Stay at the Norton House Hotel and Spa

How Good Is This Spa Hotel near Edinburgh?

Are you considering a stay at the Norton House Hotel and Spa outside Edinburgh? The Norton House Hotel and Spa set in countryside surroundings is a tempting choice as this country house hotel offers state-of-the art spa facilities for the ultimate relaxing stay, plus an intimate 3 AA Rosette Restaurant for fine dining. But is the Norton House Hotel and Spa a better choice than other 4-star hotels in the Edinburgh region and will it live up to your expectations?

I've read hundreds of reviews from guests who have stayed at the Norton House Hotel over the years and the following is a clear and unbiased summary of what these guests really thought of their stay at this hotel.

What's special about the Norton House Hotel and Spa?

• This luxury hotel offers state-of-the-art spa facilities with swimming pool, hydrotherapy pools, gym, sauna, a Rasul mud room and a wide range of spa treatments.
• Norton House was awarded the prestigious AA Scottish Hotel of the Year for 2008/2009 and as such, is one of the premier hotels in Scotland.
• Its offers both informal and fine dining with its relaxed Brasserie Restaurant and 3 AA Rosette Restaurant, Ushers.
• Location: The Norton House Hotel and Spa is set in 55 hectares of park and woodland, near the village of Ingliston, approximately 10 miles from Edinburgh city centre.

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What do guests really think?

The vast majority of reviews were extremely positive with very few negative comments. Even most of those guests who made criticisms of the hotel would still recommend it to others or return themselves as they considered them to be minor points.

• Reviewers loved the spa facilities, describing them as exceptional, relaxing and special. They agreed that the facilities are clean, modern and well maintained.
• Many guests agreed that the Norton House Hotel is a great place to relax in beautiful surroundings, although some said that it is not an ideal base to explore central Edinburgh due the distance.
• Those who had visited Ushers Restaurant agreed that it provided outstanding food and service.

My Recommendation

The Norton House Hotel and Spa is ideal for a relaxing break but remember that it is not in the centre of Edinburgh itself. Getting into Edinburgh without a car involves a short walk to the bus stop and a thirty-minute bus journey. Taxis can be fairly expensive so you may have to factor this into your budget.

However, if you are happy to stay outside the centre of Edinburgh, I have no hesitation in recommending this hotel as an excellent place to stay, especially if you are looking for a luxurious and relaxing spa hotel. It is also an excellent treat for those taking flights out of Edinburgh the next day, but you should try to arrive in plenty of time to use the spa and make the most of the excellent facilities.

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In Depth Review of the Norton House Hotel and Spa in Edinburgh

Country spa hotel in restored 18th century castle. Quiet location in Ingliston near Edinburgh Airport.
Average room price per night: £103-£180 ($162-$283)

What is the Norton House Hotel and Spa like?

The Norton House Hotel dates back to 1840. However this spa hotel close to Edinburgh also has a modern wing with guest rooms, a conference and function centre and the state-of-the-art spa which was built in 2007. Around half the rooms are in the original part of the building while the other half are in the new part of the hotel.

Building and room design

• There are 83 guest rooms, of which approximately half are in the original building and half are in the new modern wing.
• While the rooms in the new wing are extremely comfortable, modern and well-equipped, with their own balcony, some guests felt that they lacked the atmosphere of the main house.
• The rooms in the original part of the building are slightly less spacious, but many people thought that they were more elegant and had more character.
• A few guests said that it is worth upgrading to the executive rooms which are more spacious, with under-floor heating and a TV in the bathroom.
• Most guests said that the rooms are spotlessly clean, although a minority said that there were a few problems in this area.
• The spa is located in the new wing and a few guests were not happy at having to go outside to access it, especially in the winter.
• Norton House hotel is a popular venue for weddings and some reviewers found the hotel to be noisy on those occasions although others had no problem.
• It may not be suitable for those with children as there are restricted times in the swimming pool.

Staff and level of service

• On the whole, the majority of guests were very happy with the service that they received and felt that the staff were pleasant and efficient.
• A small percentage of guests felt that some of the staff, while polite, were too business-like and not particularly friendly or warm.
• Many guests felt that the staff in the spa offered an excellent and professional service.
• Some guests said that it is recommended to book any spa treatments ahead as they get fully booked up.

Food and drink

• There is an informal dining option, the Brasserie, and most guests gave a very positive review of the quality of food and service although others were a little disappointed with the food, the relatively small menu on offer or the slow and inattentive service.
• There is a 3 AA Rosette restaurant, Ushers, which received excellent reviews, as many guests found the food to be outstanding, although some said that it was very expensive.
• A few guests said that drinks in the bar were very expensive.
• Breakfast can be taken either in the Brasserie or in the room, at no extra charge, which many guests were pleased with. The vast majority of reviewers thought that the breakfast was of a very high quality, with a good selection of food on offer.

Location and parking

• The Norton House Hotel is spa is located in Ingliston, just 2 miles from Edinburgh Airport and approximately 10 miles from the city centre.
• Many guests said that they loved the location as the hotel is surrounded by countryside, yet the centre of Edinburgh is very accessible.
• Others said that it was too far from the city centre to make a good base to see the attractions of Edinburgh although it was located well to visit the wider area.
• Although there are buses available a short walk away from the hotel which takes about 30 minutes to reach the centre, some guests said that you really needed a car to access the centre efficiently.
• Many guests treated themselves to a night at the hotel prior to a flight at Edinburgh Airport, which the hotel is well located for.
• Due to the location, a small percentage of guests found that the hotel grounds were noisy due to aircraft but others said that it was extremely quiet considering the proximity to the airport.
• There is free parking at the hotel.
• It is a 5 to 10-minute drive from Edinburgh Airport, although a couple of guests mentioned that taxi-drivers are unwilling to make the short journey as it is a waste of their time.

Nice touches

• Broadband access is free throughout the hotel and there is also printer access in the lobby.
• There is a fridge in each room with complimentary bottled water and fresh milk for the tea/coffee.

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