Tried & Tested

Aparthotel review: Native Glasgow

30 Jun 2022 by BusinessTraveller
Native Glasgow

Background

Native aparthotels are housed in city centre locations across the UK, often in converted historic buildings. The Glasgow property opened in 2018.

Where is it?

In a historic building on St Vincent Place, a stone’s throw from George Square and Buchanan Street. From the airport, First Bus service 500 (£8.50) takes 15 minutes and drops you close by.

What’s it like?

This beautiful white stone Edwardian building was originally the head office of the Anchor Line Shipping Company, founded in 1855, which once operated weekly transatlantic crossings on its luxury steamliners during the peak of the Glasgow shipping industry. Either side of the entrance are two restaurants: the Atlantic, with direct access from the Native property, and the Anchor Line.

Marble steps lead to a secure keycard-operated door and lift to the 24-hour reception on the first floor. We checked in with ease, were given plenty of information about the room, the area and security (the main door, lift and utility room need to be opened with your keycard). Being a converted old building with a central light well, the corridors are narrow and the lift is small. Some of the rooms retain the original features, fireplaces and even an original safe.

Rooms

There are 64 apartments in seven categories from a one-bed penthouse with outdoor terrace to simple studio apartments. Our Premium Studio apartment was light and airy with big windows and a great view of the city. The windows are secondary glazed but can be opened. It was quite a warm room and it was nice to have the option of fresh air. The entrance is in the kitchen area – a granite-topped breakfast bar and two comfy high stools divide the bedroom/living space.

The kitchen is well equipped with an induction hob, microwave/grill, fridge, kettle, plenty of pots and pans, china and cutlery. It was nice to see Scottish brands – Edinburgh tea, locally roasted fresh coffee and organic unhomogenised milk from a local farm – as complimentary items, including filtered water in refillable glass bottles in the fridge.

Native Glasgow

The open plan bedroom/living area has a sofa with matching throws and cushions, and a coffee table. There is also a storage area with wall-mounted TV. An ironing board, iron and hairdryer were in the wardrobe. We found it quite tight for storage and could have done with somewhere to put our suitcase.

Dark blue walls and vintage Anchor Line posters decorate the walls. The bed has a tan-coloured padded headboard and copper light fittings with power sockets next to the side tables. The bed was very comfortable, and we had a good night’s sleep. The bathroom is nice and bright, with a large walk-in shower and wall-mounted, large-sized shower gel and shampoo, and plenty of big white fluffy towels.

There is a 24-hour utility room on the 4th floor with two washer/dryers, complimentary washing tablets and a filtered water tap to refill your water bottle.

Food and drink

There isn’t an on-site restaurant. However, there is direct access via the lift to the Atlantic for lunch or dinner. It has a French-inspired, brasserie-style menu with all the classics. The décor has a typical bistro look with lots of Anchor Line history on the walls. Booking is essential.

Next door is the Anchor Line, which is worth a visit. The basement restaurant is full of artifacts, posters and memorabilia from the glamourous steamship era. The evenings are busy but this is a good place to sample some local seafood. On the menu, Cumbrae oysters (£9), Shetland mussels (£8.95) and rib-eye steak (£29.95), or just pop in for a wee dram and soak up the atmosphere. Booking is essential.

Leisure

There are no leisure facilities.

Meetings

The property does not have meeting facilities.

Verdict

This is a beautiful building in a central location. Most of Glasgow’s best attractions are within walking distance, and it has great shopping and restaurants right on its doorstep.

FACT BOX

  • Best for Its central location and fascinating history, within easy reach of museums, shops and cafés
  • Don’t miss A stroll through the city centre to Café Gandolfi for great food and a unique interior
  • Price Internet rates for a flexible midweek stay in September started from £149 for a Studio apartment
  • Contact 14 Vincent Place, Glasgow, G1 2EU; +44 (0)141 288 7730; nativeplaces.com

Words: Annie Harris

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