Norton House Hotel & Spa Edinburgh

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.

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 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.

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.