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Summary of reviewsMacdonald Norwood Hall Hotel, situated on the outskirts of Aberdeen, elegantly combines serene countryside charm with convenient city accessibility. Its picturesque grounds, impeccable gardens and striking traditional décor create an inviting environment perfect for weddings and events. Guests consistently praise the friendly and helpful staff who enhance the hotel's warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Breakfast at the hotel is widely enjoyed for its variety and quality with specific dishes like the Stornoway Black pudding and full Scottish breakfast standing out. Although there are occasional issues with food temperature and breakfast room organization, the service remains professional and friendly, contributing to an overall positive dining experience.
Dinner at the hotel's restaurant receives high marks for its quality, taste and presentation, though the menu is somewhat limited and pricey. Guests appreciate the opportunity to dine with their pets and the delicious afternoon tea options. Minor critiques include occasional slow service and overcooked food, but the overall dining experience is commended.
Rooms at Macdonald Norwood Hall Hotel are noted for their spaciousness and comfort, featuring tasteful décor and clean settings. Although some furniture is dated and maintenance issues like chipped sinks and worn carpets are occasionally noted, the general cleanliness and quiet environment provide a restful stay. The hotel’s dog-friendly policy and ample parking further enhance its appeal.
While cleanliness is generally quite good, a few guests have reported occasional lapses such as musty odors and dusty areas. In response to Covid-19, the hotel has maintained high hygiene standards, garnering acknowledgment and appreciation from guests.
The hotel staff are repeatedly commended for their friendliness and professionalism, particularly the reception team. Guests appreciate the staff's attentiveness and ability to remember and engage with them, making their stay more personal and enjoyable.
Complimentary parking and wifi add to the convenience, although some rooms may experience weak Wi-Fi signals. Families find the hotel accommodating with family-style apartments, a playground and a dog park making it an ideal choice for those traveling with children and pets.
Most guests find the beds comfortable and conducive to a good night’s sleep, despite occasional comments on sagging mattresses and hard pillows. Business travelers also appreciate the hotel's conducive working environment, reliable conference facilities and helpful staff, though stronger Wi-Fi would be an improvement.
Though the hotel faces some criticism for not fully meeting four-star standards, especially regarding room amenities and furniture updates, it is still viewed as a beautiful and comfortable retreat with commendable food quality and good value for money. Accessibility features need enhancement, particularly with the elevator service and path conditions.
In summary, Macdonald Norwood Hall Hotel is a charming blend of countryside tranquility and city convenience, providing spacious, comfortable accommodations, high-quality dining and exceptional service, making it a beloved choice for weddings, business and family getaways. Show more
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Hotel near Golf Courses
This hotel offers specific golf break packages, including a round at Murcar Links Golf Club, which is a short drive away. It is conveniently located within easy reach of championship links courses, with Royal Aberdeen being a 20-minute drive, and mentions five nearby courses for guests.
Family Friendly Hotel
Offers a serene environment with spacious grounds for families to explore. While specific family amenities aren't detailed in the provided snippets, its reputation suggests a comfortable stay for families.
Dog Friendly Hotel
This hotel is a luxurious dog-friendly option in Aberdeen. It offers a special dog menu and even robes for your pet, ensuring a comfortable stay for both you and your dog. It is ideally located for exploring the city and the surrounding countryside.
Romantic Hotel
Set in a beautiful country house, Macdonald Norwood Hall Hotel offers a tranquil and romantic retreat. Its picturesque gardens, elegant rooms, and fine dining create a memorable and intimate experience.
Business Hotel
While offering a historic setting, it may provide suitable spaces for smaller meetings and business gatherings. The quite environment may allow for concentration.
4-Star Hotel
This hotel is set in a magnificent Victorian mansion with roaring log fires and sweeping staircases, exuding character and charm. It is ideally located for visiting castles or the coast and features the renowned Tapestry Restaurant.
