Background
The Courtyard by Marriott brand was designed originally as a budget business hotel brand, but has now been adapted to attract both families and leisure guests. This hotel opened in November 2021.
Where is it?
In the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) just next door to OVO Hydra and SEC Armadillo, and the Exhibition Centre. The SEC is situated on the banks of the Clyde in what was once a thriving dockyard and ship-building area. The huge Finnieston Crane is one of the few original structures left and is a good landmark right opposite the hotel. From Glasgow airport it’s an easy trip on First Bus service 500 from the airport to Central Station (about 15 minutes) and then two stops on the low-level train from Central Station to the Exhibition Centre. There is a covered walkway to the SEC and the hotel is just a few minutes’ walk away. A combined ticket cost £7.40 single. Alternatively, a taxi takes about 20 minutes.
What’s it like?
Although the address is Stobcross Road, the entrance is actually on Congress Way and welcomes you into a bright, friendly reception area facing three individual check-in desks. To the right is a comfortable lounge area, divided into smaller sections with open shelving, low-level tables and plenty of comfortable seating. Dusky blues, greys and dark wood are accented with mustard tones which are reflected in the geometric patterned rugs and soft furnishings to create a pleasant contemporary design. To the left of reception is Market Place, a 24-hour, self-service area where you can buy snacks, sandwiches and drinks from vending machines, the bar area and Hopscotch restaurant plus two private dining rooms. There is free wifi throughout the hotel.
Rooms
There are 216 rooms – a variety of doubles, twins and family – in a neutral palette of greys and blues. All have the same furnishings and décor. We stayed in a Premium Double on the 8th floor, a corner room with fabulous views of the Armadillo and OVO Hydra. A swivel chair, footstool and desk were positioned by the window, with plenty of charging points making a very pleasant workspace. It was a good-sized room with plenty of storage, and well equipped with iron, ironing board, hairdryer, fridge, kettle and tea- and coffee-making items. All premium rooms also have bath robes, complimentary bottled water and premium wifi. The bathroom has a large walk-in shower with mini Nirvae Botanicals shower gel, shampoo and body lotion. We had a comfortable night’s sleep – the area is very quiet. A bonus was being able to open windows rather than using air con.
Food and drink
Hopscotch serves a buffet-style breakfast, including continental-style breads and pastries (gluten-free available), mini boxed cereals, fresh fruit and juices plus a cooked selection including local specialities of haggis and black pudding with vegan alternatives. The restaurant is open for lunch serving soup, salads, flatbreads and Poke bowls, and in the evening the menu offers Big Plates and Small Plates, including local produce – Scotch Black and Blue burger, Isle of Bute beef with Stornoway black pudding or veggie haggis burger.
Leisure
The hotel has a small but well-equipped gym with free weights, cardio and a cross-body weight machine; open 24 hours.
Meetings
On the first floor is the business centre which is linked to the car park, and has its own entrance and reception. There are seven meeting rooms (two rooms on the ground floor are also used for private dining) with full audio and video facilities, upgraded wifi and flexible seating arrangements. There is a connecting room if a larger space is required.
Verdict
With superb service and warm Scottish hospitality, this hotel is ideally situated for attending conferences or exploring the Finnieston area which has some great restaurants and bars.
FACT BOX
- Best for Its proximity to the SEC and discovering a new and developing area of Glasgow
- Don’t miss The evening lightshow that brings OVO Hydra and SEC Armadillo to life
- Price Internet rates for a flexible midweek stay in September started from £149 for a Deluxe King room
- Contact 16 Stobcross Road, Scottish Events Campus, Glasgow G3 8GS; +44 (0)141 473 8748; marriott.com
Words: Annie Harris
