The Carlton Hotel sits right in the heart of Prestwick, a town that's properly stitched into Open Championship history. The very first Open was played at Prestwick Golf Club back in 1860, and you're staying just down the road from it. You've also got Prestwick St Nicholas close by, so there's no shortage of old-school links atmosphere before you've even left town.
From a touring point of view, the location is the big win. You're well placed for three Open venues in Ayrshire: Prestwick, Royal Troon and Trump Turnberry, with plenty of other standout tracks within easy reach too. Ayrshire is stacked for choice (44 courses in the wider area), so you can build a trip around bucket-list links like Western Gailes, Gailes Links and Kilmarnock (Barassie), then mix in a modern championship test at Dundonald Links. Troon Portland, Irvine and plenty more are also on the menu, which is ideal if your group likes variety without the faff of changing hotels every night.
Prestwick itself is lively, walkable and full of good options for a pint and a feed after your round. If you want a town-centre base with proper golf pedigree rather than a sealed-off resort, this one fits the brief.
Who is this for?
Golfers touring Ayrshire who want a central, no-fuss base near championship links plus pubs, restaurants and the town centre.
Who is it best for?
Groups and societies looking to play a variety of links courses without moving hotels and golfers building a trip around Prestwick, Troon and Turnberry with the option to add more Ayrshire rounds.
