The tourist trade in Glasgow is less distinctly seasonal than in Edinburgh, 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 dermatologists is in town, finding accommodation can be more difficult.
Whenever you're coming, it's a good idea to reserve rooms in advance. Some business-trade oriented hotels offer bargains at weekends, and the overall number of moderate and budget options has increased. Of course, the Internet can be a real treasure trove of reduced room rates, albeit with cancelation penalties. Multiple-night stays can also bring price cuts. The Glasgow and Clyde Valley tourism office (www.seeglasgow.com) in conjunction with 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 £4.
The Scottish tourist board is also a source of hotel ratings, which are based largely on amenities, like TVs in the rooms and wireless Internet in the lobby. 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. The prices or tariffs listed in this guide are generally the standard rates, which can potentially be reduced with advance or Internet bookings. All hotels, B&Bs, and guesthouses are completely nonsmoking, although some will offer smoking areas outside.
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 Hotel Ibis (220 West Regent St., G2 4DQ; tel. 0141/225-6000), www.ibishotel.com, with rooms from £50 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), www.premierinn.com, offering double rooms from around £60 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. Opened in 2007, the Etap Hotel (Springfield Quay, G5 8NP; tel. 0141/429-8013, www.etaphotel.com) has rooms for around £36.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
