Between contemporary properties set in historic Victorian buildings and boutique inns hiding in historic suburbs, there are Glasgow hotels for every traveler’s preference.
We’re Fora, the modern travel agency. Below, you’ll find a breakdown of the best hotels in Glasgow — each of which is amongst our top-booked properties in the city — as well as a few honorable mentions. We’ve also included answers to Glasgow travel questions. For personalized recs & VIP perks, reach out to a Fora Advisor.
First, why Glasgow?
Many travel to Scotland to experience its stunning countryside — the Highlands, the Isle of Skye, nearby Loch Lomond — but its urbanscapes are just as captivating.
“From its grand Victorian architecture to its thriving arts scene and world-class culinary delights, Glasgow captivates travelers with its eclectic charm,” writes Fora Advisor Gillian Spatz in her Glasgow travel guide. “Glasgow seamlessly blends its industrial past with a dynamic present, offering visitors a multifaceted experience.”
Our favorite Glasgow hotels
Read on for an overview of our favorite hotels in Glasgow.
Kimpton Blythswood Square
Image courtesy of Kimpton Blythswood Square
Kimpton Blythswood Square is a high-end hotel housed in a beautifully restored Georgian townhouse overlooking its namesake square. This elegant Glashow hotel offers luxe accommodations and updated amenities. Along with an excellent on-site restaurant and cocktail lounge, the hotel’s highlight is its renowned spa, which features a range of wellness treatments and a hydrotherapy pool. The service is also notable.
“The minute you walk up the stairs to the front door of Kimpton Blythswood Square everyone from the doorman to the receptionists welcome you,” said Fora Advisor Rita Carton. “Everyone we encountered asked if we needed anything, if we enjoyed our day and took time to converse with us.”
The rooms at the Kimpton are minimalist and stylish, with marble bathrooms, extremely comfortable beds and eclectic artwork. Standard rooms are ideal for solo travelers or couples; there are also sprawling suites for anyone needing more space. The hotel features a selection of rooms for travelers with accessible needs as well.
Travelers will enjoy the Kimpton’s proximity to cultural attractions, shopping districts and the city’s lively nightlife, and business travelers in particular will appreciate well-equipped meeting spaces (and, again, the hotel’s central location).
“We were a group that ranged in age from 15 to 71, and each of us thought that these last two nights of our vacation were unforgettable because of our stay at this hotel." Rita said. "The spa was a huge hit, especially after a week of hiking." Plus, she mentioned that the breakfast was excellent.
Fora Perks at Kimpton Blythswood Square:
$100 hotel / resort credit, welcome amenity, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-out whenever possible.
(If you’re looking for Edinburgh hotels, there’s a great Kimpton location there, as well.)
citizenM Glasgow
Image courtesy of citizenM Glasgow
Chic, youthful and stylish, citizenM is a unique option among Glasgow hotels. Whereas most hotels in the city lean into the historic setting, citizenM has more of a retro-artful theme. Fun, interesting art and funky furniture fill the common spaces. Modern touches include tablets that control the room lighting and kiosks that allow you to check in with your phone.
“CitizenM Glasgow is a great trendy spot for younger travelers and couples!" Fora Advisor Theresa Baumann said. “They have a fantastic bar and lounge to grab a drink and meet other travelers. The hotel is nicely located in the center of the city and easily walkable to all the hotspots.”
The rooms are on the smaller side, but they’re perfectly comfortable for a couple, with a no-frills and contemporary style. The hotel hosts one casual restaurant, canteenM, that serves contemporary fusion food.
voco Grand Central Glasgow, an IHG Hotel
Image courtesy of voco Grand Central Glasgow, an IHG Hotel
As the name implies, voco Grand Central is about as close to the center of Glasgow as possible. The hotel is part of the massive Victorian complex that makes up Glasgow Central, a transit station that’s also filled with shops, restaurants and the railway. While the railway adds convenience, many of the city’s best attractions are within walking distance of the hotel, too. That said, the property is mostly removed from the busier parts of the station, so you don’t have to worry about not getting a quiet night of sleep.
Accommodations are freshly updated — a contrast to the hotel’s historic setting. Though the hotel’s structure was originally built in the 1880s, the interior design mostly features a Post-War aesthetic — much of the art features big names from the 60s — and modern amenities.