Historic Hotel
Hotel for Honeymoon
Accessible Hotel
Room Types
Deluxe Double RoomThis room features views of the Aberdeen countryside and additional workspace with a desk and tea/coffee making facilities.
Additional amenities include ironing facilities and a shower and bath.
Superior King RoomThe Feature King Room offers a lounge area with a 40-inch flat-screen TV.
Additional amenities include a work desk with a telephone, complimentary bottled water and tea/coffee making facilities.
The en-suite facilities include Arran Aromatics toiletries and a shower and a bath.
Superior SuiteThe Feature Suite is located in the original house and contains period features such as high ceilings and bay windows that overlook the hotel's grounds.
Guests can enjoy the magazines and fresh flowers provided in the suite. Additional amenities include complimentary bottled water and Arran Aromatics toiletries.
Standard Double RoomThis room features views of the hotel's gardens.
Additional amenities include a satellite TV, iron and ironing board, and tea/coffee making facilities.
Superior Double RoomProviding free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a walk-in shower, a bath and a hairdryer. This double room features a tea and coffee maker, a safe deposit box and a TV. The unit offers 1 bed.
Double Room - Disability AccessProviding free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a walk-in shower, a bath and a hairdryer. This double room features a tea and coffee maker, a safe deposit box and a TV. The unit offers 1 bed.
King Room - Disability AccessFeaturing free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a walk-in shower, a bath and a hairdryer. This double room has a tea and coffee maker, a safe deposit box and a TV. The unit has 1 bed.
Deluxe Twin RoomFeaturing free toiletries, this twin room includes a private bathroom with a walk-in shower, a bath and a hairdryer. This twin room has a tea and coffee maker, a safe deposit box and a TV. The unit has 2 beds.
Guest Reviews
8.5
Very Good
Location
Tucked away on the outskirts of Aberdeen, Macdonald Norwood Hall Hotel offers a serene retreat that provides the best of both worlds. Despite its quiet and peaceful parkland setting, the hotel is conveniently close to the city center, making it easy to access Aberdeen's main attractions and amenities. The location is described as brilliant, beautiful and perfect for those seeking a calm, countryside feel without sacrificing the conveniences of city proximity.
The hotel’s picturesque grounds and well-maintained gardens offer a lovely, green oasis that transports guests far from the urban hustle, while excellently placed bus routes and ample parking make traveling to and from the city hassle-free. Those visiting local institutions like Robert Gordon University will find its location particularly ideal.
Perfect for weddings and other events, the hotel's stunning, traditional décor, coupled with a spectacular natural setting, make for a memorable experience. Whether blanketed in snow or glowing in the summer sun, the surroundings add a touch of magic. The staff are noted to be friendly and helpful, enhancing the warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Combining peaceful seclusion with city accessibility, Macdonald Norwood Hall Hotel offers an ideal getaway for relaxation and exploration alike. It stands out not just for its convenience, but also for its timeless Scottish charm and serene beauty.
Breakfast
The breakfast experience at the Macdonald Norwood Hall Hotel elicits a mixture of reactions from guests but is generally regarded positively. Many guests commend the high quality, rich variety and delightful taste of the breakfast options, including both continental and Scottish dishes. The Stornoway Black pudding and full Scottish breakfast receive specific praise.
Guests frequently describe the breakfast as excellent, fantastic and delicious, highlighting the generous portions and diverse selection available. The buffet includes various items with cooked-to-order options and fresh ingredients, which many guests appreciate. Some guests particularly enjoyed the convenience of breakfast in their rooms, which arrived promptly and met expectations.
Service from the breakfast staff is often noted as professional, friendly and efficient, further enhancing the morning dining experience. However, a few guests mentioned that the breakfast wasn't always served hot and in some cases, items like scrambled eggs and bacon were disappointing. The breakfast setup, at times, was described as crowded and poorly organized, impacting the overall experience for some.
Despite the mixed reviews regarding temperature and organization, the broad array of breakfast choices and the quality of food generally leave guests satisfied, making breakfast at Macdonald Norwood Hall Hotel a notable and mostly positive aspect of their stay.
