In the quick overview many travelers create for Scotland, Edinburgh is usually looked on as the more artistic, cultured city — while Glasgow serves as the blue collar, working class town.
That’s an out of date and incorrect judgement. While Scotland’s capital city is indeed worthy of all of its ethereal accolades, Glasgow is emerging as a hidden gem of art, alternative music, culture and luxury.
You can consider the Blythswood Hotel your exhibit A. Situated snugly in the middle of downtown Glasgow just a short walk from Glasgow High Street and the modern shopping amenities of Buchanan Street, the hotel and spa has world class amenities, service and culinary offers.
However, the hotel also embraces the more off color aspects of its history. Adjacent Blythswood Square once served as Glasgow’s red light district. The city’s ladies of the night no longer frequent the upscale part of town, but the Blythswood decorates its lounging areas with red lamps and scarlet furniture.
In keeping with its dedicated Scottish heritage, the rest of the hotel’s interior design is devoted to traditional Harris Tweed – mixing a little earthy history in with the otherwise modern facilities.
A full Scottish breakfast accompanies every stay, blending the traditional blood pudding and eggs with continental choices of pastries and fruit. That same Glasgow Restaurant transforms by night into warmly lit gourmet supper club with locally sourced meals offering international favorites and more Scottish fare.
The real highlight within the Blythswood for travelers and locals is the first floor bar and tea room, The Salon. Ranked this year by multiple sources as one of the top cocktail bars in the world, the ample sized lounge offers comfortable seating while you read through a multiple page menu of both popular and original recipes.
I wanted something unique to the property. The next day I was scheduled for a Scotch distillery tour, so I figured I’d get plenty of masculine booze time then. I took the barman’s recommendation and tried one of the house’s creation, The Blythswood Daisy. Served in a champagne glass, it arrived ultra chilled and screaming sophistication. The strong, fruity concussion went down easy enough to make a return appearance.
Whether the visitor is on hand to tour downtown, enjoy upscale spa facilities or indulge in world class cocktails, the Blythswood Square Hotel proves Glasgow is an evolving, involving tourism destination.
