Brilliant for the business visitor (Thistle Hotel Glasgow)

Member Name: honey000

Product:	Thistle Hotel Glasgow
Date:	06/11/09 (62 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good service, comfort food

Disadvantages: Not cheap but if the companies paying!

I often have to travel to sunny Glasgow for work and have stayed at a number of hotels in the centre.

The Thistle is located one block away from the main shopping street (Sauchiehall Street) and is around 10 minutes walk from Central Station (or a £3.60 taxi ride - if like me you are seven months pregnant and not going to lug a case in the rain!).

Reception
This is a large scale hotel - it caters for large groups and conferences so the reception is very spacious. There are normally 2 or 3 staff on the desk and if a large group is expected there will be a separate reception desk for them - brilliant if you want to check in quickly.

The staff are both friendly and efficient - they will book you in quickly and offer directions to your room. Don't expect personal service such as being taken up to your room - this is a business hotel - so strictly find your own way!

Rooms
Are newly redectorated and very comfortable. They are all ensuite and are cleaned to the highest standard. no hairs in the bath plug here! The bathroom has a good sized bath and a powerful shower, expect some nice cosmetics - shower gel and shampoo -no moisturiser unfortunately.

The beds are comfortable - with pillows and cushions and a duvet.

Each room has air con and heating so you can control your own temperature.

TVs are supplied - plasma flat screen ones - channels include BBC - channel 5 plus Sky sports 1-3 and Sky News plus various radio stations.

There is a kettle, iron, ironing board and work desk -plus chairs and a coffee table so plenty of room to relax and work.

Internet connection is pricey at £15 for 24 hours - again if work is paying then not a problem!

Hotel facilities
There is a restaurant serving good quality meals. If you prefer something more relaxed try the bar. Drink prices are steep as you would expect for a business hotel £2.95 for a lime and soda on Wednesday!

Room service is available 24 hours - serving a great range of food from sandwiches, through pizza, pasta, and fine dining plus a great range of wine and drink!

My personal favourite is the baked beans on toast with grated cheese - available for £4.95 in the bar or £4.95 + a £5.00 tray charge for room service.

I didnt say that this hotel was cheap!

Staff
Are very friendly and helpful - they cant do enough for you.

Leisure
There is a gym, swimming pool, sauna, steam room, spa which guests can use for free. THis is a real treat after a hard days work!

Towels are provided and you just need a £1 for the locker.

There is no lifeguard on duty so swim at your own risk!

there is also a beauty centre offering treatments at very reasonable prices - £20 for a 30 minute facial - £35 for a 60 - 75 minute facial. This is probably expensive for Glasgow but good compared to London prices!

Breakfast
Time your attack well- if you hit the peak time you can wait to be seated - I once waited 20 minutes for a table which was a nightmare. Normally though you are seated straight away.

you have a choice of the hot or cold buffet - juices, fruit, cereals, bread / pastries, or full english. Food is good - no dried out baked beans in the hot buffet and the scrambled egg looks very edible!

The coffee is a little weak for my taste - but that is a personal thing.

you can grab a complimentary newspaper to read over breakfast too.

Checking out - again, there any normally plenty of staff so it is very efficient.

Price
i guess one of the most important things - standard room rates are £200 for a double on a room only basis with breakfast weighing in at a hefty £12.95.

HOWEVER, book ahead - using hotels.com, expedia , laterooms etc and you can get much better pricing.

I paid £80 per night for a superior double this week for two nights (plus £12.95 for breakfast each day) so very reasonable. All major cards are accepted. If you want to put items onto your room bill you will have to leave a card imprint on check in.

Overall
a great business hotel - for leisure I would only stay here if I could get a good deal as it is pricey but I know they do great value weekend deals. Definitely worth a look if you are visiting Glasgow!

Summary: Give this a go!