Intro

Glasgow is an eclectic mix: Victorian architecture blends with contemporary design, long-established museums rub shoulders with chic boutiques and an established fine dining culture contrasts with a groovy club scene.

Business, concerts, shopping, romance and family fun bring all kinds of visitors to this stylish city and where better to stay than right in the centre of town. The Carlton George, located just off the main square, has all the amenities to be expected from a four star hotel combined with a good measure of elegance and attention to detail.

The hotel

is situated less than a minute's walk from Queen Street train station in the heart of the shopping district. The Royal Concert Hall and the Museum of Modern Art are a short stroll from the front door and many other city centre attractions are no more than a few blocks away.

The site was bought by the Netherlands-based Carlton Group who developed the hotel as ‘a little gem’ according to their mission statement displayed prominently above the entrance. They have achieved this aim handsomely, creating an easy-going atmosphere with none of the stiffness and impersonal service which is often a trademark in city centre hotels. General manager Duncan Johnston, formerly at the excellent Channings in Edinburgh, employs a very people-orientated approach. The hotel won the Scottish Hotel Staff Award 2005 for its high standards of customer care.

The cosy Reception area is a pleasant retreat from the hustle and bustle of the streets outside and big tartan armchairs and a welcoming fireplace give a homely feel. Prints of Glasgow landmarks are a feature throughout the hotel and offer visitors plenty of ideas for impromptu outings.

A door leads from the hallway to Waxy O’Connors - the bar associated with the hotel. It is a nice, smart place serving an Irish style menu in six different areas. The door from the reception is one way only, making security an important feature at all times. Non-residents use a separate street entrance.

The other public area is the hugely popular Executive Lounge, situated on the 7th floor. Huge leather armchairs, fireplaces and graceful lamps lend a ‘living-room’ feel as ladies sip tea after shopping trips and guests read newspapers or surf the internet on the free terminals. A card is issued to guests on check-in giving access to the lounge and non-residents are usually only local businessmen making use of the meeting rooms or shoppers booked in for afternoon tea. The exclusive 'club-class' ambience is complemented by the attentive waiters who bring guests free drinks, tea, coffee and snacks.

Bedrooms

There are 64 bedrooms in total: 25 Superior, 23 Executive and 16 Deluxe. One child can stay free with a parent, and disabled rooms are located on each floor.

There are no grand designs in terms of the décor but the colours are bright and cheerful with plenty of tartan to acknowledge the Scottish heritage. All rooms have the same style along with well designed furniture and plenty of nice lamps and cushions. The amenities are good: air conditioning, fax machine, robe, slippers, TV with Sky and in-house films, hospitality trays, desk and wi-fi access. Bathrooms have power showers and are spotlessly clean.

The upgraded rooms offer more spacious accommodation and the deluxe rooms have city views, mineral water, extra snacks, White Company toiletries, free wi-fi and free pay TV. The Guide’s room, number 209, has large windows overlooking the main entrance and is decorated in a bold colour scheme of golds and reds. A tartan armchair has a city view and the white bed linen is nicely adorned with lots of cheery red cushions.

An extra that can be ordered is the ‘ladies kit’ which includes an eye mask, hair straightening irons, a manicure kit and a discount voucher for a local spa.

Plus+Point

In all rooms enjoy complimentary decanters of whisky, gin and sherry as well as a free minibar. Yes, you read that right.

Dining

Windows Restaurant is on the top floor, adjacent to the Executive Lounge. Claiming the accolade of Glasgow’s only rooftop eatery, the views of the City’s skyline are a breathtaking backdrop to the tables with white linen covers and sparkling tea lights. Head Chef, Simon Partridge, and his experienced team have created a relaxed fine dining experience as they prepare food in the open plan kitchens. Families gather for celebrations, couples have pre-theatre menus before heading out to the bright lights and business men talk shop with colleagues.

Dishes have a pleasing Scottish connection with Smoked Haddock Bree; Peppered Venison Loin, Roasted Fig and a Bitter Chocolate Sauce; Chargrilled Rib Eye Steak, Black Pudding, Mashed Potato and a Morel and Truffle Butter; and Fillet of Turbot with Creamed Barley Risotto, Crispy Leeks and a Wholegrain Mustard Jus.

There's also a wide-ranging room service menu.

