From historic castles and luxury mansions, to ultra-modern boutique hotels in converted churches and chic apartments, if you’re trying to decide where to stay in Glasgow, you’ll be spoilt for choice!
Scotland’s most eclectic and vibrant city, Glasgow is the perfect destination for a UK city break. With world-class museums, incredible architecture, a top music scene, and some of the best shopping in Scotland, there’s plenty to pack into a long weekend or a short break.
I’ve always loved how arty Glasgow is. You can see and feel it as you walk around the city. There are huge murals on the walls, musicians playing on street corners and a buzz in the air.
The city is also renowned for its nightlife. Along with traditional pubs, you’ll find trendy pop-up bars, restaurants and food halls. There’s something for everyone in this cosmopolitan city! If you’ve never visited before, be sure to have a read of my detailed first timer’s guide to visiting Glasgow before you go.
When it comes to deciding where to stay in Glasgow, there are so many options to choose from. Whether you want to stay in the heart of the Merchant City, or the leafy boulevards around Kelvingrove, fancy resting your eyes in a luxury hotel or a cosy Airbnb, there are accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets.
To help you decide where to stay in Glasgow, I’ve popped together a varied list of hotel and Airbnb recommendations to suit every budget. If it’s your first time in this iconic Scottish city, I hope this guide helps you to plan a great trip.
Where To Stay in Glasgow
Luxury Hotels in Glasgow
Hotel du Vin
Located at the iconic One Devonshire Gardens, a beautiful tree-lined avenue close to Glasgow’s Botanic Gardens, Hotel du Vin is one of Glasgow’s top luxury boutique hotels. Set across five Victorian townhouses, the hotel boasts opulent furnishings, oak-panelled walls, traditional roll top baths and cosy open fires.
With a luxury spa and a fabulous restaurant that serves up Scottish classics with a contemporary twist, Hotel du Vin is one of the best luxury hotels in Glasgow, and the perfect base from which to explore the West End.
Check availability and latest prices at Hotel du Vin here
Sherbrooke Castle Hotel
Dreaming of a romantic retreat in a Scottish castle? Well, it turns out you don’t need to go all the way to the Scottish Highlands to find your very own fortress!
As you step foot inside Sherbrooke Castle Hotel, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time. This hotel stands proudly on a hilltop in south Glasgow, in the green and affluent area of Pollokshields.
Spend the night in a four-poster bed surrounded by antique furniture, and enjoy beautiful views over the gardens. This stunning castle is the perfect place to escape from the busy city, and ideal for anyone craving relaxation.
Check availability and latest prices at Sherbrooke Castle Hotel here
Kimpton Blysthwood Square Hotel
Right in the heart of Glasgow city centre, the Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel is one of the best luxury hotels in Glasgow. This 5-star mansion was once the site of the Royal Scottish Automobile Club, and contains a stunning ballroom, now the site of the hotel’s swanky restaurant and bar.
You’ll find a world-class luxury spa, impeccable service, and a real taste of luxury, all just a stone’s throw from Sauchiehall Street and the hustle and bustle of central Glasgow. Enjoy a morning of shopping on Buchanan Street, followed by an afternoon of pampering in the fabulous spa.
Check availability and latest prices at Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel here
Malmasion Glasgow
Housed in a beautiful former Orthodox church, the Malmaison is one of the most unusual hotels in Glasgow city centre. This chic 4-star hotel enjoys a central location, a lively bar, and a fantastic in-house restaurant. The décor is stylish and perfectly on-trend, with graffiti frescos and a glass-roofed atrium in the centre of the building.
The atmosphere is lively too, with regular events such as cheese and wine tastings, whisky dinners and calligraphy classes organised by the friendly staff. This is the perfect place to rest your head during a weekend break to Glasgow, with easy access to the main shopping areas, theatres and museums.
Check availability and latest prices at Malmaison Glasgow here
Grand Central Hotel
Glasgow’s Grand Central Hotel combines old world glamour with chic, contemporary design, making it a wonderful place to stay during your trip to Glasgow. The hotel is housed inside Glasgow Central Train Station, so you can’t get much more central than that! It boasts a number of interesting and unique features, including an enormous chandelier, hanging over six floors in the spacious open lobby.
Frank Sinatra and Charlie Chaplin once stayed here, so you’ll also be able to enjoy a slice of Hollywood glamour in this iconic piece of Glasgow’s history.
Check availability and latest prices at Grand Central Hotel here
Mid-Range Hotels in Glasgow
Fraser Suites Glasgow
If you’re looking for self-catering, serviced accommodation in the heart of Glasgow’s city centre, why not try Fraser Suites? These stylish apartments have a quirky tale to them as they’re located in a former bank!
They’re kitted out with everything you’ll need for a city break. They’re situated in one of the most popular areas in Glasgow, with easy access to George Square, Merchant City, and all of the shops, bars and restaurants that the city is famous for. This is a great value option too considering the central location and comfort.
Check availability and latest prices at Fraser Suites Glasgow here
CitizenM Glasgow
Glasgow may be a historic city, but there’s nothing dated about this slick, modern hotel. With futuristic design, and funky, Dutch-inspired interiors, CitizenM Glasgow is packed with interesting, quirky features, including a dramatic swirling red staircase.
