Holiday Inn Express Glasgow (Holiday Inn Glasgow City West)

Member Name: numummy

Product:	Holiday Inn Glasgow City West
Date:	30/09/08 (43 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Clean, comfortable enough and polite staff

Disadvantages: Don't rely on the room service at peak times

Often overlooked, this hotel is located within walking distance of many of the fantastic amenities that Glasgow has to offer and is fairly close to many of the head offices of the Life and Banking institutions that the city is home to. There was little outside noise at night (or maybe I am a heavy sleeper!), though walking back from the city centre after dark is not advisable for a lone female as the area is reputedly a 'red light district' though I saw no evidence of this myself.
There is an M&S Simply Food and a Sainsbury's express close by for those forgotten essentials / extra snacks!
The concierge that was working during the period I stayed (approx. 11 weeks!), was generally polite and helpful. Taxis are often parked on-site and easily summoned if not. (Glasgow taxi drivers are amongst the most reliable in my experience - Liverpool is another story!)
Check in was normally efficient though there were often long queues at peak times. Requests for smoking/non smoking/room swaps were generally accomodated.
The staff in the restaurant were usually polite and helpful, though the quality of food could easily be outdone by trying one of the great restaurants the city has to offer. The vegetarian options are limited.
The rooms are clean, comfortable and appointed to a reasonable standard, though some are very small. Suites are better in terms of size, and often offer a sofa as well as a bed. A more desirable option for business travellers who may have work to do.
The bathrooms are also reasonable, offering basic toiletries and for those who upgrade, robe and slippers.
There are mini bars with not-too over priced drinks. On some occasions these had chocolate and crisps too, but at high prices.
The room service was where the hotel, in my view, let itself down during my stay, as it was often difficult to get through and often the individual answering struggled to comprehend requests.
On many occasions I ordered Penne Arrabiata, only to find that it appeared someone had emptied a tin of chopped tomatoes over the pasta! Clearly the arrabiata element was a mystery to the 'chef' who had prepared it!
Breakfast in room was a much better and reliable experience though, with plenty of choice and reasonably priced.
Overall, perhaps not one for a romantic break or honeymoon, but certainly acceptable for someone travelling for work who has realistic standards when it comes to UK hotels. Given the choice between the Novotel and the H.I, I would opt for the H.I - if only because it supplies Duvets rather than just sheets and blankets!

Late addition: try http://www.hiexpressglasgow.co.uk/ for the latest availability and prices - rates appear to start from £59.00 (incl. continental breakfast)

Summary: A reasonably priced, reasonably comfortable stay in an amazing city