Dinner
The guest reviews for dinner at Macdonald Norwood Hall Hotel highlight an overall positive dining experience, frequently praising the quality, taste and presentation of the food. Many guests describe the dinners as very good, delicious and excellent with some even using terms like amazing and stunning. The restaurant's menu, while praised for offering delicious and beautifully presented dishes, is noted to be somewhat limited and repetitive, which was a minor downside for extended stays. Dining options are often described as pricey, but guests generally felt that the high cost was justified by the quality of the meals.
Guests enjoyed both the main dining room and the bar lounge with particular appreciation for being able to dine with their dogs. The hotel's breakfast also received commendation, often mentioned alongside the dinner in terms of quality. For afternoon tea enthusiasts, the offering was mentioned as very delicious.
Despite the high praise, there were occasional mentions of food being overcooked and slow service during dinner times. Some noted that the portions could be small and that certain dinner options incurred extra charges. Overall, the positive feedback centers around the exceptional food and pleasant dining environment, making it a recommended dining experience for visitors.
Rooms
Rooms at Macdonald Norwood Hall Hotel offer a blend of generous space and comfort, making them a highlight for many guests. Numerous reviewers praise the large, clean and well-furnished rooms with many noting the tasteful decor and elegant, comfortable settings. Spaciousness is a recurring feature with guests appreciating the ample room sizes and large bathrooms, which are both well-appointed and spotless. Upgraded rooms receive particular accolades for their superior size and luxurious feel.
Many visitors were pleased with the comfortable beds and the quiet environment of the rooms, ideal for a restful stay. The rooms are also noted for being dog-friendly, making them a convenient option for pet owners. However, some areas show signs of wear and tear with several reviewers pointing out the outdated furniture, tired decor and occasional maintenance issues such as chipped sinks and worn carpets.
Overall cleanliness is highly regarded, although a few guests did encounter some lapses, such as torn bedsheets and musty smells. While some rooms were mentioned as being a bit dark or cold, others noted the warmth and brightness. The facility for hosting special events in spacious rooms adds another layer of appeal for those seeking a venue for gatherings.
Despite some minor drawbacks like dated furnishings and occasional chilly temperatures, the rooms generally impress with their size, comfort and aesthetic charm, making Macdonald Norwood Hall Hotel a solid choice for travelers seeking a blend of elegance and space.
Beds
Macdonald Norwood Hall Hotel offers a range of bed experiences with numerous guests praising the comfort and size of the beds. Many have highlighted the beds as very comfortable with some describing them as exceptionally or even amazingly comfy, contributing to a good night's sleep. The rooms are noted to be large, enhancing the overall comfort with some beds being super king size and good-sized doubles.
However, there are a few mixed reviews regarding bed quality. Some guests reported issues such as sagging beds, lumpy mattresses and even beds that were too short. A few found the mattresses and pillows to be very hard or in need of an upgrade. Despite these occasional drawbacks, the majority of reviews reflect positively on the hotel's bedding, suggesting that most guests leave well-rested and satisfied with their sleeping arrangements.
Cleanliness
Macdonald Norwood Hall Hotel generally receives positive feedback regarding its cleanliness. Guests often describe the rooms as spotlessly clean, spacious and comfortable with excellent attention to maintaining hygiene standards. The public areas and surroundings are also well-kept and clean. Numerous reviews commend the rooms for being large, immaculately clean and well-furnished, contributing to a comfortable stay. The hotel itself is consistently noted for its stylish and clean atmosphere.
However, some reviews hint at areas needing improvement. A few guests encountered issues such as dusty rooms, musty odors, cobwebs and cleanliness not meeting expectations for a four-star hotel, particularly considering the prices. There are mentions of outdated bathrooms, tired furniture, chipped ceramics and specific complaints related to bathroom and room cleanliness, including grime and unidentifiable stains.
