Hotel check: Malmaison Glasgow

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Published: 01/09/2005 - Filed under: Archive » 2005 » September 2005 » Tried and Tested » Tried & Tested » Hotels » Tried & Tested » Hotels » UK / British Isles »

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WHAT'S IT LIKE? Once a church, and for 10 years a Malmaison, this has recently completed a £1million refurbishment. The brand's "dares to be different" and "naughty but nice" themes are prevalent throughout: the hotel lobby sets the tone with deep-coloured carpets and pillars surrounding cosy seats. The old crypt houses the brasserie restaurant and champagne bar, while recordings of Billy Connelly gigs are piped into the toilet cubicles and there are ashtrays with "stolen from Malmaison" stamped on the base. The service is friendly, helpful and enthusiastic.

WHERE IS IT? At the heart of Glasgow's business centre. A five-minute cab ride from the central station, and off junction 18/19 of the M8 (the hotel has no designated parking).

HOW MANY ROOMS? 72, including eight suites. The new penthouse suite has a nine-foot bed, double walk-in shower and a huge, free-standing bath in the living room. There are several new split-level mezzanines, with huge beds in a bright open loft-like area with a balcony overlooking the sitting room. The style throughout is "classic contemporary" with gold and red decor and chocolate brown furnishings.

ROOM FACILITIES Rooms have broadband internet access, flat-screen TVs with DVD and CD players (music and film library at reception), and "please take me" signs on the toiletries in the bathrooms. Trouser press, ironing board, minibar, hair dryer and tea and coffee facilities are also available. The only negative note was that I was woken at 0500 by slamming doors in the corridors, though this possibly was because it was the 10th anniversary party night.

MEETING ROOMS There are two medium-sized meeting rooms (20 people theatre-style and 18 persons boardroom-style) equipped with broadband, wifi and fax. There are also two private salons and dining rooms.

BUSINESS CENTRE No, but there is wireless connection in the lobby and bar areas.

RESTAURANTS AND BARS In the former crypt, high-backed chocolate leather sofas and a vaulted ceiling painted deep red provide drama, while classic French fare ranges in price from £11-£30 for a main course. Sunday brunch menu is good, and the breakfast basket is a hamper full of pastries, fruit, cereal, yogurt and fresh fruit juice.

LEISURE FACILITIES Yes, the gym is open 0800-2200.

VERDICT Stylish and relaxed with a definite sense of fun.

PRICE Double rooms start from £85 per night. Luxury suites and mezzanines from £195 per night (these prices are available booking online).

CONTACT Malmaison Glasgow 278 West George Street, tel 0845 365 4247 or visit malmaison-glasgow.com.

Felicity Cousins