Discover the best places to stay in Glasgow in our detailed area and accommodation guide.
If you’re planning a trip to Scotland’s biggest city, then you need to know where to stay in Glasgow! The metropolis is just over 40 miles (or 65 kilometres) from Edinburgh, the capital, so it’s easy to include on even a brief Scotland itinerary.
The culture, arts scene, history and shops of Glasgow make it a very attractive destination indeed. Whether you want to explore all of these aspects or focus on what interests you most, you’ll need to know where to stay in Glasgow city centre or the suburbs if you’re planning more than a day trip.
This is a top city break destination with so much to offer, and this guide to where to stay in Glasgow, Scotland will help you get your accommodation sorted. Whether you’re wondering where is the best place to stay in Glasgow, where to stay in Glasgow for one night only or are seeking 5 star hotels in Glasgow, Scotland for a special occasion.
Before we proceed, a quick note on the local lingo. Glaswegians may ask you ‘where do you stay’ when in fact they mean ‘where do you live?’ It’s just a quirk of the local language, but it can sometimes cause a little confusion! If you’re not sure, you could reply with something like ‘I’m staying at X hotel, but come from Y’.
Let’s get you set up with a place to stay in Glasgow!
Where to stay in Glasgow
Glasgow Accommodation – Quick Picks
| AREA | ACCOMMODATION | STARS | BOOK |
|---|---|---|---|
| City Centre | |||
| Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Book here | |
| Dakota Glasgow | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Book here | |
| Hotel Indigo | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Book here | |
| CitizenM Glasgow | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Book here | |
| Native Glasgow aparthotel | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Book here | |
| Ibis Styles George Square | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Book here | |
| Z Hotel | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Book here | |
| Grasshopper Hotel | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Book here | |
| West End | |||
| City Apartments | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Book here | |
| Albion Hotel | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Book here | |
| Finnieston | |||
| Argyll Guesthouse | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Book here | |
| The Alamo | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Book here |
A 3 area guide to where to stay in Glasgow
The best places to stay in Glasgow are located within these areas of the city.
City Centre
In a nutshell – Glasgow city centre is close to everything the city has to offer – as well as Glasgow Central station. For first-timers or those arriving by train, this is the ideal location.
If you haven’t been to Glasgow before, then this is the best area to stay in. If you have visited previously, you’ll know whether you want to stay here or try somewhere new!
Either way, the city centre is ideal because it’s close to pretty much everything. As with Edinburgh Waverley, Glasgow Central train station is situated in the heart of the city, so if you’re arriving by train booking a hotel here is perfect.
Shopping, bars, cafes, restaurants, nightlife and attractions all await in the centre of this thriving Scottish city. The transport links are unbeatable too. The only reason not to stay here could be when you can get more for your money elsewhere, or you want to stay somewhere more peaceful or with more of a neighbourhood feel.
Hotels to stay in Glasgow in this area tend to be larger establishments with three, four or five stars, though some are a bit smaller than others.
West End
In a nutshell – To sample both student life and the high life, head to Glasgow’s West End. It’s packed with an eclectic mix of picturesque buildings, stylish bars and smart boutiques.
The West End of Glasgow is home to the university, so if you’re visiting a student here it’s the perfect spot. This thriving area offers lots of choice when it comes to shopping, dining out and nightlife – and there’s some lovely architecture too.
For one-off boutiques and independent eateries or cocktail bars, head to Glasgow’s West End. With a mixed population including students and well-heeled locals, a stay in this area will never be dull.
The area to head for is around Great Western Road, which skirts by the suburbs north of Kelvingrove Park and the university. Our featured properties for an overnight stay in Glasgow here include apartments as well as hotels.
Finnieston
In a nutshell – Finnieston is Glasgow’s hippest up-and-coming neighbourhood. Argyle Street is lined with interesting places to eat, drink and shop, and leads you directly to the city centre from here. Or head south from Finnieston for the River Clyde and the Hydro.
Finnieston is northwest of the city centre and positioned between the Clyde and Kelvingrove Park. It’s one of the coolest places to stay in Glasgow for sure, with an up-and-coming yet down-to-earth vibe.
Whether you want a genuine Glaswegian neighbourhood pub or a bar selling the most coveted craft ales, you’ll find it in Finnieston. Argyle Street is the main drag here, and this thoroughfare conveniently leads you into the city centre too.
