Hotel Review: Norton House Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh

You may find it hard to believe there's an airport a mile and a half away, never mind the busy dual carriageway at the end of the long, tree-lined drive. You're not far from Edinburgh city centre, but consider heading in the opposite direction to stately Hopetoun House and picturesque South Queensferry. Take a ten-minute stroll to the village of Ratho and The Bridge Inn, an excellent canal-side pub and restaurant.

By plane: flights from London to Edinburgh take 1 hour 25 minutes. The hotel is a 5-minute drive. Free parking available. Book flights to Edinburgh.

By train: 4 hours 30 minutes from London. The hotel is a 30-minute drive from Edinburgh Waverley. Book trains to Edinburgh.

The imposition of a modern wing and sunken glass spa sunk in a walled garden is no surprise in a hotel that boasts a Renaissance-style porch, marble columns and lashings of carved oak. Bringing new meaning to eclecticism, making for a relaxed (if slightly confused) feel throughout.

You'd expect laundry, dry-cleaning and ironing services, but an electric car charging point is a plus and it's nice to discover you can have breakfast delivered to your room by one of the unfailingly cheerful, reassuringly efficient staff. And then there's the gym, exercise studio, 18-metre pool and 'wet' spa.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Terrace
• Garden
• Swimming pool
• Fitness centre
• Spa
• Wellness suite
• Pet-friendly
• Family-friendly
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

Expect good quality, decent-sized, gently contemporary bedrooms throughout. Don't look for hair straighteners, but you'll find a comfortable armchair, lighting that makes sense (and a stuffed toy 'do not disturb' cat). Smart, fresh-looking bathrooms have showers (and fluffy bathrobes). Trade up for feature baths and balconies.

Room types: Classic, Executive, Deluxe, Feature, Junior Suite, Suite

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, hairdryer, tea and coffee facilities, bottled water, desk, lifestyle magazines, TV, free Wi-Fi

Fancy tea or something stronger? Try the pretty conservatory, garden, or spa café. Head to the Brasserie for dishes ranging from rabbit and mustard terrine to cheese and bacon burgers with triple-cooked chips. No limp breakfast buffet here: full Scottish breakfasts, waffles and omelettes Arnold Bennett are cooked to order.

The Brasserie: traditional Scottish fare with a twist. All-day menu, open daily. Chef's experience menu from £75.

The Conservatory: lounge serving bar snacks and afternoon tea. Open daily, 10am-10pm.