A city known for its gritty unpretentious charm now frequently tops many a must-see city list. The Scottish gem mixes tradition and working-class roots with a good number of hip bars, interesting independent shops, and restaurants with a healthy dose of culture, feistiness….and friendliness thrown in good measure.
In fact, Glasgow is packed with some of the most quirky and wonderful places to drink and hang out in the whole country from whimsical cocktail hideaways to trendy craft beer spots.
And its hotels? Well, they’re equally as unique as you’ll find out below. From quirky boutiques to fun, funky, and modern, here are the best cool and unique hotels to stay in Glasgow, Scotland (in no particular order).
Hotel
1.
![]() 2.
![]() 3.
![]() |
YOTEL Glasgow
YOTEL Glasgow, Merchant City is one of the newest, most funky hotels in Glasgow. Located right next to the Central Station, the hotel has a fantastic range of rooms on offer in the absolute heart of the city.
Every room and public space at this cool and trendy hotel is cleverly designed using quirky colors and trendy fittings to give the illusion of space, fun, and comfort. Unusually YOTEL Glasgow boasts a four-lane bowling alley with bar and a top-floor café cum nightclub with live DJs each weekend and some great views for breakfast. There’s also a well-equipped gym on the ground floor so you can get fit for another night in the city.
Pros
Ultra-modern interior
Four-lane bowling alley
Top-floor cafe and nightclub
Live DJs each weekend
Cons
Some rooms can be small
No tea-making facility
Dark corridors
Moxy Merchant City
Moxy Glasgow, Merchant City is on the eastern edge of the city center, very close to the University of Strathclyde and Glasgow Cathedral by the High Street railway station. Moxy is a fun and funky hotel chain from the Marriott Group that has frills and style: simple doesn’t need to be boring. The rooms are clean, comfortable, and practical, yet chic.
There’s a breakfast bar, a funky cocktail bar, workspaces and a few games; even a small fitness area. Moxy Glasgow is all about providing a cool but comfortable base from which you can freshen up, grab a beer, shoot some pool, and then get out and explore or party in the city.
Pros
Stylishly designed bedrooms
Breakfast bar
24/7 snacks and beverages
Certified eco-friendly hotel
Cons
No in-room refrigerators
No wardrobe space
No room service
citizenM Townhead
At the northern side of the city center, between Townhead and Cowcaddens, is the inexpensive citizenM Glasgow, Townhead; a modern graphite breezeblock of a building which confidently knows everything about cubes.
This is the artistic heart of Glasgow and citizenM takes every opportunity to remind you of the great local hero with its Mackintosh-inspired lines providing a surface for a full spectrum of colorful expression and stylish furnishings. The guest rooms are trendy, clever and comfortable with big cozy beds. There’s a large designer lounge, decked out in a multitude of smart designs and a big bar for drinks or meals in the evening, and breakfast in the morning.
Pros
Funky creative interior
Designer lounge
On-site bar
Central location
Cons
No coffee in rooms
Compact bedrooms
Breakfast is extra
Virgin Hotel
The trendy new Virgin Hotel has landed in Glasgow’s Clyde Street, and it’s the ideal luxury base for exploring the dynamic city, close to the Buchanan Galleries, George Square and The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. Guests get a red carpet welcome, literally, and panoramic views of the River Clyde.
The rooms live up to the chain’s reputation for innovative design, with sliding doors that let you separate sleeping and relaxing areas, a dressing area with a stand-alone vanity, and yoga mats in every room. Restful neutrals with bright pops of color, city views and a minibar The Commons Club Restaurant and Bar will serve a menu with Scottish produce and creative cocktails and drinks.
Pros
High-end modern interior
Menu with Scottish produce
Central location
River Clyde views
Cons
Can get booked up
Drinks a little pricey
Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel
Dominating a classical Georgian square, close to the cultural and entertainment centers of Glasgow, the stately Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel is the very epitome of confident quality and luxury, Scottish style.
The rooms have been designed to invoke contemporary comfort whilst respecting the elegant architectural heritage with large comfortable beds, fabulous bathrooms, and lots of little luxurious touches.
