citizenM Glasgow

citizenM Glasgow is the stylish mid-range pick for travellers who care more about location, a great bed and a lively lobby than about a big room. It stands at 60 Renfrew Street, at the top of the city centre, in the district of the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall and the Pavilion Theatre, and it puts Buchanan Street's shops, George Square and Queen Street station all within a few minutes' walk. The brand, which now sits within Marriott, built its reputation on a simple formula that suits city breaks well. Rooms are compact but cleverly designed, with an extra-large bed, a powerful rain shower and a tablet that controls the lighting, blinds, temperature and television. Downstairs, the open-plan lobby is designed as a shared living room, with designer furniture, books and art, and the canteenM serves breakfast, coffee, snacks and drinks around the clock. Check-in is quick and largely self-service, which suits independent travellers.

Location and getting around: from Renfrew Street you can walk to almost everything in the centre. Mackintosh at the Willow is around the corner on Sauchiehall Street, the street art tour meets about fifteen minutes away on Mitchell Street, and Central Station is a few minutes beyond Buchanan Street. Buchanan Bus Station, where the Highland day tours depart, is close by, which is a real advantage for an early start. Buchanan Street and Cowcaddens subway stations link you to the West End in minutes.

Rooms and who it suits: every room is essentially the same size and layout, which keeps things simple; the bed fills the window end of the room, so it suits couples and solo travellers far better than families, who would need two rooms. It is ideal for concert-goers, theatre lovers, business travellers and anyone who likes a sociable, modern atmosphere.

Good to know: the official citizenM web address now redirects to Marriott, so you may see the hotel listed there. There is no dedicated hotel car park, so arrive by train or bus if you can. Breakfast is optional and charged separately in the canteen. Ask for a higher floor for views and quieter nights, especially on concert evenings in the district, and remember the 5 percent Glasgow visitor levy.