Blythswood Hotel, Glasgow: Reviewed By An Editor

Edinburgh might be Scotland’s capital city, but Glasgow wins for biggest and buzziest. We checked into what is considered the city’s most high-end hotel, the Kimpton Blythswood Square, to see if it really lived up to the hype. Spoiler alert: it did…

First Impressions

As we drive up one of Glasgow’s steep city hills to Blythswood Square, our taxi driver tells us that this was where the local courtesans used to hang out. We’re not 100% on the validity of the story, but it certainly added to the spiciness of checking into what is considered Glasgow’s top hotel.

Today the area is anything but sleazy. It’s an immaculately groomed and peaceful terrace housed square perched just minutes from the city centre. The hotel itself was relaunched under the Kimpton Hotel group in 2019 – which also includes the art-inspired Kimpton Clocktower in Manchester and the much-celebrated Kimpton Fitzroy in London – and after a brief pause and shake up (thanks, covid), it seems the Blythswood is fully in its stride once again.

staircase and grand piano in the Blythswood hotel

We walked through the domineering columns of the Georgian facade and were welcomed to a stunning foyer to rival many of London’s top hotels.

A grand piano sat in the corner, vintage-style bikes were parked up and available for guests to take around the city (weather permitting, this is Glasgow after all) and there were even bougie dog beds for four-legged friends. Turns out the hotel is dog-friendly which was confirmed upon meeting the fluffiest of Pomeranians in the elevator.

Vintage-style bikes were parked up in the corner and available for guests to take around the city (weather permitting, this is Glasgow after all)

There are seating areas set into the building’s alcoves laced with green velvet, gold details and a bounty of botanicals, paired with checkerboard floors and sizeable chandeliers above. It all adds to a grand art deco feel and the perfect selfie spot, of which we saw many guests taking advantage of.

A sense of cool and contemporary was brought too with some interesting local art hanging on the walls. But it is the classic Scottish hospitality that really wins you over when you step foot in Blythswood, from the charming doormen with their Glaswegian patter to the warm and welcoming staff throughout the hotel.

The Venue’s USP

You can’t really beat The Blythswood for location. It’s 14 minute’s walk to both Queen Street and Central Station – Glasgow’s best connected stops – as well as George Square – the city’s epicentre – and the buzzy bars and restaurants of the city.

outside of the blythswood hotel in glasgow

Also, the fact that Glasgow doesn’t have that many high-end hotels – there is Hotel du Vin in the West End and a newly opened Virgin hotel – this is really number one when it comes to a proper large scale, period, city hotel.

The Bedrooms

Whilst the facade of the hotel is old and grand, inside the hotel is actually somewhat of a modern Tardis, with the majority of rooms built in a new annex building behind the original walls. This makes them no less five-star and the designers have managed to incorporate a warm, homely vibe – chic tartan throws in muted tones – with modern mod cons and a luxurious marble-decked bathroom.

Along the hallways, the floor-to-ceiling glass offers some of the best vistas of the city – make sure you stop for a pic on the way to breakfast.

Food & Drink

Speaking of, the Blythswood’s restaurant, Lasg, is the perfect place to start a day in the city, whether you’re staying at the hotel or book just for their upmarket take on a full Scottish. Fresh juices, pastries and the usual morning fare are laid on, but it’s the full works that will not disappoint, from Ayrshire bacon to Stornaway black pudding and moreish tattie scones.

In the evening, the lights are lowered and Lasg takes on a more glamorous vibe thanks to its marble tables, velvet banquette seating and Flos style lighting. Iasg comes from the Gaelic word for fish and the restaurant certainly leans into Scotland’s incredible produce from its cold waters.

Iasg comes from the Gaelic word for fish and the restaurant certainly leans into Scotland’s incredible produce from its cold waters.

We started with three plump Cumbrae oysters, followed by seared Scottish scallops in an unctuous kimchi butter – so good we could have eaten it thrice over. A fresh and zingy salmon tartare with ponzu dressing, keta caviar and puffed rice made for a perfectly balanced second starter.

For mains, we stuck to the seafood script with steamed Shetland mussels in a chilli, coconut broth and moreish fries to tip in at the end, as well as a weighty grilled monkfish slathered in salty satay and served with crispy hispi cabbage and pickles. Both were an impressive Asian take on Scottish fare.

looking into the bar and restaurant at blythsowood hotel

At the centre of the restaurant lies an emerald green bar with 360 seating – the perfect place to grab a nightcap before up to bed.

The Facilities

The spa really is a USP of the Blythswood and is unlike any other hotel spa we’ve tried. A dark and moody network of plunge pools, Scandi-style saunas, a snow room with genuine snow (only for the brave) whirlpools and cave pools that mimic the jagged coastline of the Herbrides. It’s a multi-sensory immersive experience and worth booking into the hotel just to use.

There’s also a solid list of indulgent treatments using Ishga products sourced sustainably from the Scottish Islands. We had a mini facial and massage combo treatment and it is safe to say we drifted off to somewhere far more remote and rugged than Glasgow’s city centre

Things To Do Nearby

Glasgow is a relatively quick and easy city to navigate, thanks to a circular subway system, well connected buses and trains and a motorway that connects the airport and Edinburgh directly into the city centre. It gives you the chance to explore far and wide, but if you’re keen to stick to what’s on the Blythswood’s doorstep, there’s plenty to keep you occupied.

Take a 10 minute taxi to the west end, Glasgow’s buzzy, affluent area where you’ll find hipper-approved bakeries, decent coffee shops, the stunning Botanic Gardens and vintage stores far more affordable than London.

Or, just a short walk away, you’ll find Glasgow’s main shopping area, from the high street stores of Buchanan Street to the mid-range brands and restaurants in the Princes Square Arcade to the designer boutiques of Merchant City.

The hotel is also within walking distance to Glasgow’s Gallery of Modern Art (or GoMA as the locals call it), where Banksy recently showcased his ‘Cut & Run’ exhibition. A must-visit to see inspiring work from local, UK and international artists, especially on a rainy day. Grab a pic with the Duke of Wellington statue that sits outside and permanently wears an orange traffic cone on his head – a Glasgow treasure and a symbol of a city that never takes itself too seriously.

The Verdict

The Kimpton Blythswood is without doubt the most distinguished of Glasgow’s high-end hotels and is pretty great value for money given the current travel climate – you can book a room for under £200. With its balance of aesthetic grandeur and relaxed Scottish hospitality it feels a bit like a home from home, albeit a rather fancy one, and we will definitely be returning… if just for those kimchi scallops.

How To Get There

The Kimpton Blythswood is just 20 minute’s drive from Glasgow International Airport, less than an hour’s drive from Edinburgh International Airport and just 10minute’s walk (or a very quick taxi ride) from Glasgow’s number one train station, Central Station.