Hotels

The tourist trade in Glasgow is less distinctly seasonal than in Edinburgh, which is a city that sees a vast number of visitors every summer thanks to its internationally renowned festival. However, for Glasgow, the increase in budget-airline flights from the European continent has increased the overall number of tourists, while the city continues to be a popular spot for business conferences. If, therefore, an international association of podiatrists is in town, for example, finding accommodations can be quite difficult--sometimes virtually impossible.

Whenever you're coming, it's not a bad idea to reserve rooms in advance. Some rates are predictably high (especially so if the pound remains strong), but many business-oriented hotels offer bargains on weekends, and the number of budget options has increased. Plus, the Internet can be a real treasure trove of reduced room rates, and multiple-night stays also can bring price cuts. The Glasgow and Clyde Valley tourism office (www.seeglasgow.com) in conjunction with the national Scottish tourist board--aka VisitScotland (www.visitscotland.com)--offers an Information & Booking Hot Line (tel. 0845/225-5121 from within the U.K., or 44-1506/832-121 from outside the U.K.; fax 0150/683-2222). Lines are open (local time) Monday to Friday from 9:30am to 6:30pm, Saturday from 9am to 5pm. The fee for this booking service is £3 ($6).

The Scottish tourist board is also a source of ratings, which are based largely on amenities. The stars can be limited for smaller operations that may not offer all the modern conveniences, but these establishments are still perfectly good places to stay.

No Frills in the City Center -- For basic, inexpensive accommodations from the better-known chains, Glasgow has a few options. Near Sauchiehall Street in the Charing Cross district is the Hotel Ibis (220 West Regent St., G2 4DQ; tel. 0141/225-6000), with rooms from £50 ($100) plus a restaurant and bar. Just across the Clyde in the gentrified New Gorbals, the Premier Inn group has colonized the Tulip Inn (80 Ballater St., G5 0TW; tel. 0870/423-6452), offering double rooms from around £60 ($120) and lots of free car parking. Above the Charing Cross railway stop there is another 278-unit outlet (10 Elmbank Gardens, G2 4PP; tel. 0870/990-6312) with rooms at similar prices. New to the city in 2007 was a less expensive option still: the Etap Hotel (Springfield Quay, G5 8NP; tel. 0141/429-8013) has been offering rooms for around £35 ($70).

Family-Friendly Hotels

Argyll Hotel -- The family rooms are basic but spacious enough, and the real advantage is the hotel's location: its proximity to Kelvingrove Park and the popular tourist attractions in the West End.

Kirklee Hotel -- This small hotel lies in the leafy residential area near the Botanic Gardens, where guests often go for a stroll or a picnic. Some of its comfortably and attractively furnished bedrooms are big enough to house small families.

Hotel du Vin -- Although this expensive hotel is full of antiques and attracts celebrities, it also caters to families with toys, cots, and highchairs. An interconnecting bedroom is perfect for families to book. Children are offered appropriate videos, and there are special facilities for heating food and sterilizing bottles.