Norton House Hotel & Spa

First visit to Norton House which is approx hours drive from my home but never really been aware of this fabulous hotel prior to my stay. Now I know of hotel, it's close proximity and fantastic staff. Will definitely be back and 100% recommend. From turning off the main road onto the lovely long driveway, your awaiting adventure starts. Firstly greeted by Kilted Concierge David and checked in by Receptionist Lucy our welcome had begun. While Lucy checked if our room was ready, as arrived about 2pm, we had quick wander round hotel . Taking in all the beauty of this lovely old building and all its splendour. The staircase in the original part of building across from Reception is just Beautiful above a little nook with fireplace and seating area. Several other quiet seating areas close by on way to the bar/restaurant areas. All beautifully decorated in Burgundy / Brown & Natural tones. We were allocated Twin Room 306 off to the rear/side of hotel with lovely views of the grounds and nice and quiet. Helped to our room with luggage by helpful concierge David. Giving us hints and tips of the walks round grounds along the way and happily answering any questions we had. Room was lovely and clean, well laid out with nice seat by window. Large bathroom with both shower & bath, large fluffy towels and lovely toiletries. However room was too hot as heating was on even though very mild outside. We also had a welcome bottle of wine with Robes & Slippers in wardrobe as part of our stay deal. Fridge had complimentary bottle of water and small carton of milk for tea tray. Which had a good selection of clipper tea/coffee & hot chocolate sachets along with shortbread biscuits. Now all checked in time to go explore the spa which is in a separate building outside the main hotel. Looks very new, so was very surprised to find out had been there many years. Very well looked after with lots of large Individual areas from spa reception/spa lounge were spa menu food is served until 5 and drinks until 6 in lounge/bar area. There is a gym which I didn't use, then through to the spa area , all with Individual mani/pedi station. Large waiting area if you are lucky enough to have any treatments booked. Treatment rooms and lovely large quiet relaxation area. All with sectioned off beds each with small wall lights that can be turned off. Which is nice as your not too close to other users, if busy. Luckily was very quiet when I used after my treatment. The changing rooms/toilets and pool areas are all well kept, maintained and very clean. I used pool both mornings before breakfast which opens at 6.30 and not too busy. The hydro pool was so hot and relaxing after my swim and large , not small like a lot of other spa's. Dinner on both evenings was lovely served by Lyndsey & Muir on the Sunday and servers were Jillian & Muir on the Monday evening. Special mention to chef's Lewis & Billy who accommodated my sister's dietary requirements. Billy even came out to say hello on the Monday evening, during his busy service ,which was very much appreciated. I wouldn't say the menu is extensive if a fussy eater like us but can choose between both Restaurant or Lounge menu's, happy to say. So should be something for everyone and all food was tasty and presented well. We had the perfect Souffle made by pastry chef Jack on the Monday evening with delicious mango and passionfruit sorbet and coconut ice-cream. The menu's are seasonal but the online one's are slightly different to the hotel, during our stay. So maybe not quite up to date. The Breakfast on both mornings was just fabulous, so much choice in both hot and cold food. Lovely selection of yogurt & fruit pots with pastries and bread. Lots of different serials and fruit juices to choose from. There is a hot food buffet but all fresh and tasty good quality products, not dried out like some other hotels can be. If that is not enough there is another breakfast menu at no extra charge. Including omelettes, french toast, waffles, sourdough and mashed avocado with poached egg. Or scrambled eggs with salmon or smoked mackerel. Also a hand picked breakfast of the day, which was Bagels when we were there. We tried the omelette and french toast with maple syrup when there. Both mornings we were served and looked after by the lovely Natalie. Every member of staff seemed happy to be at work and nothing was too much trouble. All within a lovely relaxed and chilled atmosphere, no matter where in the hotel you are. We had a walk round the hotel grounds after breakfast on our first morning, followed by a few hours at the spa facilities. Which surprisingly were busier on the Monday than the Sunday but the leisure facilities have a private membership , so not only used by the hotel guests. Spa uses both Elemis or Ishga products and sell lovely products too. Even though the hotel is very close to the Airport and has a train line behind the extensive grounds it is still very quiet and peaceful. The only small issue I had during our stay was my spa treatment, £100 at 55 minutes is quite expensive but luckily enough to get a small discount, as I asked if had any offers on . As it was quiet with plenty of availability the Spa Manager kindly offered a better price, so decided to treat myself for a facial. Filled out my consultation form in plenty of time before using facilities prior to treatment. Lovely fluffy robes provided and awaited my therapist Mirren to come get me from waiting area. Shown through to treatment room and went through what my needs were from treatment and asked if I would prefer Elemis or Ishga products. By time this was went through and therapist left room for me to get ready, I would say it was 15 minutes after my scheduled appointment time before treatment started and was still finished by what would have been the 55 minutes. So lasted approx 40-45 minutes and felt a bit rushed. I did mention this to the spa receptionist Michelle on leaving, who apologised and said would ask Roison to have a chat with me as the Spa Manager had left for the day. Roison took my comments on board and did say the advertised time of 55 minutes includes the consultation and after care time. So quite expensive compared to some other spa hotel prices, which I visit often. Overall we loved our stay and can't wait to return. Thanks to all @ Norton House