Open will be held at Turnberry, but a 'for sale' sign has been hoisted over the Scottish golf resort. According to Dominic Walsh in the London Times, Starwood Hotel & Resorts, which runs the 219-room resort under its luxury Westin brand, confirmed that Turnberry has been put up for sale, saying it had appointed Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels to handle the process. The price tag for the 800-acre resort that includes two courses and one of the most photographed hotels in the world is $146 million dollars. For Starwood it would be a nice return on their investment which was at that time about $51 million dollars."

Doesn't mean that it isn't going to be a *wood managed property. This may mean nothing to SPG. Then again, it could mean you have to pay to stay and play.

Doesn't mean that it isn't going to be a *wood managed property. This may mean nothing to SPG. Of course. The issue here is that this property has a ton of land that can be developed to create additional value. SPG doesn't want to put up the capital to do so. So they sell the property to someone who does, but a condition to the sale will most certainly be a long-term management contract for the existing hotel (meaning it stays within SPG), and likely any new properties built.

I wonder if there's anyone who stayed there w/dogs? Based on hotel web-site they offer this:

The Heavenly Dog programme at Turnberry is provided to you at no additional cost and includes:

Heavenly Dog bed
Food & Water bowls
Westin Floor mat
Dog Identity Tag
Dog-in -Room sign
Welcome kit - which includes list of services available through Concierge & Service Express, two cellophane waste bags & latex gloves

Questions:
1) does it really work?
2) is it free of charge even on award stay?

Regards AX

...Questions:
1) does it really work?
2) is it free of charge even on award stay?

Regards AX

Not sure if anyone has any experience with this, but if they do, I'm sure they'll turn up eventually. In the meantime, emailing the hotel directly might help: turnberry@westin.com

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

We are going in May using award points and we have been assigned to Lodge room right now according to web page.
I think the lodge room is far from main building(5-10 minutes walk from main hotel).
Shall I request main building for the convenience?
We will play golf almost everyday, there.

Thanks

Tak,

Stayed in a Lodge room last April and really enjoyed it - especially if you are playing a lot of golf. The main hotel, fitness center, and pool are situated high on a hill overlooking the lodges and the golf facility. You can walk up to the hotel (not far at all but a steep climb) or they have a minivan service that is very efficient, and very nice if the weather gets bad. The golf clubhouse is directly across the street from the lodges and has a nice casual dining area that we used for most of our meals. There is not much of a view from most of the lodge rooms, whereas I am certain the view from some of the hotel rooms are quite spectacular. The link below shows some pics of the resort, the lodges, and the golf. It was an amazing trip for me and I am certain you will enjoy it either way!

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8AbNnLVu3ctmKh

Thank you so much, PHX_SOUS.

Your pictures showed me how far to the hotel and golf courses.
It looks like uphill Par 3 distance to the main hotel.
Anyway, your pictures are so beautiful and you had perfect weather for golfing.

Do you recommend to play both Ailsa and Kintyre courses there?
Or shall I concentrate to play at Ailsa?
I also play at St. Andrews Old course, Carnoustie and Kingsbarn on the following week.
This is the first time to visit Scotland, and I am looking forward to experience some of the best golf courses in the world.

Thank you again for your information.

No problem Tak! The golf was amazing and the weather was perfect for nearly our entire stay...lucky for April! The Kintyre is not as good as the Ailsa (IMHO), but there are quite a few very good holes out there with some great views of the coast. Definitely worth playing both as long as you are there.

We spent 4 nights in St Andrews as well and you will absolutely love it there! The town is great, the courses at St Andrews are really special (played Old, New, & Jubilee), and Kingsbarn is absolutely spectacular! Carnoustie was still on mats during our trip so we did not play there.

Some pics from St Andrews and Kingsbarns are below:

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8AbNnLVu3ctmKw&notag=1

Not sure if this has been covered elsewhere, but the Master Thread seems like a good place to put it. Apparently Turnberry is closing on 1st November (e.g. Saturday) for major renovations and will re-open in July 2009 as a Luxury Collection property - just in time to host the 2009 Open.

Interestingly, the wesbite says re-opening April 2009, but when making an inquiry about an event, the hotel themselves are saying July....