This is an interesting concoction. The hotel was, seemingly, renovated not too long ago and felt appropriately fresh. The décor has been described elsewhere as modern and even a major draw. For me it was as if someone had tried to recreate a psychedelic sixties Carnaby Street flavour and had chickened out halfway through. The somewhat lukewarm approach was nowhere more apparent than in the rooms. Cool and hip colour schemes mixed awkwardly with the left-over furnishings from the previous incarnation as an ordinary business hotel. Purples and whites clashed with dreary, standard-issue pine furniture that sadly survived the renovation.
However, as should have become clear, these points of negative criticism are all a matter of personal taste. What this should not do is prevent you from coming here. Admittedly, there are better places to stay at in Glasgow but you can do also much worse. Once again the star-rating of hotels showed its randomness and lack of meaning. Where Marks Hotel got its four-star rating from was difficult to see.
What is quite easy to find is that this establishment is five-star plus where staff are concerned. Friendly without being too relaxed, professional without being stuffy everyone will do their utmost to make one’s stay enjoyable – from reception through to bar and restaurant. The latter (One Ten Bar & Grill), by the way, is worth a visit even if you are not staying at the hotel. My steak was perfect, the creamy mash a silky-smooth affair and the before-mentioned service excellent. Wash that down with a Tempranillo and the world looks that important touch lovelier.
Conclusion: Glasgow is always a good place to be – and so is this. Look beyond the wallpaper (if it is not your thing) and you’ll find a hotel that makes people want to return. Alternatives might be the Carlton George for something cosier or the Hotel du Vin for sheer class. Otherwise you’ll have to try hard to go wrong here.







