Lochgreen and Piersland House (above) are tops.

Anyone taking a Scotland golf vacation will undoubtedly put Royal Troon Golf Club on their must-play list. The course has hosted the British Open Championship eight times, most recently in 2004.

Those looking for an equally memorable place to stay will want to make reservations at the Lochgreen House Hotel. It is located one kilometer from Royal Troon and it is the most elegant and esteemed country house in the immediate area.

The original house, which dates from 1905, features rich wood paneling in the public rooms and an exquisite cherry wood dining room (dinner prepared by the son of Lochgreen House owner Bill Costley is not to be missed).

Although a recent expansion increased the number of guest rooms from 15 to 40, the hotel has maintained its charm and improved its level of service.

Each guest room is individually decorated and the premier rooms come with a balcony and a view of the sea. Unfortunately, the expansion eliminated the tennis court, but there is plenty of great golf nearby (Turnberry and Prestwick, for instance) to fill the void.

Even more convenient to Royal Troon is the Piersland House Hotel. It is situated right across the street and is owned by a member of the club. There are rooms in the mews extending from this Tudor-style building, but the best rooms are in the older section. If you stay here, plan on dining in-house; the bar dinner, served from a carvery, is a local favorite.

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