Where to Stay

There is an abundant choice of luxury accommodation within the city center, and leading the way are the newly revamped Millennium Hotel on George Square, The Carlton George Hotel just off it, the 20 storied Glasgow Hilton (the only five-star hotel in the center) and the original and trendy Malmaison. For a more intimate yet no less luxurious option, Groucho Saint Jude's is a boutique hotel offering the ultimate in minimalist chic. Also within walking distance of the heart of Glasgow and the centrally located amenities are the comfortable Thistle Glasgow (which boasts of some of the largest hotel bedrooms in Scotland), the striking Quality Central Hotel, the thoroughly modern Glasgow Marriott and the memorable ArtHouse Hotel. More affordable options in the center include the Glasgow City Travelodge and the Holiday Inn Garden Court.

The inner-city district of Charing Cross, spanning the edges of the city center and the west end, boasts a prime location for easy access to both, still within walking distance of many of the shopping and entertainment areas of Glasgow. It also offers the King's and Mitchell theaters. The Premier Lodge affords breath-taking views of the city while The Theatre Hotel is relaxed and civilized. Along from the Glasgow School of Art on Renfrew Street are several reasonably priced and comfortable options such as The Old School House, the Enterprize Hotel and the Rennie Mackintosh Hotel. For those hoping to spend as little as possible on accommodation, Park Terrace has two great little hostels in historic buildings – the Glasgow Youth Hostel and Glasgow Backpackers Hostel.

Dominated by the University, Glasgow's west end still offers easy access to the city center, the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre and Kelvinhall International Sports Arena, as well as lots of restaurants and bars. Conference delegates favor the Glasgow Moat House, which actually has a connecting corridor to the SECC—very handy when it's raining. The modern City Inn is a good alternative nearby. The most prestigious address in the west end is, undoubtedly, One Devonshire Gardens–an opulent hotel set in a decadently restored Victorian mansion. On the corner of Buckingham Terrace and Byres Road is the Hilton Grosvenor, which has an impressive façade and is equally attractive inside. For those on a more modest budget there is plenty of choice in this leafy and yet lively district–the small and friendly Terrace House Hotel, the elegantly Edwardian Kirklee Hotel and the RAC acclaimed Angus Hotel, to name but a few. To experience a traditional Scottish welcome, try the Manor Park Hotel, which promotes the Gaelic language (although they all speak English too).

The Merchant City district boasts a sophisticated, yet active nightlife scene, thanks to the numerous restaurants, bars and theaters that are located here. Still within walking distance of the city center's facilities and amenities is the Brunswick Metro Lodge. A local landmark, it has a stylish interior and a popular and innovative restaurant, making this small hotel a highly sought after place to stay. A cheaper alternative in this area is the award-winning Babbity Bowster, it has a friendly, traditional atmosphere and an excellent restaurant serving traditional Scottish cuisine. The Merchant Lodge is one of the oldest buildings in Glasgow. Although it's been brought up to date with all the conveniences of modern hotels, it still retains many original features and the rates are pleasingly old-fashioned.

There are fewer hotels in the medieval area of the city, but one decent reasonably priced option is the Cathedral House Hotel, which is said to be haunted by two ghosts, although they don't seem to bother anyone. In the east end, The Inn On The Green prides itself on the beautiful handmade wooden beds and friendly atmosphere. This is a great place to stay if you're in Glasgow around Guy Fawkes Night as you can watch the firework displays over Glasgow Green from the comfort of the hotel bar.

The south side of the city is slightly less convenient, but don't be put off as there are plenty of buses and trains to the city center. Hotels and guest houses abound in this area and it should be considered by anyone who longs for peace and quiet in a leafy suburban setting. Holly House is a pleasant B&B in Ibrox while Sherbrooke Castle is an impressive baronial residence set in picturesque gardens and the Kings Park Hotel has excellent facilities.