Glasgow is Scotland’s largest city and often regarded as its most vibrant. The combination of stunning Victorian architecture, distinguished museums, designer boutiques and a world-class clubbing scene draw multitudes of visitors here every year.

The heart of the city is George Square - an impressive plaza dominated by an 80ft column featuring Sir Walter Scott and overlooked by the magnificent City Chambers where the City Council is based. Many public events including the huge Hogmanay party and annual Art Fair are held here, and the main Tourist Information Centre has a prominent position on the Southern side. Almost the entire northern aspect is given over to the Millennium Hotel which is flanked by some offices and the main Queen Street railway station, from where trains from Edinburgh leave. What a location!

Many major city attractions are nearby: the Gallery of Modern Art, the Royal Concert Hall and up-market shopping mall Princes Square are only a short stroll away. A 10-minute walk will take you to Cineworld (the world’s tallest cinema) and the Glasgow School of Art designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Public transport is close at hand with a plethora of bus routes leading to the square.

This commanding hotel dates back to 1810 when the Victorian buildings were originally residential townhouses; one was most notably the home of famous philanthropist Sir William Burrell. In 1904 the North British Railway Company converted the existing buildings into the hotel that stands on the site today. There are two entrances to this landmark building – the main one at the front and another to the side, adjacent to the station. A loading bay here makes a good stop point for guests arriving by car and, if driving, the hotel has an agreed lower rate with the nearby NCP car park. Ebullient general manager Richard Mayne has been overseeing many enhancements this year.

The bright, central Lobby is modern and uncluttered with glossy tiled floors, high ceilings and large curved reception desk, all lending a Continental feel to the space. Comfortable sofas and chairs in rich shades of chocolate encourage visitors to sit with a frothy cappuccino from the Café Express Bar and watch the world go by. Tables, by the enormous, contemporary green-tinged glass frontage that looks over George Square, are set for light lunches and cocktails – bestowing a pavement café culture that would be impossible in the rainy climate... if not for these expansive windows.

The evocative Art Deco-style restaurant, known as The Brasserie on George Square, is located beside the Foyer and holds a well- deserved AA rosette. Georgics Bar is next door and offers a fun and lively traditional pub atmosphere, popular with locals as well as hotel guests, and has a great range of pub meals. The private Executive Lounge, on the first floor, is for guests staying in the upgraded ‘Club’ rooms. We love the free business facilities (including internet access, fax and printer) which are offered here. If you need a break from work then unwind in a chenille armchair, watch a little TV on the giant plasma screen and enjoy a complimentary coffee or aperitif at cocktail hour. It's worth the upgrade.

There are 117 rooms over four floors; 86 Standard, 31 Club and 2 Suites. The room décor is standard hotel type, but facilities are top-notch with power showers, in-house movies, satellite TV channels, internet connection and ‘comfort cooling’ temperature control as standard. Club Rooms and Suites are more spacious and have mini-bars and access to the Executive Lounge. Room 241 is specially adapted for disabled guests. Room service operates around the clock with a better than average selection of meals and snacks.

There's no doubt that rooms facing the front of the hotel, with the bright city lights in view, are the most exciting. Room 342 is a Club with an imposing aspect over George Square, the bright and airy interior with sofa bed makes this a great family choice. If your children are older then number 312 has interconnecting doors to another room next door, as well as an original tiled bathroom which takes you back in time to the Victorian era. Room 303 is one of the Suites and has a separate sitting room, comfortable bedroom and large bathroom. Regrettably both Suites have views to the back but there are big plans to renovate these rooms to with some very ‘wow’ touches. Watch this space!

We stayed in 2007 in room 240 which has two huge windows onto the city, framed with heavy drapes to help keep out the street noise, a biscuit coloured sofa and armchair, massive bed, terracotta / cream décor and plenty of lamps, pictures and cushions. The small dressing area and vanity unit are a real plus.

The Brasserie on George Square is an alluring restaurant stylishly designed along an Art Deco theme. Adjacent to the main dining area is a small conservatory, with only four tables, which looks over George Square – the people watching can be most entertaining! Service is paramount at the Millennium and The Brasserie illustrates this perfectly with its knowledgeable, warm and professional staff. The rosette they hold is positive recognition of the emphasis they place on high standards and adventurous cuisine: it is much better than we had expected as the restaurant's been quite low-profile.

Scotland’s finest ingredients feature strongly on both the à la carte menu and the excellent value pre-theatre option – there’s plenty of venison, rabbit, beef, scallops, langoustine and oysters. The wine list has a super range of by-the-glass options as well as malt whisky and liqueur selections to ensure the food is suitably partnered.

We enjoyed Pan-Fried Loch Fyne Scallops with Boudin Noir, Pancetta and Olive Mash on a recent visit, chosen from 8 starters of equal merit. For a main course we couldn’t resist the bestseller of Braised Shank of Lamb with Lemon Glazed Vegetables and Rosemary Jus which was a triumph. Another stunning dish on offer was the Medley of Seafood which basks in a shellfish bisque and is a real taste from our wonderful Scottish west coast. Dessert we enjoyed was a Rhubarb Shortcake with Liquorice Ice Cream. Prices average around £30 for 3 courses and coffee.

Breakfast is served in the main restaurant, altogether brighter in the morning and with a lively buzzy atmosphere. Grand curtains are swept back to reveal a shiny buffet station overflowing (nicely) with cold meats, cheeses, cereals, freshly prepared fruit and the usual range of hot food standards. The kitchen will cook porridge, full Scottish breakfasts, a vegetarian option, kippers and smoked salmon with scrambled eggs if ordered. Pastries are displayed to tempt you and hot drinks and juice are served at the table. We liked the choice of special coffees available at breakfast brought through from Café Express.

The hotel has a sanctuary hidden on the first floor – Soul Therapies. A range of Dermalogica treatments are carried out in the relaxing surroundings of this little haven. If more energetic pursuits are in order then the whole of Glasgow waits for you outside – shopping, theatre, sightseeing and gorgeous parks are all on hand.

There are 6 Conference Suites with modern business facilities which can also be used for private functions and weddings. The interiors are standard but the stunning city backdrops are unbeatable.

Louise Farquhar says…
“The unrivalled location, in the centre of this cosmopolitan city, gets top marks from me but there’s much more to the Millennium Hotel than just a good address. I loved the friendly staff, stylish public areas and fantastic food. Sipping cocktails in the Conservatory is a must for visitors to Glasgow and where better to watch the New Year fireworks than from one of the function suites or spacious Club bedrooms. Some further upgrading is also in the pipeline to bring slightly tired areas up to scratch making this hotel one to watch! So keep your eye out for updates here on HRS.”

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REVIEW STATUS & MERIT AWARDS This establishment has now been fully reviewed by the Guide and any HotelReviewScotland.com™ Merit Awards will show above, beneath the address details. We also list the latest ratings and gradings for this business from other guides and organisations. One or more of our experienced reviewer team has stayed at this establishment, spent time with the management, and the Guide is receiving reader and industry input from one or all of: online Reader’s Reviews; Comment Postcards; and Voting in The Scottish Hotels of the Year Awards. All entries are carefully monitored. The lead star grading has been awarded by the Scottish Tourist Board / VisitScotland. As the hotel is a Full Member of HotelReview™ Scotland the Look & Book Box™ links are LIVE.

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