99 Gordon Street, Glasgow, United Kingdom | (888) 399-9863
19th-century
hotel with multi-million pound makeover and VIP heritage
Integrated into
Glasgow Central station in city center
Elegant period
interiors with contemporary touches
Rooms mostly
spacious with high ceilings
Some rooms
feature mirror TVs and marble bathrooms
Striking
champagne bar with domed ceiling
Free Wi-Fi
throughout
No spa or leisure
facilities
Street-facing
rooms can be noisy
Some rooms showing signs of
wear
The 226-room Grand Central Hotel is an upscale, landmark property integrated into Glasgow Central station dating back to the late 19th century. After a period of decline, a huge renovation project relaunched the hotel to its former splendor. Rooms are generally spacious and, while there is evidence of some wear, largely nicely finished -- especially a batch of more recently renovated rooms. The champagne bar is a stunning place to enjoy a spot of luxury while the restaurant also serves an impressive menu. Although lacking a pool or spa facilities, its prime central location and reasonable room rates makes this hotel one of the city's more attractive options.
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Scene
Turn-of-the-century landmark hotel with multi-million pound makeover
The landmark Grand Central Hotel is a real piece of Glasgow history. Finished in 1883 in elegant Queen Anne architectural styling, it was extended with the train station at the start of the 20th century and became one of the city's most prestigious hotels -- hosting such renowned guests as Winston Churchill, JFK, and Frank Sinatra (it also received the world's first long-distance television pictures in 1927). Multi-million pound renovations in 2010 have restored the original interiors to their former glory, with a fresh, contemporary feel and funky modern touches exemplified by the superb multi-story chandelier that passes through the central staircase. The atmosphere is abuzz with activity while remaining relatively free of the cacophony of the adjoining train station -- grand hallways leading to tucked-away lounge areas provide secluded retreats away from the hubbub.
Location
Part of Glasgow Central station in the bustling and busy heart of the city
The Grand Central Hotel surrounds part of the city's main train station -- Glasgow Central -- in the heart of Glasgow -- from one side of the hotel you can even see the station concourse. Besides being super-convenient for those arriving by train, all of the city's main attractions are well within walking distance. The main shopping area of Buchanan is five minutes' walk away, while George Square -- one of the city's main hubs with many of the city's best restaurants -- is just a few minutes further on foot. The hotel is also located just two blocks away from the Gallery of Modern Art and is surrounded by numerous cafes, bars, and restaurants.
Rooms
Smart and spacious rooms with free Wi-Fi and high-end bath products
The hotel's original 186 rooms benefitted from the 2010 overhaul and are decorated in smart, modern styling with contemporary dark-wood furnishings and plush patterned fabrics -- though some are already showing signs of wear. However, 40 new rooms and suites were added in 2014 and feature interiors with a lighter touch in fresher and lighter tones. In-room amenities include free Wi-Fi and flats-screen TVs, while bathrooms have heated towel rails and The White Company high-end toiletries. More recently renovated have TVs built into the mirrors and their bathrooms are finished in marble with smart, traditional styling. Rooms are generally spacious with high ceilings and plenty of natural light however, although there is very little in the way of noise from the station, there have been reports of noise issues from street-facing rooms.
Features
Striking, domed bar serving champagne, caviar, and afternoon tea
A full English and buffet breakfast is served daily in the hotel's spacious Tempus Restaurant (not generally included in the rate) which also serves an a la carte menu of locally sourced and seasonal produce. The Champagne Central is a particularly swish bar with original features such as a grand domed ceiling and marble floors, as well as a comfy lounge and a sophisticated menu plus afternoon tea. There are also plenty of facilities for private dining, events, and meeting, although no health or spa options on-site.
