Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Glasgow Central

Guests, who include a mix of business travelers and tourists, are greeted by a bright and contemporary lobby, with a long curved reception counter, chartreuse and scarlet velvet seating, and a glittering light fixture dangling next to the mezzanine lounge. The on-site bar has a rustic, pub-like atmosphere, with wooden beams and wall panels plus white metro tiling. Some of the furniture could use an update -- it's not nearly as modern as the lobby or lounge -- but it's a fine place for a nightcap. The Annlann Restaurant is also comparably outdated, with slate tiles, wooden floorboards, large windows, and white linen table cloths. There are plenty of other on-site spots to keep guests occupied including the hotel's elaborately tiled indoor swimming pool, a small fitness center, and spa, setting it apart from other similar properties in the area.

Located in Glasgow's city center, this accommodation is not suited to guests looking for a quiet, relaxing retreat. It's a busy part of town and the hotel is a two-minute walk from the buzzing area known by locals as the Golden Z. Made-up of Buchanan, Sauchiehall, and Argyle Streets, this is a pedestrianized retail haven, heaving with shops, cafes, and restaurants. Guests are a four-minute walk to Cowcaddens SPT Subway Station, and a 14-minute drive to Glasgow Airport. The Center for Contemporary Arts -- a performance venue, cinema, cafe, and art exhibition space -- is a six-minute walk from the hotel. Guests with an appreciation for the highland bagpipes are a five-minute walk to the historical National Piping Center. The Glasgow Film Theater, which plays art-house and European films is a three-minute walk, and the Theater Royal, is a five-minute walk from the hotel. 

There are multiple room configurations, from Standard Rooms to Suites with living rooms, kitchenettes, and dining tables for self-catering. Room decor is a bit of a mixed bag, as some have a more contemporary ambiance, while others look dated. In either case, design is simple and chain-like, though perfectly suitable for a comfortable mid-city stay. Some rooms have fresh striped carpets, stylish black-and-white wall art, and contemporary dark wood furniture, while others have heavy curtains, pleather semi-circular chairs, and outdated oak furniture. Rooms are spacious, and have a small seating area near the windows with a table and chairs. Beds have duvets and sharp red bed runners and throw pillows, and rooms include desks, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs (but no satellite channels), electric kettles, safes, and ironing facilities. Bathrooms are clean and contemporary, with classic black-and-white tile or more modern gray-tiled floors, toiletries, and shower/tub combos. A few guests have reported that street noise is audible in some guest rooms.

The Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Glasgow Central offers plenty of perks that it's similarly rated neighbors lack, including free guest access to the indoor pool, sauna, hot tub, and fitness center. The latter is a bit drab and has outdated machines, though the pool is tiled and bright, with accents like a dolphin mosaic that do feel lifted from an earlier decade in the Caribbean -- the effect, though, is more quaint than off-putting. The hotel also offers spa services and beauty treatments, including manicures. There are 18 meeting rooms available on-site, and weddings and events are regularly hosted in the hotel's ballroom, with a seated capacity of 1500 people. There is a large car-park available on-site for a fee. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, but breakfast is not included with room rates. On-site Annlann Restaurant and the adjacent bar serve contemporary Scottish pub food plus cocktails and beers, and room service is available around the clock. The hotel's front desk is staffed around the clock.