The street is packed with all sorts of businesses, from yoga studios and antique shops to bakeries and stylish bars. Glasgow Hydro is located between Argyle Street and the River Clyde. There are good guesthouses in this locale, which are ideal if you want nice places to stay in Glasgow that aren’t too expensive and have a friendly feel.
12 of the best places to stay in Glasgow
Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel
TOP PICK OVERALL
Location: City Centre
Star rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
For some the best place to stay in Glasgow city centre is a five star hotel. If that describes you, head for the Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel. It’s housed in a historic 1823 building that was once the Royal Scottish Automobile Club headquarters.
If you want a spa break this is the one for you, as there’s a superb one on-site with pools, a winter spa garden and thermal baths. Afternoon tea is also an institution here. Marble bathrooms and a restaurant and bar in the old ballroom only add to the feeling of decadence here.
Pluses:
- Historic Glasgow building
- Bar and restaurant in the former ballroom
- Spa with winter garden, pool and thermal baths
Minuses:
- Pricier than some other properties
Dakota Glasgow
Location: City Centre
Star rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dakota hotels always seem to be a good bet, and so it is with the one in Glasgow. Just west of the centre is arguably the best area to stay in Glasgow as you can reach the city centre, Finnieston and the West End easily.
Small details are everything at Dakota, from luxury linens and designer toiletries to monsoon showers and Smart TVs. The hotel also offers a grill, champagne bar, library and cigar terrace. The range of rooms includes classic doubles, King rooms and 11 deluxe suites.
Pluses:
- Grill, library, champagne bar and cigar terrace
- Near central Glasgow and neighbourhoods
- Lovely luxury touches throughout
Minuses:
- It’s a little between districts
Hotel Indigo
Location: City Centre
Star rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Indigo Hotels are known for offering boutique-style accommodation in great locations. So if you’re deciding where to stay in Glasgow, this is an elegant choice. Glasgow Central Station is also just 500 metres from here – a five minute walk.
Expect luxury from the moment you step through the door. Rooms feature Egyptian cotton bedding, a mini fridge, deluxe bathrobes, a flatscreen TV and more. There’s a range of rooms and suites to choose from, and the hotel has a bar and restaurant on site.
Pluses:
- Bar and restaurant
- Luxury boutique accommodation
- Five minutes’ walk from Glasgow Central
Minuses:
- Further from Finnieston and West End
CitizenM Glasgow
Location: City Centre
Star rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This hotel provides slick, four star accommodation in Glasgow, Scotland with a real city centre feel. It’s also ideally placed if you want to explore the West End and Finnieston as well as the central area, as it’s in the northwestern part on the corner of Hope and Renfrew Streets.
There are plenty of useful and luxurious amenities right on site, including a cocktail bar, blackout blinds, a 24-hour canteen, guest TV account connection and a stylish guest lounge. The king-size rooms are modern, featuring monochrome tones and pops of colour.
Pluses:
- Close to Glasgow centre and neighbourhoods
- 24-hour canteen and cocktail bar
- Ultra modern
Minuses:
- Impersonal big hotel feel
Native Glasgow aparthotel
Location: City Centre
Star rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ aparthotel
Situated on St Vincent Place near George Square and Queen Street station is Native. This place offers a different style of accommodation in Glasgow, Scotland, as it’s an aparthotel. The Anchor Line Shipping Company was once based in the Edwardian building.
In fact the interior of this couples’ or family accommodation in Glasgow is inspired by a luxury liner. All apartments have a fully equipped kitchen plus living and dining areas, giving you more space than with a typical hotel. There’s also a bar and restaurant here, so you get the best of both worlds.
Pluses:
- Apartments with hotel amenities
- Historic building with ocean liner theme
- Each unit has kitchen, dining and lounge areas
Minuses:
- Not the cheapest option in the city
Ibis Styles George Square
Location: City Centre
Star rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
If the best location to stay in Glasgow for you is the city centre but you’re on a budget, Ibis Styles George Square is a great bet. It’s near all the top Glasgow, Scotland things to do, and is the most popular hotel in this price range and location.
Rooms here come with all you need, and there’s an eatery and bar on site too. For a three star price and a central location, this one’s impossible to beat as an affordable place to stay in Glasgow.
Pluses:
- Central location
- Three star room rates
- Restaurant and bar on site
Minuses:
- Decor is cheap and cheerful
Z Hotel
Location: City Centre
Star rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you’re seeking slightly more unusual places to stay in Glasgow in the centre of things, then take a look at the Z Hotel. It’s near all the nightlife of Glasgow, plus the shops, dining options and city sights.