If all this refinement gets too much; there’s a fully-equipped fitness center to put wellness back in charge, and a spa with relaxation pools and a thermal suite. On the first floor is a beautiful, comfortable cocktail lounge with views over the square and on the ground floor a large modern brasserie.
Pros
Stylish chic interior
Spa with relaxation pool
Cocktail lounge
A modern brasserie
Cons
Small sized gym
Small shower area
Busy on weekends
Revolver
The new 32-room boutique hotel has a convenient central location in Merchant City, close to the Glasgow Cathedral, George Square, Buchanan Galleries and The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. And for those seeking exciting nightlife in the gay district, the Polo Lounge nightclub is on the ground floor of the historic listed building.
Besides the standard double and triple rooms, guests at Revolver can choose Japanese-style pod rooms and dormitory rooms with bunk beds. All spaces have creative decor in contrasting colors, for the perfect mix of soothing and energizing. Breakfast is served every morning with eclectic offerings like oats, Japanese-style pancakes and cappuccinos. A rooftop gym and sauna with a hot tub will be opening soon.
Pros
Trendy contemporary design
Polo nightclub on ground floor
Japanese-style pod rooms
Central location
Cons
Small shower area
Sometimes noisy at night
Dakota
An oasis of classic elegance in the heart of the city center, the Dakota Glasgow is close to major attractions like the Kelvin Grove Art Gallery & Museum, the Centre for Contemporary Arts, the Theatre Royal, Kings Theatre, Hydro, Scottish Event Campus (SEC Centre), and Hampden Park.
The hotel has been chosen as ‘Scotland’s most stylish hotel’ by the Scottish Style Awards for its sophisticated and quirky style. The rooms are elegant oases of classic luxury with sumptuous bedding, 48” Smart HDTV, media hub with bluetooth and bespoke toiletries.
Amenities include The Library lounge and access to The Gym two doors down. Eat and drink in style at the Dakota Grill, one of the finest restaurants in Glasgow known for the quality of the steaks, and Jack’s Bar with a heated outdoor terrace and dedicated Champagne Room.
Pros
Great central location
A library lounge
Dakota Grill
Heated outdoor terrace
Cons
No private parking
Limited TV channels
Some rooms a bit dark
Boutique 50
A stay at this 4-star hotel in Glasgow’s West End is a one-of-a-kind experience. There are just 10 bedrooms at Boutique 50, and each has its own unique design, with contemporary takes on the building’s Victorian heritage. Tall windows with sweeping drapes, designer chandeliers, plush seating and headboards mix with quirky artwork celebrating Scotland’s wildlife.
The rooms have all the comforts including a minibar with a carefully curated selection of drinks. A buffet breakfast is served every morning, and there’s a bar and lounge for drinks and snacks. The location puts you close to all you want to explore in Glasgow, including museums, art galleries, bars, restaurants and shops.
Pros
Modern sleek rooms
In-room minibar
Daily buffet breakfast
Central location
Cons
Lack of drawer space
No tea in rooms
Early checkout time
Hotel du Vin & Bistro
An iconic Glasgow hotel set in a traditional tree-lined Victorian terrace in the fashionable West End, only 30 minutes from Loch Lomond. Hotel du Vin & Bistro at One Devonshire Gardens is a luxury boutique hotel with a reputation for first-class service and style.
There are 49 stunning bedrooms and suites at this Glasgow boutique hotel, each with extremely comfy hand-sprung mattresses, fine Egyptian linen, deep roll-top baths and big TVs. There’s the excellent restaurant One Devonshire Gardens with a great wine cellar, a relaxing bar, an intriguing cigar shack and a well-stocked and comfortable whisky room. For luxury dining, breaks away, meetings and weddings in Glasgow, this is a special and unique place to stay!
Pros
Vibrant sophisticated interior
On-site restaurant with fabulous breakfast
Comfortable whisky room
30 minutes from Loch Lomond
Cons
Parking is a bit pricey
Service at breakfast is a little slow
No elevators
Cathedral House Hotel
This 19th-century baronial-style independent hotel is a 4-minute walk from Glasgow Cathedral and a 12-minute walk from Merchant City in one of the oldest districts of the city.
