Hotels

The tourist trade in Glasgow is less distinctly seasonal than in Edinburgh, with fewer visitors overall coming to Scotland's largest city. However, 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 dentists is in town, finding accommodation can be more difficult. Until recently, many tourism industry observers said Glasgow suffered from a shortage of hotel rooms, but new places such as the Radisson SAS have changed the equation.

Whenever you're coming, it's recommended that you reserve a room 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 is increasing. 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, in conjunction with the Scottish tourist board (www.seeglasgow.com or 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 8am to 8pm, Saturday from 9am to 5:50pm, and Sunday from 10am to 4pm. The fee for this booking service is £3 ($5.50).

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 mod cons, but these establishments are still perfectly good places to stay. References to stars in the listings are those bestowed by Visitscotland.

No Frills in the City Center -- For basic, inexpensive accommodation from the better-known chains, Glasgow has a few options. Near Sauchiehall Street in the Charing Cross district is the Ibis (220 West Regent St., G2 4DQ; tel. 0141/225-6000) with rooms from £48 ($88) plus a restaurant and bar. Across the Clyde in the gentrified New Gorbals, the Tulip Inn (80 Ballter St., G5 0TW; tel. 0141/429-4233) offers double rooms from £59 ($109) and has lots of free car parking. Above the Charing Cross railway stop is a 278-unit Premier Lodge (10 Elmbank Gardens, G2 4PP; tel. 0870/700-1394) with rooms at £ 51 ($94).

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.

One Devonshire Gardens -- 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.