– From US220+ per night
– Guests have free use of the spa thermal experience for five hours per day
– Parking costs a hefty $45 per day
Set in a series of fine Georgian townhouses which look out over a private garden in a 100 year old square, the award-winning Blythswood Square hotel was once the clubhouse of the Royal Scottish Automobile Club and a starting point for the 1955 Monte Carlo rally. It’s now the most stylish hotel in the city centre, catering to business people, tourists and visitors attracted by easy access to the many close-by music venues – including many a rock star making use of the expansive penthouse, complete with complimentary Dom Perignon on arrival.
Blythswood Square is within walking distance of many Glasgow attractions, bars, restaurants and the best of the city’s excellent shopping. Within the hotel, there is a bar and a restaurant, both lively and popular with locals and guests alike. The bar is well known for cocktails but is also a must for whisky lovers. With 200 Scotches to choose from, you’ll never been short of options for a wee dram.
I stayed in a classic room which was compact but not cramped and featured a marble bathroom which could open onto the bedroom if you fancy soaking in a bath while watching TV. When I struggled to get to grips with the TV, somebody was knocking on my door within five minutes to help, which was typical of the high service standards. The comfortable rooms are furnished in a modern, unfussy style and there was a small welcome tray of chocolates in the room when I arrived.
The hotel’s spa includes a ‘thermal experience’ – a journey though an array of steam rooms, dry heat rooms, crystal steam room and large hydro pools. I had the entire place to myself when I took advantage of the free use for guests early in the morning. There is even an ice fountain if you want to rub ice on your body to cool off – I didn’t, lest my piercing screams panic the spa staff.
Staff at the hotel exuded typical Scottish warmth, hospitality and humour. It’s the perfect base for exploring Glasgow and the surrounding area, confident in the knowledge that you have a warm welcome and a comfortable bed awaiting you on your return.