Despite looking like a castle on the outside the charming hotel is sumptuous and cosy on the inside, and in a great location with views of the historic Necropolis and cathedral. The rooms at Cathedral House Hotel, Townhead are stunning, each cleverly designed with a mixture of classical and modern to create a really comfortable, relaxing stay.
The restaurant, Celentano’s, serves Italian-inspired food focusing on seasonal produce to make clever and wholesome dishes. The idea is built on a passion for sharing good food and drinks with family and friends. They serve in the main restaurant, bar and delightful garden at Cathedral House as well as a lovely upstairs dining room with views of Glasgow Cathedral.
Pros
Classic design
Italian-inspired food
A lush garden
Central location
Cons
Rooms next to road are a little noisy
No elevators
Needs more storage area
Malmaison Glasgow
This 72-room creatively designed hotel is very conveniently situated in the bustling shopping and nightlife area of Glasgow, with cultural institutions like the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall just a 10-minute walk away. A former church, from the outside Malmaison Glasgow resembles an austere Egyptian stone temple – a sphinx would be right at home on the doorstep – you would expect the interior to be refined and mysterious, yet it’s a riot of no-holes-barred design ideas linked together with houndstooth tweed.
A full assault on the visual senses with colours, shapes, and textures that really shouldn’t be seen together but work brilliantly. Head down to the old church vaults for the slightly more restful French brasserie or grab afternoon tea or a cocktail in the comforting bar.
Pros
A former Orthodox Church
Unique upscale interior
A French brasserie
Cultural institutions nearby
Cons
No parking
Limited vegetarian options
Some noise
Native
Found in an Edwardian building this hotel in Glasgow city centre draws on the opulence of a 1920s ocean liner. Throughout the 64 apartments, you’ll see original 1906 features kept intact with terrazzo flooring, timber wall panelling, stunning fireplaces and the original safes. With two on-site restaurants, it’s the perfect base to explore Glasgow.
Whilst the apartments at Native Glasgow Merchant City themselves are simply, but comfortably furnished, downstairs is the Anchor Line Bar and Restaurant, a venue with grandiose decoration serving the best of Scottish produce with influences from both sides of the Atlantic.
Start the day with a deliciously hearty breakfast or book a table for dinner with a menu offering locally sourced food. Before you leave, make sure you take in the fascinating memorabilia hung on the walls. It showcases the Anchor Line building in its heyday as the infamous Anchor Line Shipping company headquarters in 1906.
Pros
Chic beautiful interior
Well-equipped accommodations
Two on-site restaurants
A bar is available downstairs
Cons
Air Con is a little noisy
Can get booked up
Slow washer/dryer
Motel One
A modern hotel, adjacent to Glasgow Central Station, with refined rooms and a good bar. It is smack in the beating heart of this city with famous shops, restaurants and nightlife less than a 10-minute walk. A nice, clean, modern, friendly hotel, not over-expensive, next door to the railway station but well sound-proofed, not a whisper of station or street noise. There’s effective but quiet air-con, comfortable beds, and an impressive cityscape view from some rooms.
Motel One specializes in organic and fair-trade foods for breakfast and snacks in the lounge, surrounded by stylish Scotland-inspired interiors purposely taking influences from the railway and colours of the Highlands. Everything in this trendy hotel is thought through and executed perfectly, and backed up with some of the best service standards around.
Pros
Stylish modern interiors
Reasonable price
Organic food options
Next to railway station
voco Grand Central
A superimposing Victorian-built monolithic railway hotel attached to Glasgow Central Station. Rather than mimic the past, voco Grand Central has created an interior of fun using the original shapes and inspirations as a backdrop for contemporary art and strong modern design. The hip guest rooms are cosy, cool and calm, public areas are dramatic and glamorous. High ceilings, chandeliers and wood paneling embody the elegance that makes this place special.
The rather magnificent, marble-clad champagne bar is open all day for sharing menus and afternoon tea served with glasses of fizz or artisan cocktails, while the Tempus Restaurant offers the best of Scottish cuisine. There’s even a grand ballroom if you’re planning a special, memorable celebration.
