Norton House Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh, Scotland

It's a 25-minute drive to the New Town. Head in the opposite direction to visit stately Hopetoun House and picturesque South Queensferry.

Edinburgh airport is only 1.5 miles away and you're close to the dual carriageway, but you wouldn't think it as you go down the long tree-lined drive.

By car: 45 minutes from Glasgow, 2 hours 40 minutes from Newcastle and 4 hours from Manchester. Free on-site parking available.

By train: Glasgow Queens Street to Edinburgh Waverley takes around 50 minutes, it's 3 hours from Manchester Piccadilly and 4 hours 45 minutes from London Kings Cross - after which, it's a 30-minute drive to the hotel. Book trains to Edinburgh.

The hotel is eclectic, with its Renaissance-style porch, marble columns and carved oak - coupled with the modern wing and sunken glass spa in the walled garden. Overall, the feel is relaxed.

Staff are cheerful and efficient. There's the gym, exercise studio, 18m pool and 'wet' spa - you could lose a lot of time here exploring the impressive range of Elemis and Ishga treatments including massages, facials and body wraps.

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

Rooms are of a decent size and are slightly contemporary. Bathrooms have showers (and fluffy bathrobes). Upgrade for a feature bath and balcony.

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

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

Relax in the pretty conservatory, garden or spa café. The brasserie serves Modern Scottish cuisine, with dishes ranging from rabbit and mustard terrine to a cheese and bacon burger with triple-cooked chips. Enjoy a hearty breakfast - full Scottish, waffles and omelettes are all cooked to order.

The Brasserie: Modern Scottish cuisine, all-day dining, open daily. Chef's experience menu from £70.

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