voco Grand Central Glasgow

The Grand Central has been one of Glasgow's great railway hotels since 1883, and it still has the swagger to prove it. It wraps around Glasgow Central Station at 99 Gordon Street, so you can step off a train from London or the airport bus and be in your room in minutes, and its Victorian staircase, high ceilings and marble give it a sense of occasion that newer hotels cannot match. Now part of IHG's voco brand, it calls itself Glasgow's most iconic hotel. The signature space is Champagne Central, a glamorous bar and restaurant with windows that look down over the station concourse, serving cocktails, small plates, brunch and afternoon tea; the hotel has two restaurants in all. Room types run from Cosy rooms and Standard rooms through Premium and Grand rooms to suites, so you can match the room to your budget. There is a fitness centre, and a traditional Scottish breakfast is served.

Location and getting around: you could not be more central. Buchanan Street, the main shopping street, is two minutes away; the Merchant City and George Square are a short walk east; the street art tour meets a few streets away on Mitchell Street; and St Enoch subway station puts the West End within minutes. Trains from Central run to the Burrell at Pollokshaws West and to the Clyde coast, and the walk to Buchanan Bus Station for Highland day tours takes about fifteen minutes.

Rooms and who it suits: the Cosy rooms are compact and best for solo travellers or short stays; couples should choose a Standard or Premium room, and the Grand rooms and suites bring more space and period character. The hotel suits rail travellers, first-timers who want everything on foot, and anyone who enjoys a historic building with a lively bar. Rooms facing the station can hear some activity, so ask for a quieter room if you are a light sleeper.

Good to know: check-in is from 3pm and check-out at noon, with early and late options on request. There is no hotel car park; the nearest public car park, NCP Oswald Street, is about 500 metres away for a daily fee. Check whether breakfast is included in your rate, and book Champagne Central for afternoon tea or a weekend brunch, as it is popular with locals too.