First impressions
The hotel exterior lends itself more to Bond baddie lair because of its
unyielding yellowing stone façade and lean dark windows, than its true
history as a Greek Orthodox church. The only evidence of its past is three
lines of Greek inscription high above the black iron-barred door.
Once your eyes have adjusted to the moody dark lobby, a soft velvet cushioned
booth in one corner invites you to sit down and enjoy a paper or fashionable
magazine, but first there's an enthusiastic receptionist to deal with. The
service was efficient except for the requested morning newspaper that never
arrived, but didn't feature on the bill.
Why it's special
Bold Gothic-style décor, with tons of inviting velvet, rich dark hues and
arresting paintwork and flooring in black and gold chessboard style, means
your first impressions of the striking exterior are not deflated once you
get inside.
The Malmaison brand is adept at having fun, from the candlelit champagne bar
in an elegant atrium, to hearing David Bowie's Jean Genie over
breakfast on Saturday morning, it makes guests feel like they're saying
somewhere cool and exclusive, while keeping rates below the £100-mark.
Its quiet location belies the hotel's relative proximity to the city centre -
it's under ten minute's walk to the shopping around Buchanan Street and
Glasgow's finest attraction - The Glasgow School of Art on Renfrew Street.
Hitting the sack
The 64 rooms and eight suites include some rooms with French windows and
mezzanine floors. The beds have stylish padded leather headboards and crisp
white cotton linen, although the duvets are too effective for a hotel that
doesn't have air-conditioning. All rooms have flat-screen television, CD and
DVD player, tasteful monochrome décor and plug-in internet, which like the
wireless internet in the hotel lobby and bar, is free to access.
Monochrome continues throughout the bathroom, which has rain-soak showers,
either over or separate to a bath, and generous bottles of customised
Malmaison toiletries that guests are encouraged to take away.
Sampling the fare
A modern menu with local additions such as seared Scottish scallops and
Scottish Angus sirloin that comes in steaks weighing up to 400 grams. Main
dishes cost £11-£30 and an in-house sommelier helps with wine, which starts
at a £15 a bottle. The brasserie and bar occupy a former crypt, its vaulted
ceiling now painted burgundy red, with twisted ironwork and wooden
partitions separating tables lined along a chocolate brown leather banquette
on one side and studded leather dining chairs along the other.
It's most atmospheric when candlelit in the evenings, preceded by a cocktail
at the adjoining bar, or champagne at the dedicated bar. For a group of up
to 12, the private dining room, separated by frosted glass and walled on one
side by wine racks, is a fun option.
Access all areas
There is no designated parking, but spaces opposite the hotel include a
disabled parking bay. There is a ramp at the entrance and rooms on each
floor with bathrooms designed for wheelchair users.
Added attractions
A token gym has cardio-vascular machines and weights. The free internet and
room service that comes without a mandatory service charge, means there's
less likelihood of nasty shocks on the bill.
What we think
The hotel looks good for its ten years - aided by a recent revamp - and if
prices stay reasonable guests will continue to feel they're getting a
contemporary boutique night away for good value. It's just a shame they
haven't teamed up with a local spa to offer in-room treatments.
Bottom line
Room-only from £99 including VAT.
Need to know
Malmaison Glasgow, 278 West George St, Glasgow, G2 4LL. Tel. 0141 572 1000, www.malmaison-glasgow.com
