Rooms with a view in Glasgow

Glasgow’s compelling lure as a destination for culture, leisure, shopping, and business is recognised by the continuing commitment of premium hospitality brands such as Hilton, Radisson, Marriot and Malmaison. The city also boasts a plethora of unique boutique hotels, many of which have breathed new life into buildings of outstanding architectural merit.

Now, a further 2,400 new hotel rooms are planned for completion by 2011 to meet demand from Glasgow’s booming conference, events, and leisure travel markets. These developments will bring even greater choice within a city distinguished by excellence at every level.

Already, Glasgow has a hotel for every taste and every budget. From the sharp modern elegance of the 5-star Radisson SAS, immediately adjacent to the foremost shopping streets, to the indulgent luxury of One Devonshire Gardens, a sumptuously appointed townhouse property in the city’s leafy west end . . . from the stylish yet eminently affordable Dakota, on the edge of town, to the original Malmaison, housed in one of the city’s most iconic Greek-revival architectural gems . . . from the gritty rock’n’roll vibe of The Brunswick in the Merchant City district, to the cool contemporary style of Marks Hotel, Glasgow’s newest boutique property: the variety of choice is exceptional.

Key new developments in the luxury sector include the Town House Company’s £17-million project in Blythswood Square. This involves the transformation of a gracious Georgian building (which formerly housed the Royal Scottish Automobile Club) into a splendid 88-bedroom 5-star hotel, combining restoration of outstanding period features with arresting new interiors by the internationally acclaimed Glasgow design practice, Graven Images.

Recent refurbishment of One Devonshire Gardens (now part of the Hotel du Vin portfolio) has restored this celebrated hotel’s appeal to the most discerning and luxury-literate traveller. Some of the glamorous new suites even have their own personal gyms or private gardens.

In the heart of Glasgow’s business quarter, the Bothwell Plaza project will add a further 575 bedrooms between two hotels massed around a new public-access open space.

And, just twenty minutes west of the city, Cameron House (a historic 18th century mansion on the Loch Lomond shoreline) is currently benefiting from a £25-million investment by De Vere. Their express intention is the creation, within this unique and magical setting, of a true luxury destination with world-class sports, health and leisure facilities.

In every possible sense, visitors to Glasgow are increasingly spoilt for choice.

For information on what to see and do, and where to stay in Glasgow, visit Seeglasgow.com.