This week we head west to Glasgow, the business center of Scotland, and the heart of its former shipbuilding glory. In addition to museums and shopping, it’s a great place to use as a hub for day trips to the Highlands.
1. Kimpton Blythswood Square
2. Hotel du Vin at One Devonshire Gardens
3. Malmaison Glasgow
4. House of Gods
5. CitizenM Glasgow
6. Dakota Glasgow
7. Native Glasgow
1. Kimpton Blythswood Square
Conde Nast Traveler writes, “Housed in what was once The Royal Scottish Automobile Club, the Blythswood Square hotel is undoubtedly the city’s grandest option. It sits facing the square’s immaculate private gardens, making it feel like a little oasis, yet it’s just a five-minute walk to central station and Buchanan Street’s sweep of shops. Marble bathrooms and comfortably appointed rooms (if you can, ask for a garden view) plus the pretty downstairs restaurant with its striking green scalloped tile-clad bar all contribute to it being busy and buzzy any day of the week.”
Penthouse Suite
The 1,705-sq.ft. Penthouse Suite includes a 200-sq.ft. terrace and roof garden.
More suites at Kimpton Blythswood Square.
2. Hotel du Vin at One Devonshire Gardens
Conde Nast Traveler reports, “One Devonshire Gardens was once the crème de la crème of Glasgow’s hospitality scene, and while it might not be the new kid on the block anymore, it still holds a certain charm. Rooms are comfortable if not contemporary and are spacious with large bathrooms (many of which have deep tubs). The charming staff give a properly warm Scottish welcome when you arrive too, and are on hand to offer local recommendations. Another draw is its covetable location in the smart West End with its run of homeware shops, boutique bakeries, restaurants, and parks. A stroll through the Botanic Gardens with a Cotton Rake pastry in hand is truly one of life’s little pleasures. If you prefer to stay, put, there’s also a reasonable fine dining restaurant on site that sticks to the classics but does them well.”
Bell Epoque Suite
Belle Epoque features a super king size bed and a separate living room with dining area seating up to six people. There’s a large bathroom with a free standing roll top bath, aqua TV, large walk in monsoon shower and double sinks to complete the bathroom. This suite also overlooks the secret garden.
More suites at Hotel du Vin.
3. Malmaison Glasgow
The Telegraph writes, “Nothing orthodox about this former Greek Orthodox Church, transformed into a stylish modern boutique hotel in a city center location. There’s a lively lounge bar, excellent brasserie dining and a casual bar. Just off an elegant Georgian square in a central business district, a few steps from the shopping and nightlife of Sauchiehall Street. Theatres, concert halls and restaurants are all within walking distance, as is the ‘style mile’ shopping precinct around Buchanan Street. The two main railway stations are a five-minute taxi ride away.”
Signature Suite
The 650-sq.ft. Signature Suite features a separate bedroom and living area.
More suites at Malmaison Glasgow.
4. House of Gods
Conde Nast Traveler writes, “The epitome of maximalist, House of Gods already had a successful Edinburgh outpost by the time the brand opened in Glasgow. This time things are even more opulent, with just 28 rooms bedecked in lavish, soft furnishings that range from four-poster beds to tiger print sofas piled high with velvet cushions. This is categorically for those who like a “more is more” approach. The Presidential Suite benefits from dark wood paneled walls, its own lounge, a beautiful roll-top tub in the bedroom and a separate gargantuan marble bathroom.”
Presidential Suite
It’s only 400-sq.ft. but the Presidential Suite is where rock and roll meets Scotland head on.
More suites at House of Gods.
5. CitizenM Glasgow
The Telegraph writes, “CitizenM, an uber-cool showroom of ultra-modern Dutch styling and facilities, contrives to make travelers feel at home with relaxed living and dining spaces. With a futuristic design, enthusiastic staff, good business facilities and excellent value for money, the hotel offers a good balance of work, rest and play. The hotel is located in the northern part of the city centre, within easy walking distance of theatres, concert halls, cinemas, restaurants and shopping malls. Theatre Royal, home of Scottish Opera and Scottish Ballet, is next door.”
6. Dakota Glasgow
Conde Nast Traveler says, “Dakota Glasgow, owned by renowned Glaswegian hotelier Ken McCulloch and his wife, interior designer Amanda Rosa, is one of the best hotels in the area, not least because of its location in the heart of the city. With a wealth of experience from launching One Devonshire Gardens and Malmaison in Glasgow, McCulloch has meticulously crafted the Dakota brand to appeal to young professionals who want a combination of aesthetics and amenities. The hotel offers generously sized rooms, each thoughtfully designed with plush sofas and new, supremely comfortable beds. The attention to detail is evident in the additional touches, such as Sky TV, allowing you to truly unwind and make yourself at home. There’s also a restaurant downstairs, which majors in steaks cooked over coals and other classics like lamb loin and monkfish from the grill.”
Grand Deluxe Suite
The 1,050-sq.ft. Grand Deluxe Suite features a separate bedroom and living area.
More suites at Dakota Glasgow.
7. Native Glasgow
Conde Nast Traveler writes, “You can’t get more central than Native’s enviable address just off of George Square (which leads into Queen St. Station). It’s the ideal base if you have work—or play—to do in town. The Edwardian building it sits in has sympathetically been restored to house 64 apartments. Here you’ll find nice little touches of a boutique hotel, like original features and plush layered beds, coupled with the convenience of having your own living room and kitchen in every room, in line with the brand’s aparthotel billing.”
One Bedroom Penthouse
The One Bedroom Penthouse provides panoramic views of Glasgow from its floor to ceiling windows.
More suites at Native Glasgow.