Pros
A Victorian building
Marble-clad champagne bar
Tempus Restaurant
A grand ballroom
Radisson RED
Down on the banks of the River Clyde is the slick, boutique Radisson RED Hotel with its rooftop bar grabbing great views of the city. They say this hotel reflects Glasgow’s personality; brutal at first glance, yet combining urban style, modern comforts, a love for the arts and a truly warm welcome. The modern hotel is close to major local attractions like Glasgow Science Centre, SSE Hydro and nightlife that just has to be sampled.
There’s a full choice of spacious, comfortable rooms. Casual dining whenever you want it in the OUIBar, with cool designs and comfy settings, and a range of tasty dishes with a few little twists. The crowning glory is watching the sunset over the Clyde from the Red Sky Bar as you sip on expertly designed cocktails, or even spend an afternoon people-watching through the floor-to-ceiling windows over a delicious afternoon tea.
With panoramic views of both the city and the River Clyde, Red Sky Bar is the perfect setting to enjoy a drink and share food with friends or family.
Pros
Quirky chic interior
Red Sky Bar - rooftop bar
Panoramic views
Close to local attractions
Cons
Paid parking
Drinks are a little pricey
Chain hotel
ABode
The curiously named ABode Glasgow is a chic, upscale hotel that, at first glance, could easily be mistaken for a bank with its imposing stone façade. Set in a coveted spot in the heart of the vibrant city, this classic 19th-century townhouse is within walking distance of shops, restaurants, bars, and art galleries, making it the ideal base for a city break.
Individually designed bedrooms and contemporary bathrooms exploit the formal features of this grand mansion whilst beautifully styling a luxurious, relaxing ambience. It’s incredibly well executed with an amazing eye for detail and high standards of service. There is an excellent restaurant in Brasserie ABode with top chefs producing a good range of Scottish fayre and occasional themed evenings or just an afternoon tea – if that’s what you fancy.
Pros
Manson style building
Chic upscale interior
Brasserie Abode
Central location
Cons
Some rooms noise
Limited breakfast time
Village Hotel
Set in the media district of Glasgow this polished, contemporary hotel is an 8-minute walk from the SSE Hydro music venue and just 2 miles from Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. The Village Hotel is designed in a standard corporate style, what really distinguishes this cool hotel from the others is the massive private fitness center, probably the biggest in the city.
There’s a state-of-the-art gym, the latest cardio and resistance training equipment, a 20m heated swimming pool, whirlpool spa, steam room, sauna, spin studio with 40 bikes and spacious changing rooms all fully air-conditioned. After all this exercise or relaxation, head to the hotel’s Pub & Grill for a great range of beers and wines, as well as burger stacks and hot wings. Or pop into Starbucks – yes, weirdly, there’s one of those too.
Pros
Contemporary style
Pub & Grill
20m heated swimming pool
Private fitness center
Cons
Bar closes early
Some rooms without a good view
Some small bathrooms
The Z Hotel
A funky hotel housed in an old print works with 104 bedrooms arranged around a beautiful central lightwell, just steps away from historic George Square and close to the shops of the style mile and the restaurants and bars of Merchant City. With the River Clyde a short walk as well as Glasgow Green with its People’s Palace, this is the perfect base to explore all of the city’s eclectic attractions.
The rooms at The Z Hotel are small but very cleverly designed so every inch of space is properly used and stylish. Sumptuous, handcrafted beds, beautiful linen, high-quality shower rooms, plenty of hanging space, under-bed storage and in-room tea and coffee making, and you’ve got compact luxury at its best. This is a lovely little hotel to get your head down after a hard day’s shopping or an evening on the town. No fuss, clean, modern. With genuinely friendly, helpful staff.
Pros
Trendy minimal interior
Well-equipped rooms
Daily continental breakfast
Central location
Cons
Not ultra-luxurious
Rooms are not soundproofed
Glass bathrooms
Hotel Indigo
A rather grandiose sandstone exterior hides a welcoming colorful, fun interior inspired by the area’s 19th-century architecture. The 94 rooms at Hotel Indigo are spread over 5 floors, each designed with rich fabrics and paneled walls to reflect the grandeur of the past, whilst marble bathrooms ensure 21st-century comforts, all presented in a style you would expect from an IHG hotel.
There’s a restaurant and cocktail lounge on the ground floor as well as a small fitness center to work off the calories. The location of this hotel is excellent, being perfectly located for all the different districts of this culturally rich and diverse city.