Exposed brickwork, leather banquettes, parquet flooring and a dramatic staircase make this an uber stylish place to stay. There’s a range of room sizes to pick from, and the Z hotel has a bar on site.
Pluses:
- Hip accommodation
- In the heart of Glasgow
- Attracts a lot of repeat guests
Minuses:
- Some rooms have no window
Grasshopper Hotel
Location: City Centre
Star rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Are you arriving by train for a first-time visit to Glasgow? Where to stay is easy in that case. Just book into the Grasshopper. It can be found in Caledonian Chambers right next to the station, and is more affordable than you might expect for a property this centrally situated.
The fact that you can book rooms for between one and four guests also makes this a great bet for solo travellers, couples and families alike. Local touches are evident everywhere too, from the Arran Aromatics toiletries to the artwork on the walls. Home-baked cakes, freshly cooked breakfasts and evening meals four days per week only add to the appeal.
Pluses:
- Right by Glasgow Central station
- Delicious homemade food
- Range of room sizes
Minuses:
- Not for those who want to escape the city
City Apartments
Location: West End
Star rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ apartments
The West End is one of the best Glasgow areas to stay in, and City Apartments offer more space than a hotel room. They’re right in the heart of the Glasgow West End areas you’ll want to spend time in, being located just off the Great Western Road in a side street near the River Kelvin. The Albion Hotel (below) is right next door.
Whether you want to go to the nightclubs in Glasgow West End or you’re a small family with a child who could let off steam in Kelvingrove Park, this location is ideal. Housed in an elegant Georgian building, City Apartments offer studios with kitchenettes for self-catering sleeping up to three guests.
Pluses:
- Smart accommodation
- Kitchenette in each studio
- Quiet street off Great Western Road
Minuses:
- No restaurant on-site
Albion Hotel
Location: West End
Star rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ apartments
If the West End is your pick of the areas around Glasgow, then the Albion Hotel is ideal. It’s right by the City Apartments featured above, and is also very highly rated. It can be found on North Woodside Road too.
A delicious Scottish breakfast is served here daily, and rooms combine period features with contemporary style. What’s also great about this accommodation in the West End of Glasgow is that you can book various room sizes here, from a single for a solo traveller to a double, twin, triple or family room.
There’s also some budget doubles for guests looking to minimise costs.
Pluses:
- Period features
- Scottish breakfast served daily
- Near Kelvingrove Park and river
Minuses:
- Budget doubles are rather small
Argyll Guesthouse
Location: Finnieston
Star rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ guesthouse
Next on this list of the best places to stay in Glasgow is this Finnieston guesthouse. If you’re wondering where to stay near Glasgow city centre without being in the busiest part of town, this place on Sauchiehall Street is a good option.
The Argyle Street area is one of the most popular districts of Glasgow and the street this hotel’s on runs parallel to that. With tartan featured throughout and a Scottish breakfast served daily, this property also ensures a real sense of place.
Pluses:
- Locally sourced breakfast
- On street parallel to Argyle Street
- Single, double, twin and family rooms
Minuses:
- Limited amenities
The Alamo
Location: Finnieston
Star rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ guesthouse
If you want to find somewhere with the personal touch and a neighbourhood vibe, try The Alamo. It’s an affordable guesthouse in Finnieston, close to all the amenities of Argyle Street – and very near Kelvingrove Park.
This lodging in Glasgow, Scotland is housed in a Victorian building and there are original features throughout. The centre of the city is around 20 minutes’ walk from here. Carved wooden beds, antique furnishings and marble sinks are just some of the lovely design features making this homely place extra special.
Pluses:
- Neighbourhood feel
- Period character building
- Some rooms have park views
Minuses:
- 20 minutes’ walk from city centre
More accommodation options to choose from in Glasgow
Where will you stay in Glasgow?
Whether you’re coming to sample the legendary Glasgow nightlife or to see the sights, we hope this guide to the best districts in Glasgow and accommodation in Glasgow West End, city centre and Finnieston helps you find the right place to stay.
Once you’ve decided which of the best areas to stay in Glasgow is for you, it’s down to the property itself. Will it be a five or four-star hotel, an apartment or a cheap stay in Glasgow at a warm and welcoming guesthouse?
Read more about visiting Scotland