I stay at the Uplawmoor Hotel on business for about 4 or 5 nights per month. Due to the location of my business, I have little choice of where to stay which is why I chose this hotel. The hotel is situated in the middle of nowhere, the nearest major town being Barhead, which is about five miles away; however, I find this preferable to staying in Glasgow itself.

The accommodation is basic but quite spacious with double and twin rooms available and but very reasonably priced. All rooms have en suite facilities, TV with Sky Sport and one movie channel, tea and coffee facilities etc. A recent added bonus for the business traveller is the addition of wireless Broadband Internet access, although a little pricey at £10.00 for your first night with reduction thereafter.

All of the rooms are looking very tired, with décor that dates back to the late eighties. The heating system is not that good, so if can feel a little cold during the winter. The bathrooms are a little bit grubby and the large patches of damp above the shower cubicle are a little unsightly. The showers are adequate, but not great, and have hot water problems first thing in the morning. The beds are not very comfortable, but are okay for couple of nights.

I do have it on good authority that the rooms are due for (an over due) refurbishment in the New Year which should improve the feel of the hotel immensely. For the time being, what the accommodation lacks is offset a little by the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff and the excellent food available in both the bar and the restaurant. Although the menus don’t change much (it’s been the same for the last nine months), the food is of excellent quality and quantity with excellent service from the staff. The bar and restaurant areas are traditionally decorated, with a large central open fire in the restaurant bar.

If you are used to modern, clinical hotels, then perhaps you had better stay in Glasgow. I would currently recommend staying at this hotel for a couple nights at the most, whether on business or holiday, but don’t expect too much from your room. Providing the refurbishment in 2006 is substantial, i.e. not simply a change of wallpaper and a cursory lick of paint, then the experience at the Uplawmoor Hotel will be greatly improved.

Pros:

Value for money
Excellent food
Friendly staff

Cons:

Rooms are looking very tired
Showers are not much cop
No local amenities