Pros
Contemporary interior
Great restaurant and cocktail lounge
A small fitness center
Culturally rich location
Cons
Drinks are a little pricey
Slow check-out process
Some noise
Sherbrooke Castle Hotel
In the leafy suburbs, but less than 15 minutes by taxi from Merchant City is Sherbrooke Castle Hotel. A genuine arts and crafts baronial castle of traditional red stone on a small hill with turrets and gardens – straight out of a storybook. There are just 18 comfortable bedrooms, supported by two bars, 52 staff and a respected restaurant offering local, fresh, Scottish produce prepared to the highest standards, complemented by an interesting wine and whisky list.
At the very least you should take afternoon tea on the terrace overlooking the gardens and wonder why you don’t have a castle of your own, or just get married here – it would be perfect. All this for almost the same as you pay in the city center, but with the tranquility and style of a peer.
Pros
Castle style hotel
Fresh Scottish menu
Peaceful ambiance
Cons
Pricey food and drinks
No on-site gym
Style might not be for everyone
Best Hotels in Glasgow Compared
The following table compares the Top 20 Cool and unique Hotels in Glasgow.
Hotel Name | Location | Price Range (per night) | Fitness Facilities | Distance to Attraction (km) | Nearby Restaurants |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
YOTEL Glasgow | 260 Argyle Street Westergate | $241-$371 | Yes | 1.7 | 3 |
Moxy Merchant City | 210 High Street | $162-$195 | Yes | 2.4 | 3 |
citizenM Townhead | 60 Renfrew Street | $163-$203 | No | 2.0 | 3 |
Virgin Hotel | 246 Clyde Street | $379-$436 | No | 1.4 | 3 |
Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel | 11 Blythswood Square | $457-$1254 | Yes | 1.9 | 3 |
Revolver | 62 Virginia St | $53-$71 | No | 1.8 | 3 |
Dakota | 179 West Regent Street | $490 | No | 1.8 | 3 |
Boutique 50 | 50 Bentinck Street | $192-$260 | No | 1.4 | 3 |
Hotel du Vin & Bistro | One Devonshire Gardens | $313-$415 | Yes | 1.8 | 3 |
Cathedral House Hotel | 28-32 Cathedral Square | $188-$207 | No | 1.2 | 3 |
Malmaison Glasgow | 278 West George Street, | $146-$340 | No | 1.8 | 3 |
Native | 14 Saint Vincent Place, | $162-$346 | No | 1.8 | 3 |
Motel One | 78-82 Oswald Street | $149-$174 | No | 1.6 | 3 |
voco Grand Central | 99 Gordon Street | $168-$438 | No | 1.6 | 3 |
Radisson RED | Finnieston Quay | $124-$649 | Yes | 1.7 | 3 |
ABode | 129 Bath St | $143-$325 | No | 2.0 | 3 |
Village Hotel | 7 Festival Gate | $137-$257 | Yes | 1.8 | 3 |
The Z Hotel | 36 North Frederick Street | $119-$180 | No | 2.0 | 3 |
Hotel Indigo | 75 Waterloo Street | $169-$334 | Yes | 1.9 | 3 |
Sherbrooke Castle Hotel | 11 Sherbrooke Avenue | $192 | No | 1.7 | 3 |
Was this helpful?
Good job! Please give your positive feedback ⚡
How could we improve this post? Please Help us.✍
Scott Balaam – writer and photographer
Scott started his travelling life back in 1999, when he headed off on a solo jaunt to South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia with just a backpack, a camera and a spirit for adventure. After that, the travel bug bit hard and now he is always seeking to head off somewhere new. Over the years he has lived in Italy, Qatar, Australia, Ireland, UK and the USA but his spiritual home will always be Rome as this is the city which most satisfies his unrelenting thirst for culture, good food and great football. In his spare time Scott loves nothing better than to be behind the camera and also runs his own blog and Instagram page. He also counts Melbourne, the rest of Italy, Amsterdam, USA, Athens, Cape Town and Tel Aviv among his favourite places. Find Scott on Linkedin, Instagram, or Twitter.
Related Posts