Macdonald Norwood Hall Hotel

Although Macdonald Norwood Hall Hotel was built in 1881, the estate where this Victorian mansion stands is much older. This was once the site of Pitfodels Castle, a 15th-century stronghold that once stood watch over the area. Colonel James 'Soapy' Ogston, a widely successful soap businessman, purchased the Norwood estate in 1872. He later commissioned the architect J. Russell Mackenzie to remodel Norwood Hall in 1881, transforming the old home into the stunning Victorian style we see today.

The present-day owner of Macdonald Norwood Hall Hotel is Donald Macdonald, founder and chair of Macdonald Hotels & Resorts. Alongside his wife Christine and their son Ruaridh, they aim to exemplify Scottish hospitality through their properties, many of which are heritage buildings.

Built in the latter half of the 19th century, Macdonald Norwood Hall Hotel stands out for its ornate Victorian aesthetics and impressive old-world atmosphere. The hotel has carefully preserved its historic aspects, many of which are incorporated or featured as the centerpiece of each part of the building. One example is the main staircase, which features a vaulted ceiling adorned with intricately carved designs. Another is Tapestry Restaurant's dining hall, with its marble fireplace, bright bay windows, and carved wood ceiling, giving it an aristocratic air.

The accommodations, for the most part, are decorated in contemporary styles. Some configurations, such as the suites, do have nods to the hotel's classical aspects by having some vintage-style furniture to contrast the mainly modern look.

Tapestry Restaurant

The signature restaurant of Macdonald Norwood Hall Hotel is set in an exquisite Victorian-style dining hall and serves both traditional and modern Scottish cuisine. Savor flavorful bites of Scotch beef, lamb loins, or haddock caught off the coast. For its excellence, Tapestry Restaurant was awarded two AA Rosettes by The AA Guide.
Breakfast: Weekdays: 7 am - 9:30 am; Weekends: 8 am - 10:30 am
Dinner: 6 pm - 9 pm

Georgian Lounge

No trip to Scotland would be complete without at least tasting a few local labels of whisky. The Georgian Lounge is Norwood Hall's bar, boasting a fine selection of over to be enjoyed in the cozy 19th-century atmosphere.
Opening hours: 12 pm - 9:30 pm
Light Bites: 12 pm - 6 pm

Afternoon Tea

One British tradition known and emulated around the world is afternoon teatime. For Macdonald Norwood Hall Hotel, Afternoon Tea is also a moment where friends and family can enjoy each other's company over tasty treats and delightful beverages. Aside from tea, they also offer sparkling wine and champagne options.
Availability: 4 pm

Plan your unforgettable destination wedding with Macdonald Norwood Hall Hotel's incredible packages. These will include the ceremony and reception, as well as the use of the estate grounds for photoshoots. Their Boutique Package, for example, accommodates 30 guests for an intimate celebration set in Tapestry Restaurant. The Twilight Package, alternatively, lets you book the hotel and estate exclusively for the wedding day, and accommodates 100 guests. They also have numerous options and add-ons, including hired services like decorators, videographers, or Scottish pipers.

Here are some of their amazing venues:

Pitfodels Suite

A spacious banquet hall with a bar, a stage for live performances, and can be configured to have a dance floor.
Capacity: 150 banquet guests

Inchgarth Suite

An intimate venue suited for couples with a small entourage.
Capacity: 22 banquet guests

Balmoral Suite

Recently built, this events hall features a modular setup that can be adjusted depending on the space you'll need.
Capacity: 64 banquet guests

Cultural Experiences

Macdonald Norwood Hall Hotel offers numerous ways to enjoy your Scottish vacation while in Aberdeen. Lovers of golf can book a special Golf Break stay package that includes access to the nearby Murcar Links Golf Club. For your holiday trippers, the hotel also has seasonal packages, such as Christmas and New Year. The hotel even hosts its own events, such as live band nights and festive disco nights.

For a bit of cultural immersion, Aberdeen has plenty of museums and historical landmarks you could visit. St Machar's Cathedral is one of the oldest buildings in Aberdeen, yet still actively used to this day. You can also drop by The Gordon Highlanders Museum, dedicated to Aberdeen's very own military regiment that served for over a century. While Aberdeen itself doesn't have a castle, you can find plenty of medieval strongholds and estates nearby. One of these is Dunnottar Castle, a scenic clifftop castle seen on many postcards, as well as movies and TV shows.

Weddings aren't the only big events welcomed at Macdonald Norwood Hall Hotel; they also host corporate functions and private celebrations. They have a large variety of venues available, from meeting rooms to grand party halls, and accommodate all sorts of events.

Here are a few of the venues offered by the hotel:

Devenick Suite

A spacious conference room suited for moderately-sized company gatherings such as seminars.
Capacity: 35 guests

Pitfodels Suite

A lovely banquet hall with bright floor-to-ceiling windows and can be set up with a bar, stage, or dance floor.
Capacity: 350 guests

Balmoral Suite

A stylish and newly built conference center, featuring a modular setup that can be scaled up or down, depending on your needs.
Capacity: 128 guests