We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers: Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.
Free Newsletter

Interested in Babbity Bowster and Glasgow?

We'll send you updates with the latest deals, reviews and articles for Babbity Bowster and Glasgow each week.

  • Save Babbity Bowster
  • E-mail this page

Babbity Bowster: Traveler Reviews


No photo provided
16-18 Blackfriars Street, Glasgow G1 1PE, Scotland
Find Cheap Flights to Glasgow

Traveler Reviews

87% Recommend
3.5 of 5 stars 16 reviews
Excellent
Very good
Average
Poor
Terrible
By trip type
All (16)
Family (0)
Solo travel (0)
[ Date ] [ Rating ]
Oh for babbity and cullen skink again...

Babbity Bowster

Save Review
4 of 5 stars
Britomartis 6 contributions
Ottawa, Canada
Apr 10, 2005
9/9 found this review helpful

My brother and I stayed here for 2 nights and while I admit the room
was
small,utilitarian and the carpet needed a good clean, it was neat and the twin beds
comfortable - although my brother thought the duvet was a sheet not a
cover
which was a little funny. We just shrugged our shoulders and went with
the
flow. The high marks are because the staff were absolutely wonderful
to us,
the place is full of character, and the owner quite the charmer! My
brother, being a beer aficionado, really enjoyed sampling the brews
altho I
think he did put off the owner with his request for clamato juice (a
Canadian perversion I think...). I believe the young bar ladies who
put the
one couple off about the food were having a bit of fun with them. The
food
is very, very good and we thoroughly enjoyed dinner - I'm a cullen
skink
addict now. The lovely substantial breakfast we had was excellent as
well.
This is a place full of character and fun and the impromptu musical
session
we witnessed one night really added to an enjoyable short stay. If
you
want supercilious attitude and pretentiousness stay at the The Howard
in
Edinburgh which treated us like something they scraped off their shoes.

  • My ratings for this hotel
    • 3 of 5 stars Value
    • 3 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 3 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
  • Date of stay January 2005
  • Member since April 27, 2005
  • I recommend this hotel for Young singles
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
beer at its best

Babbity Bowster

Save Review
4 of 5 stars
A TripAdvisor Member
Rugby, England
Mar 22, 2005
3/3 found this review helpful

I came to Glasgow on a 2 day real pub crawl and so stayed at the CAMRA Good Beer Guide Babbity.The rooms were clean and tidy and suprisingly quiet.The landlord is a charachter and the staff knowledgable.The food is high quality and to be recommended.It also has a separate restaurant.You should also try the traditional breakfasts.The location is also very good.Only slightly on the outskirts but certainly walking distance.There are plenty of pubs nearby.As for the beer of the 30 odd different ales I tried all weekend the best two were from the Babbity.Quality.

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
Would not recommend this hotel

Babbity Bowster

Save Review
1 of 5 stars
A TripAdvisor Member
San Diego, California
Nov 17, 2004
4/8 found this review helpful

I have to completely disagree with the reviews here. My husband and I stayed at this hotel for one night in October after reading these great reviews and also reading about the Babbity Bowster in a travel book. We have traveled throughout Europe and this hotel was quite a dissappointment. Our room was nothing more than a bed, dresser and small bathroom. The shower was completely disgusting - let's just say that black mold was not a welcome showering companion. The carpet was old and worn. There isn't an elevator so we had to lug our bags up two flights of stairs ourselves. The location was decent and is walking distance to most attractions. The food and drinks in the pub were good and we enjoyed speaking with the locals. We asked the young girls that work behind the bar what they would recommend to eat and they said that they don't eat there and think the food is disgusting. Needless to say, that didn't sell too well. We had originally booked our room for 2 nights. The most positive thing I have to say about our experience is that they allowed us to check out a day early without any penalty.

  • My ratings for this hotel
    • 3 of 5 stars Value
    • 1 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 1 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 3 of 5 stars Service
  • Date of stay October 2004
  • Member since March 07, 2005
  • I recommend this hotel for Young singles
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
Great Fun!

Babbity Bowster

Save Review
5 of 5 stars
A TripAdvisor Member
May 11, 2004
3/3 found this review helpful

We spent two nights at the Babbity Bowster and had a great time. The staff were helpful (carrying our luggage up two flights of stairs) and the host was genial and offered travel tips and excellent directions. After two weeks of touring, we went back for one last meal in the pub and an ale. We would definitely go back. The accommodations are basic but comfortable and the food was tasty.

  • My ratings for this hotel
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 3 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
  • Date of stay April 2004
  • Member since March 08, 2005
  • I recommend this hotel for Young singles, Tourists
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
Can you keep a secret? This is a great place to stay!

Babbity Bowster

Save Review
5 of 5 stars
A TripAdvisor Member
Apr 13, 2004
8/8 found this review helpful

It is rare to come across a bonny place like this - Babbity Bowster's is a Glaswegan gem. The hotel, while modest in decor, is very comfortable and spotless. And the staff are simply outstanding from reception to housekeeping - they are the pride of Scotland. Of course, the place has more than a tad of character - the owner wears a kilt and also sports a patch over one eye. The pub is well stocked and friendly, packed with laughing locals. The restaurant food is both imaginative and wholesome and the service is excellent. Nothing is too much trouble. For example, we arrived late after the kitchen had closed. But rather than sending us away with empty tummies, the bar staff volunteered to rustle up some 'simple' refreshments - it was a feast!
Now, if only someone could do something about the Glasgow weather!

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
Travelers Who Viewed This Property Also Viewed
Location: Glasgow, Scotland
$155*
Check Rates ABS:HotelCheckRates-d288902?src=ShowUserReviewsHotels&fromServlet=ShowUserReviews&Action=QC_AlsoViewed
Location: Glasgow, Scotland
$76*
Check Rates ABS:HotelCheckRates-d209058?src=ShowUserReviewsHotels&fromServlet=ShowUserReviews&Action=QC_AlsoViewed
Location: Glasgow, Scotland
$193*
Check Rates ABS:HotelCheckRates-d287690?src=ShowUserReviewsHotels&fromServlet=ShowUserReviews&Action=QC_AlsoViewed
*Average price
Write Your Own Hotel Review
Been to Babbity Bowster? Share your experiences!
Write a Review
Add Photos
Add Videos

Do You Own Babbity Bowster?

TripAdvisor has free and easy resources to help you enhance your listing and promote your property.

  • Start Here - Visit Your Owner's Page
  • Add Photo
  • Add Video

Babbity Bowster Also Known As

Address: 16-18 Blackfriars Street, Glasgow G1 1PE, Scotland