Friendly members of staff create a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere, and there are plenty of thoughtful touches that will make the difference during your stay. The hotel is just a few minutes walk from the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Buchanan Galleries, and George Square, meaning that you’ll be right in the heart of the action. It’s easily one of the best places to stay in Glasgow on a mid-range budget.
Check availability and latest prices at citizenM Glasgow her
Abode Glasgow
If you’re looking for a central location, stylish design, and good value rooms, look no further than Abode Glasgow! Located in a Georgian townhouse that was once the home of Prime Minister Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman, this chic hotel is decked out in a quirky mix of traditional furnishings and contemporary design. I love the Art Deco touches throughout too, especially in the main entrance and around the lifts.
Some rooms have stained glass windows, adding to the unique decor of the hotel. As mid-range accommodation options in the city go, this is one of the best if you’re deciding where to stay in Glasgow on a budget.
Check availability and latest prices at ABode Glasgow here
Airbnbs in Glasgow
Some of my favourite places to stay in Glasgow are cute Airbnbs. If you’re on a budget, would like the option of self-catering your trip, or you’re travelling as a family or a big group, you might find an Airbnbs suits your needs better.
This 3-bedroom luxury apartment is located in the heart of Glasgow city centre and is perfect for a group of friends visiting the city. It sleeps 6 people and has 2 bathrooms as well as a large open plan kitchen / living / dining area.
Luxury Apartment V
It’s in a fab location, moments from the action, with shops, cafes, bars and restaurants all close by. It’s a stylish space and the perfect home from home for your city break.
Check availability and latest prices on Airbnb now
Spacious Glasgow Apartment
This bright apartment is a few minutes walk from both Glasgow Central and Queen Street Stations, as well as being close to Glasgow’s Style Mile for all the shopping you might want to do. It sleeps up to 4 people across 2 bedrooms. It also has a sociable lounge / dining area and chic touches throughout.
This spacious apartment would suit two couples visiting Glasgow, who want to be within walking distance of all the action.
Check availability and latest prices on Airbnb now
Chic Glasgow City Centre Apartment
If you’re a couple looking for self-catered accommodation in Glasgow, this beautifully designed city centre apartment is ideal. The one-bedroom ground floor apartment features a bright, airy lounge complete with TV, Wifi and stereo. There’s a fully-fitted kitchen where you can prepare meals.
It’s located right in the heart of the city centre, one block away from George Square, so if you’re a couple visiting for a weekend of shopping, food and drink. this is a great option!
Check availability and latest prices on Airbnb now
Luxury Glasgow Apartment
This is another great Glasgow apartment which sleeps 6 people. The apartment itself has 2 bedrooms and features simple, modern decor, and everything you’ll need for a break in the city. It’s in a wonderful location too, moments from Glasgow’s famous shopping area around Buchanan Street and Argyll Street.
There’s a fully equipped kitchen too, making this apartment ideal if you want to self-cater some of your holiday. From cute lamps and chic mirrors to Egyptian cotton sheets, if you’re deciding where to stay in Glasgow for a bit of luxury, this is a great option.
Check availability and latest prices on Airbnb now
Stunning Riverside City Centre Flat
This apartment is right by the river and sleeps up to 7 people, making it perfect for a family or group visit. It’s moments from the city’s shops, bars and restaurants and even within walking distance of Glasgow’s main concert arenas.
The 2 bed apartment has a spacious open plan kitchen/living/dining area with patio doors onto the balcony. It’s a great place for views, not only of the river but also looking out from the floor-to-ceiling windows over two levels.
To reach the second floor you go up a chic spiral staircase, adding to the stylish elements of the apartment.
Check availability and latest prices on Airbnb now
I’ve rounded up a few more great options in the city centre, that sleep between 2 and 12 people. You can check them out here…
Budget Hotels in Glasgow
Tartan Lodge
Looking for somewhere to stay in Glasgow on a budget? Just a short distance from Glasgow city centre, Tartan Lodge is one of the most popular hostels in the city. Housed in a former church, this friendly hostel has everything you’ll need for your stay, with a range of private rooms and dorms, excellent shared kitchen facilities, and a cosy common room.
It’s a great option if you’re in town to catch a live show at the O2 Academy or an exhibition in town, as it has good transport links to the city centre.
Check availability and latest prices at Tartan Lodge here
When Is The Best Time To Visit Glasgow?
Contrary to what you may have heard, the weather isn’t always awful in Scotland. However, it can be unpredictable and varies from region to region.
You can expect average lows of around 2 °C in Glasgow in January / February, and highs around 19°C in July / August.
If you’re wondering when is the best time to visit Glasgow, I’d suggest planning a trip in May or June. The weather is warming up, rain is at a minimum and it’s out of peak season, so you shouldn’t be battling any big crowds either. The longest day is around 20th June every year, so it’s a time you can enjoy maximum daylight hours exploring!
I’ve never been a fan of November or January in Scotland. They’re the wettest months of the year and tend to be very bleak. While December can be pretty cold, there’s a Christmas magic which is absolutely lovely!
I hope this guide has given you plenty of ideas for where to stay in Glasgow! Wherever you choose, you’re sure to fall in love with this vibrant city. Don’t forget to read my first timer’s guide to visiting Glasgow before you go – lots of great suggestions for brunch, museums and more in there! Happy travelling, and let me know where you end up.