Despite these occasional drawbacks, the hotel's effort towards maintaining cleanliness, especially concerning Covid-19 precautions, is recognized. Overall, while the majority of feedback emphasizes a clean and comfortable environment, there are sporadic instances of cleanliness falling short in certain areas.
Staff
The Macdonald Norwood Hall Hotel has garnered praise for its exceptional staff, who are consistently described as friendly, welcoming and professional. From the moment guests arrive, they are greeted warmly with many noting the attentive and accommodating nature of the staff. The reception team is often highlighted for their courtesy and efficiency, going above and beyond to assist with any needs and ensuring a pleasant check-in experience.
Guests frequently mention the bar and restaurant staff, commending their helpfulness and excellent service. The staff's ability to balance professionalism with friendliness has left a lasting positive impression on visitors. Their politeness, attentiveness and readiness to assist are recurring themes in the feedback, contributing significantly to the overall pleasant experience at the hotel.
Despite occasional observations of minimal staff on duty, especially during breakfast, the general consensus points to a team that is exceptionally polite, considerate and eager to help. The staff's ability to remember and engage with guests adds a personal touch that enhances the feeling of being valued.
Overall, the staff at Macdonald Norwood Hall Hotel appear to be a standout feature, consistently making guests feel comfortable and well taken care of, contributing to the hotel's reputation for excellent service and hospitality.
Wi-Fi
Macdonald Norwood Hall Hotel offers guests complimentary parking and wifi, which adds convenience to their stay. While the wifi connection is generally good in public areas, it appears that some rooms face issues with weak or nonexistent Wi-Fi signals. A few reviews indicated intermittent connectivity, making it difficult for guests to complete online tasks. Despite these challenges, the hotel staff were noted to be responsive, which suggests that they make efforts to address any connectivity issues promptly. Overall, while public areas of the hotel offer reliable wifi, those needing strong and consistent internet access in their rooms might encounter some difficulties.
Family
Macdonald Norwood Hall Hotel is a welcoming destination for families, offering charming and attentive staff who manage to strike a balance between being helpful and unobtrusive. The hotel features family-style apartments that are suitable for both large groups and older children, making it a comfortable place to spend time with family. Noteworthy amenities include a playground and a dog park, adding to its family-friendly appeal.
The hotel is recognized for hosting family reunions and weddings with good arrangements, ensuring that family gatherings are both memorable and smooth. It also stands out as a child-friendly resort, ideal for family ski trips and other events. While some reviews mention that room placement can be unexpected and certain rooms may feel a bit small, overall, the hotel is a beautiful family retreat offering a quiet and pleasant atmosphere for all ages.
4 Star
Macdonald Norwood Hall Hotel, while labeled as a four-star establishment, has garnered mixed reviews regarding its adequacy and services. Some guests have pointed out that the rooms and service do not fully meet four-star standards, expressing disappointment with certain aspects such as the absence of a fridge in the room and the need for some facility upgrades. Others mentioned that the quality of complimentary toiletries could be improved and found some items misplaced.
However, there are commendable aspects to the hotel as well. Many found it to be a very beautiful and comfortable place to stay, considering it to offer good value for money. The food quality has also been praised, although vegetarians may find the menu options limited. Additionally, the hotel provides a separate menu for dogs, which may appeal to guests traveling with pets.
Overall, while the hotel does have its strengths, particularly in comfort and ambiance, there seems to be a consensus among some guests that certain elements are not quite up to the mark expected of a four-star hotel.
Business
Macdonald Norwood Hall Hotel is well-regarded for its suitability for business travelers. The working space is found to be decent and the presence of good TV channels adds a touch of comfort. The hotel is also noted for being a good place for business meetings with a reliable conference center available. The staff are highlighted as friendly and helpful, enhancing the overall professional environment. While the Wi-Fi could be stronger, the hotel remains a solid choice for those on business trips.