On the evening of our most recent 2007 stay the Guide enjoyed a meal chosen from the a la carte menu. A good value fixed price option is also available and starts at £17.50 for two courses.

A taster of Greek salad, delicately served on a little white spoon, started the meal and was accompanied by a chunk of tasty homemade bread with herby butter. To follow, we chose Seared Scallops, Creamed Orzo and Chorizo Oil which was richly satisfying and well presented. The main course of Pan Fried Duck Breast, Savoy Cabbage Stuffed with Pork Cheeks and Wild Mushrooms and a Honey and Vanilla Glaze came perfectly pink with a crisp skin. Dessert was a sizeable portion of magnificent Apple Tarte Tatin, with a blob of vanilla ice cream gently melting on top.

The average price for dinner is £30 including coffee. The wine list is reasonably priced with a bottle of house Côtes du Rhone costing £17 and a glass of house Sauvignon Blanc is £4.25.

Breakfast

is served in the restaurant (with the super view in daylight) and can be either Continental or a more substantial cooked affair. A buffet displays fruit juices, cereals, yogurt, cold meats, cheese and pastries. The food is fresh, of a good standard and plentiful, but more ‘home-made’ options would be an exciting addition. The cooked dishes are made to order by the chefs who do their culinary stuff in front of customers at the grill counter. French toast, crêpes, kippers, Finnan haddock and 'full Scottish' all make a good start to the day.

Leisure

With the city centre on your doorstep the leisure opportunities are endless. A 5 minute stroll takes you to the rather swanky Princes Square, which is home to many exclusive shops. Europe’s tallest cinema is a short walk away and there are several famous theatres, art galleries and museums all very close too.

Links

We hope that you find these links helpful:

Glasgow Science Centre

University of Glasgow

Glasgow Museums & Galleries

GlasGay.co.uk

The Willow Tearooms

Loch Lomond Shores

Receptions / Events

The Thomson Suite is available for either corporate functions or private dining. Ten guests can be accommodated and a range of flexible menus can be discussed.

The Reviewer’s View Louise Farquhar

“The Carlton George is a classy and distinctive hotel with top marks for friendly service and a relaxed atmosphere. Rooms have all the modern amenities a city guest would need and the Executive Lounge is a haven after a busy day. With an entrance straight onto Glasgow’s most exciting and interesting landmarks all that’s left to say is – location, location, location!”

Readers’ Reviews

“A great hotel! A good location, it’s very clean - and ‘free’ drinks makes it even better!” - Deena Rossi (Scotland), 2006

“Quite a distinct kinda place, a little like a club with a nice modern restaurant on the top floor. Staff are really friendly and kind. It has the advantages of a big hotel in many ways but with few disadvantages. The lounge is comfortable and a good place to meet colleagues; it is security-card access only. Steaks from the grill very good. All-in-all, an extremely well-packaged hotel in a great setting by the main square.” - Michel Meuris (Luxemburg), 2006

“Absolutely excellent! My 2nd stay. Would not now consider others unless forced!” - Dr J.A.F., 2006

“Fantastic hotel; food in the rooftop restaurant great.” - Elaine Grant, 2006

Note This hotel was awarded a listing by HotelReview™ | Scotland and has been fully reviewed by the Guide; this includes a full overnight stay followed up by quarterly quality control checks and ongoing feedback from readers. As a reviewed hotel, its Look & Book Box™ features are ONLINE and any awards made by the Guide are published above. The star grading has been awarded by the Scottish Tourist Board, VisitScotland.

Your opinion? There’s a link to a Reader’s Review form at the top and left side of this page. It only takes a moment to send the Guide your views via the small panel that will pop-up. You can be as brief or as fulsome as you wish! Your views go to the Editor, who will acknowledge your response within a few days. He may edit feedback. Reports do not go directly online. You can be named or remain anonymous. At Scotland’s most-read hotel guide we greatly value the tremendous feedback we have from our readers. Thanks!

Disability Information: The hotel has 4 bedrooms adapted for disabled guests. There is a lift to all floors and access from West George Street is easy. Queen Street station is a short distance from the main door.

Ghàidhlig: Gheibhear Ghàidhlig an seo an uair ‘s gu bheil an taigh-òsta air cuir air dòigh am bucas Seall agus Glèidh™. Tapa leibh

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