Norton House Hotel & Spa Review

Norton House is a beautiful boutique hotel and spa on the outskirts of Edinburgh. Originally a family home owned by the Ushers, the family behind Glenlivet Whisky. This country house property is a fantastic staycation hotel for Edinburgh residents looking to get away from it as well as tourists visiting the Scottish capital in search of some peace and tranquility away from the city centre. The Luxury Editor recently visited this property so read on to find out what we thought of it.

Background And Concept

Set across 55 acres of gardens, woodlands and fields Norton House Hotel & Spa was formerly the home of the Ushers (the family behind Glenlivet Whisky). The hotel comprises of two sections; the original house with gorgeous period guest-rooms and private dining spaces, which can be hired out for weddings and the new part of the property which includes a fabulous Conservatory, Bar and Brasserie as well as additional guest-rooms and luxurious suites.

Looking for a hotel that you don’t need to leave from once you arrive? Norton House has a large spa complex so you can turn an overnight stay into the perfect relaxing getaway with ease.

Location

Located just 30 minutes drive from Edinburgh city centre by taxi and car or a hop skip and jump from the airport which is around 5/10 minutes away depending on traffic, the hotel is easily accessible. Whilst close to the city, you are in the heart of the countryside too – making it ideal if you want a city experience by day and country retreat by night.

As you pass the original stone gatehouse and journey along the tree-lined drive, between open fields, you instantly feel relaxed.

Rooms & Suites

The hotel comprises of the original house which is home to a number of ‘feature bedrooms’ with original period detailing (and the best views). The new wing of the property houses the bulk of the hotels 83 guest-rooms as well as the Edinburgh Suite and Kingdom Suite (which really does have the wow factor) and is popular with wedding couples.

Cramond Suite

We stayed in the Cramond Suite in the original part of the house overlooking the front of the hotel with views across the lawn it has a real Downtown Abbey feel to it and thoroughly romantic. As you walk into the room, a lounge with sofa and chair to the left sit around the original fireplace and taking centre stage in the middle of the room is a huge four poster bed. 

If you watch our Instagram story you can see a tour of the Cramond Suite

Over at the window area is a dining table (you can order breakfast to your room as well) and across from the table is a large bathroom area. 

While the room is period in finish, it is up to date with technology and has all the essentials; Nespresso machine, fridge, huge flatscreen TV, safe and the usual kettle and tea and coffee making necessities.

Kingdom Suite

Across in the new wing of the hotel is the Kingdom Suite, the biggest suite in the hotel. Occupying the far corner of the property with wrap around balcony looking out to the spa. This Suite is boasts a collection of different rooms, with large lounge area, dining room, huge bathroom with roll top bath and bedroom.

If you watch our Instagram story you can see a tour of the Kingdom Suite

Other Rooms and Suites

There are are two other feature bedrooms in addition to the Cramond Suite including the Lothian Suite and Edinburgh Suite, as well as a junior suite split across two levels.

The remaining guest-rooms are made up of Classics, Executives and Deluxe Doubles. All guest rooms come with an array of amenities including still and sparkling water, safe and fridge. Full details of each room type can be found here.

Food & Drink

Conservatory & Bar

The Conservatory is a great place to start the evening off with a drink or finish the evening (or both as we did!!). It’s filled with natural light during the day and by night becomes super romantic as you listen to the rain pitter patter on the glass ceiling. A full selection of drinks, spirits and wine are served as well as fantastic cocktails and light meals and bar snacks throughout the day.

Brasserie

The Brasserie is the heart of the the hotel, contemporary in finish with hardwood floors, wooden blinds and large windows to look out to the lawns and ground beyond. The menu takes a real pride in provenance with meat and fish sourced in Scotland, while menu options feature firm favourites and classics dishes. It is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

I really loved the Burrata salad, mixed with pears and the Scallops were divine. The Steak is a must and it was cooked perfectly to order – the duck got the thumbs up too! I like to grade a hotel by its cheese board, and this one didn’t disappoint with an array of Scottish cheeses and plenty of oat cakes.

You can see a sample menu here to whet your appetite.

Breakfast

Breakfast is cooked to order (and can be served in your room too) offering a comprehensive selection of breakfast classics to get the day started the right way! Portions are generous and you can mix and match from the different breakfast menus to create your perfect breakfast plate. Coffees, teas and juices are all via table service too.

Spa

The spa at Norton House is a compete hidden gem! Having lived in Edinburgh for 12 years I have to admit I knew nothing about it, and I was completely blown away by it. Sunken into the original walled garden of the house the spa offers eight treatment rooms, a Rasul mud chamber, manicure and pedicure area, relaxation room and Amber Lounge all designed to help you reap the benefits of spa therapies.

Treatments use Elemis and Ishga products, you can book in for a day spa package (see spa menu here) and customise it to create the ultimate spa package or simply book a treatment during your say.

The spa complex itself is large, with an 18m swimming pool, hydropool with a swan neck waterfall (ideal for getting out knots in your back), a steam room and sauna. If you are feeling energetic there is a comprehensive gym and light food is served in their café-bar.

Final Thoughts

I really loved my stay at Norton House, coming from Edinburgh I know the city inside out, so it’s difficult for Edinburgh hotels to surprise me, but Norton House really did surprise and delight. The spa is great, the surroundings beautiful and the food was superb.

This hotel is ideal for anyone in Edinburgh looking for an easy escape or for visitors to Edinburgh in search of a country house experience within easy reach of the city……Norton House ticks all the boxes!

This hotel is included in our guide to the best luxury hotels in Edinburgh