Tranquil countryside setting on 55 acres of grounds
Stylish rooms with creature comforts
Wide range of spa treatments, including mud therapy and bamboo massage
Some rooms have views of the Arthur's Seat, an extinct volcano
Renowned on-site restaurant
Free breakfast and spa voucher, parking, and Wi-Fi
Far from Edinburgh's city center
Some of the decor could use an update
A four-pearl Victorian country mansion, Norton House Hotel and Spa, built in 1843, sits on 55 acres of beautiful grounds that feature mature trees and pretty hanging baskets. The hotel is a classic stone-built manor with 83 rooms that include a number of luxury suites. Intended as a traditional country retreat, the property is tucked away from the bustle of the city. The spa, located in a separate building, offers a range of treatments, including a form of mud therapy. The hotel is a five-minute drive from the airport, but aircraft noise is not a problem. Edinburgh's city center is half an hour's drive away, making Norton House a good choice for those seeking a bucolic getaway, and for business travelers using its meeting rooms and business facilities, and taking advantage of its proximity to the airport.
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Scene
A Victorian mansion on 55 acres of parkland outside the city center
Rising majestically from the surrounding 55 acres of woods and parkland, the sandstone mansion dates to 1843. Formerly the country retreat of the wealthy Usher family -- who also gave Edinburgh its landmark Usher Hall -- Norton House retains its classic essence. Inside, the decor is pleasing but far from a design sensation. Some of the public spaces are dark, due in part to the paint color -- the Red Lounge is especially dingy, with walls that are a dungeon-like shade of crimson. The hotel is a strange mix of architecture -- a 1980s annex attached to the main house is an eyesore when compared with the rest of the property -- and generic hotel features such as frosted glass windows and room signs mix with old wooden paneling and a creaky Victorian staircase. The grounds, however, are stunning and perfect for countryside hikes.
Location
A 30-minute drive to Edinburgh's city center, and a 10-minute drive to Edinburgh Airport
Elegantly sitting down a long driveway away from the main road, Norton House Hotel looks imposing from the outside. The property is in a quiet and remote spot, a 30-minute drive to Edinburgh's city center. Arthur's Seat -- an extinct volcano that can be spotted in the distance from some of the rooms -- takes half an hour to reach by car, and has gorgeous views of the city and tranquil hiking paths. Lauriston Castle is a 20-minute drive away; its pretty grounds include the Edinburgh/Kyoto Friendship Garden -- one of the largest Japanese gardens created in the United Kingdom.
Rooms
Traditional decor with romantic low lighting -- and a stuffed toy cat in lieu of a "Do Not Disturb" sign
Rooms are large and spacious, with tasteful decor and low ambient lighting. A humorous feature is the stuffed toy cat that guests place outside their doors instead of a “Do Not Disturb” sign. The main building is the place to stay -- its high ceilings, big windows, and traditional architecture are aesthetically fetching. The Cramond, Lomond, and Lothian Suites are among the best rooms. Many of the rooms in the main house have beautiful views toward Edinburgh’s majestic Arthur’s Seat volcano. Rooms in the 1980s annex are the least appealing, but the stylish new extension that was added in the new millennium looks classy and contemporary, blending glass and sandstone materials. Bathrooms are generally more exciting than the rooms, and have huge rainfall showerheads, big modern sinks, and a TV at the end of the bathtub, so guests can be entertained as they scrub away.
Features
Impressive leisure facilities, but the restaurant and brasserie could use a design update
In addition to the trails that meander through the grounds, there is the modern spa and fitness center. It's home to a 59-foot swimming pool, a sauna, steam room, hot tub, and eight treatment rooms.Treatments include bamboo massage in which guests are thrashed with bamboo sticks in an invigorating manner. The gym has a good range of weights and cardio equipment, and a group exercise studio. The renowned Ushers Restaurant a la carte menu gets good reviews, but the dining room is windowless and lacks ambience. The contemporary Brasserie, housed in the brighter conservatory, is a less formal choice, but tired suede room dividers and generic artwork make the space look dated.
