Malmaison Glasgow
278 West George Street, Glasgow, Scotland, G2 4LL
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#5 of 30
expert-rated hotels in Glasgow- Recommended for:
- Business travellers, Couples, Culture vultures, Honeymooners, Mature travellers, Celebrity spotting, Live entertainment, Nightlife, Shopping, Trendiness
Expert review of Malmaison Glasgow
Glasgow’s trendy young upstart is a luxury boutique choice popular with fashion disciples.
Housed in a former Greek Episcopal church, this daring contemporary brand has done its best to eschew the good behaviour of its former devout landlords. Throughout the interior, stunning architecture is mixed with contemporary nuances confirming the building’s unique character: chequerboard carpets meet ecclesiastical brickwork design; Art Deco prints take their place alongside a stencil black staircase inscribed with leaded outlines of religious figures and Garden of Eden vines. I can imagine Marlene Deitrich flirting in the hallway.
Named after Napoleon Bonaparte’s Château de Malmaison, meaning the “naughty house”, this landmark hotel is also very true to its name (a bit like me). The on-site bistro is housed in the underground crypt – diners are clustered around darkened cloisters and iron wrought grilles – vibrant French poster art clings to the former church walls and its downstairs Champagne bar, overstocked with magnums of Veuve Clicquot, is sassily decorated with Airfix spitfires and Second World War fighter planes. I could have hidden down there for days.
Location:
It’s hard to get more central. A short walk to Central and Queen Street Stations, the hotel is within easy reach of Glasgow’s multitude of restaurants, cafés, bars and shops. The Buchanan Street style mile struts like a peacock five minutes away and my favourite gig venue by miles, King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, is just around the corner.
Bedrooms:
The 72 minimalist bedrooms are decorated in hues of grey and black and are equipped with the latest mod-cons including DVD players, plasma TVs, dry mini-bars, a filter coffee maker and exclusive toiletries by Arran Aromatics. The French windows look out onto the city’s busy West George Street and rooftops. The two-storey duplex is perfect for romance. Godfather of the UK comedy scene, Billy Connolly, even has a deluxe master suite named after him. The affectionately-named Big Yin suite is decked out with a tartan four poster bed, über-cool illuminated roll top bath and enough gilded mirrors to make even the most poised arrival self-conscious.
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Public areas:
A small lobby area is crisscrossed with an eye-catching purple and white carpet. Two popular function rooms also serve the business end of the market. It’s a bit cramped though.
Eating and drinking:
Down a Rapunzel-like staircase, the on-site Champagne bar and Malmaison French brasserie are perfect for after-work business drinks and nibbles. Its home grown and local menu showcases Scottish contemporary cuisine. Two private dining rooms can also be rented out from £75 at the back of its vaulted basement.
Service:
Friendly and efficient. Staff tread a fine line between being courteous and laidback without being overbearing or sacrilegious.
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Who stays there:
Sociable, trendy couples, and corporate travellers looking to feel at home in their pin stripe suits and cufflinks
Pros:
Perfect location
Funky, fashionable and free willed
Cons:
Some bedrooms deserve a reboot to justify high prices
More information on Malmaison Glasgow:
- Price from:
- Type:
- Hotel
- Address:
- 278 West George Street, Glasgow, Scotland, G2 4LL
- Free tags / Keywords:
- Champagne bar, Converted church, Underground crypt
- Amenities:
- Room Service, High-Speed Internet, Fitness Centre, Restaurant, Parking, Business Centre
- Neighbourhood:
- Glasgow City Centre