Dakota Glasgow
Dakota Glasgow is set in the lively West End, a business district within walking distance of many of the city’s attractions. Known for its sophisticated ambiance, this Glasgow hotel features sleek, modern interiors. Even the entry-tier rooms are large, a rarity in Glasgow’s City Centre. Top-tier suites include king beds, deep bathtubs and separate rainfall showers, a stocked (and complimentary) fridge, turndown service and more.
Hotel du Vin
A boutique choice set in a Victorian mansion, Hotel du Vin has an upscale, homey vibe and the amenities to match. In terms of space, comfort and lavish style, Hotel du Vin is hard to beat. The property features private gardens, an elevated French-inspired bistro and a fine wine cellar. And yet, the hotel offers surprisingly approachable rates.
The catch: Of all our top-booked Glasgow hotels, this property is the furthest from City Centre. It’s about an hour from downtown on foot, but it’s only about 10 minutes by car.
Glasgow hotels: honorable mentions
Image courtesy of AC Hotel by Marriott Glasgow
There are a few other hotels in Glasgow worth highlighting. AC Hotel by Marriott Glasgow is our 7th most-booked property in Glasgow and combines heritage architecture with contemporary design. It’s in a central location and overlooks George Square, a famous park. Moxy Glasgow SEC is a solid and eclectic choice for nightlife seekers. The property has a young atmosphere, with pool tables and other games in the common spaces. The Glasgow Grosvenor hotel has been an iconic presence in the West End for over 80 years. It’s also right next to the Glasgow Botanic Gardens, an underrated attraction. And finally, there’s Clayton Hotel Glasgow, a chic choice overlooking the River Clyde.
Book your stay at a top Glasgow hotel with a Fora Advisor
When you book your trip with a Fora Advisor, you can hand off the planning and booking to a travel pro. Your Fora Advisor will matchmake you to a room and property that fits your style and budget, while working with the hotel staff to ensure your stay is top-notch. Plus, if you book one of our partner properties, you can enjoy complimentary VIP perks, such as hotel credits you can put toward spa treatments or meals.
If you need help planning your trip to Glasgow beyond your hotel booking, your advisor can help you build the rest of your itinerary. They can be as hands-on or off as you prefer, providing expert recommendations and tips, and arranging things like transportation and tours.
Glasgow hotel & travel FAQs
Keep reading for answers to a few common questions Fora Advisors are asked. (Or, feel free to send your questions to a Fora Advisor for a tailored response.)
What are the best things to do in Glasgow?
Glasgow is a city teeming with fun things to do.
“With its rich history, stunning architecture, vibrant culture and friendly locals, Glasgow has something for the history enthusiast, the art lover, the foodie, the outdoor adventurer and everyone else!” Fora Advisor Bijoy Shaw explains in his guide to hidden gems in Glasgow.
Glasgow has a great music scene, too.
“Be sure to check out some live music at Scotia Bar or The Butterfly and the Pig,” recommended Fora Advisor Theresa Baumann.
Related article: Off-The-Beaten-Path Things to Do in Glasgow, Scotland
Which part of Glasgow is the best to stay in?
You’ll likely have the best experience staying in one of the districts within Glasgow’s City Centre. The area offers convenient access to major sites like George Square, the Gallery of Modern Art and the vibrant shopping district along Buchanan Street.
Merchant City and the West End are particularly inviting. Merchant City is known for its stylish bars, restaurants and cultural venues, while the West End is home to beautiful parks like Kelvingrove. Fora Advisor Abby Rieb offers a great description of the West End neighborhood in her guide to exploring Glasgow and Edinburgh, noting that you can “lose yourself in the Bohemian charm of Glasgow's West End, a vibrant neighborhood filled with independent shops, cozy cafés and cultural landmarks.”
How many days do you need to enjoy a trip to Glasgow? Is two enough?
Two to three days is generally enough to see many of Glasgow’s best highlights — four if you’re interested in forays into the countryside. But most Fora Advisors will recommend planning a trip around the time you have versus sticking to an arbitrary number. Chat with a Fora Advisor if you’re interested in planning a trip. They’ll help you build a personalized travel plan that takes your budget and interests into account.
Is Glasgow a walkable city?
Definitely. This is especially true if you stay in the City Centre.
How far in advance should you book a Glasgow hotel?
We always advise that if you have your heart set on a specific property or destination, the sooner, the better. But if you’re flexible, last-minute bookings are a possibility, too.
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