Norton House Hotel & Spa

The location was beautiful, with shops not far away, and we really enjoyed our stay. The rooms were lovely and clean, and the spa area and food were just as good. It’s on the expensive side, but worth it to us. The staff were the loveliest.

We were part of a tour group, and the hardworking staff kept a large room of tourists fed and happy through a three-course meal. The food was good and the entertainment was fun, if a little cheesy, though that’s what you’d expect on a tour of Scotland. The pay bar was very pricey for what you got.

The outside of the hotel is gorgeous, but the rooms were rough, with very uncomfortable beds and lots of wear. There were huge carpet stains and the leather on the headboards was worn down where people’s heads had rested. I honestly wish we’d booked the DoubleTree right by the airport. We chose this place mainly for the spa. It closes at 8 p.m., but the door locks an hour before that. We were celebrating our engagement over dinner and arrived just 10 minutes after the door had locked. They wouldn’t let us in. I’ve never seen a facility close so early, especially with the sun setting at 10 p.m. and a loud wedding party celebrating late into the night. It was a sad end to a great trip.

The rooms were clean, good-sized and comfortable, and the location was pretty, though it’s a fair way from the town centre. There’s a free shuttle to the tram, which takes you into the centre. The front desk staff didn’t tend to make conversation or offer pleasantries, but the bar staff and other staff were nice. The food and drinks at the bar were decent, though expensive, as you’d expect at a hotel.