Accessible
Macdonald Norwood Hall Hotel offers a charming atmosphere and convenient proximity to the city center, but its accessibility features for guests with disabilities have room for improvement. Guests noted the presence of rocky and uneven paths and the elevator, which was often out of order or inconvenient to use. While some accessible rooms feature spacious wet rooms with ample grab rails and alarms, the limited number of these rooms and their location on higher floors require reliance on the problematic lift.
The process of making arrangements with hotel staff, specifically Morven, was highlighted as exceptionally good, although the overall experience was somewhat marred by discrepancies between booking sites and the hotel’s website regarding the availability and suitability of accessible rooms. The lack of a ground-floor option and challenges in navigating to the reception or up and down stairs proved to be significant obstacles. Additionally, some accessible rooms did not have walk-in showers and featured impractical design elements, like low cupboards, which were inconvenient for those with limited mobility.
In summary, although Macdonald Norwood Hall Hotel provides some amenities for disabled guests and offers ease of access to the city center, it would benefit from improved infrastructure and clearer communication regarding its accessibility features.
Historic
Nestled in exquisite settings, the Macdonald Norwood Hall Hotel exudes historical importance and timeless elegance. This 19th-century mansion, dating back to 1887, stands as a beautifully maintained stately home, replete with original furnishings. It showcases the opulence and character reminiscent of a Scottish castle, seamlessly blending rich history with modern touches. The well-preserved Victorian mansion, also known as an authentic Scottish country house, captivates visitors with its Jacobean carved wood interiors and antique details.
The hotel retains much of its former grandeur, offering a romantic and old-fashioned charm that feels almost haunted by its historical essence. A walk through the period property reveals a variety of fascinating features, from its authentic Scottish style to its perfectly preserved sections adorned with characterful decorations. The atmosphere distinctly reflects a bygone era, described by many as having an old worldly charm and faded glory.
Guests are enthralled by the hotel's beautiful, historical and castle-like ambiance with the charming interiors offering a special feel that transports them back in time. The exceptional preservation of the old building successfully combines the new with the old, maintaining its rich historical narrative while providing luxurious comfort. Each guest's stay is enriched by the palpable sense of history, making Macdonald Norwood Hall Hotel a magnificent retreat for those who appreciate heritage and elegance.
Romantic
Nestled in beautiful surroundings, Macdonald Norwood Hall Hotel offers an atmosphere that exudes romance. Its perfect location makes it an ideal spot for romantic escapades and getaways. Guests appreciate the relaxing ambiance and romantic settings, which enhance the dreamy experience. The hotel itself is both beautiful and atmospheric, contributing further to the overall feeling of romance.
Dog Friendly
The Macdonald Norwood Hall Hotel is a commendable choice for dog owners seeking a pet-friendly retreat. The hotel is notably accommodating to dogs, allowing them in certain areas and even offering a dog-friendly menu, which adds a thoughtful touch to the overall experience. The hotel grounds, set in mature woods, provide ample room for walking dogs, making it ideal for pet owners who wish to keep their furry friends active.
Guests appreciated the dog-friendly rooms and the staff's welcoming attitude towards pets with indications that dogs are generally well-catered for. However, it is important to note that dogs are not permitted in the bar or restaurant areas, although there is a designated space where dogs can dine with their owners. Some guests did mention the absence of a dog waste bin on the grounds, which might be a consideration for the convenience-minded pet owner.
Additionally, the hotel's proactive approach to guest comfort is highlighted by their courtesy calls to inform guests about potential disturbances like fireworks, which is especially considerate for those traveling with nervous pets.
While there were a few complaints about dogs being left alone in rooms and causing disturbances, overall, the Norwood Hall Hotel stands out for its efforts to create a welcoming environment for both dogs and their owners.
No, Macdonald Norwood Hall Hotel doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Macdonald Norwood Hall Hotel.
Yes, Macdonald Norwood Hall Hotel welcomes dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at Macdonald Norwood Hall Hotel.
No, Macdonald Norwood Hall Hotel doesn't have a gym.