Why people should Book Direct.

Saving money and supporting UK Tourism.

Significantly so here in Glasgow.

This extremely informative BBC News South East story kindly detailed by Paul King Saltcote Place

.

Discover Glasgow by Subway

Glasgow’s subway is so easy to navigate due to it running in a circular loop! It’s possible to go clockwise or anti-clockwise; you will eventually be back at your starting point. Running every 4 minutes, it takes just 24 minutes to get around 15 different stops. Because of its simplicity, it’s one of the best ways to travel about the city and is much favoured by both locals and visitors. Tickets are really cheap, with a return costing just £2.90 while a 7-day ticket is only £14 and can sweep you away from the Albion Hotel to the city centre in less than ten minutes. This month, we’d like to help you uncover some of Glasgow’s high spots and all prominent areas are within minutes of a subway station. 

Now, your first priority is to purchase your tickets for the “Clockwork Orange” (so-coined because of it’s dominating orange theme!) and appreciate Scotland’s biggest and best city like a native!

St Enoch Centre

At the southern end of the city centre you’ll come to St Enoch station. Disembark here to find a shopping centre full of well-known retail outlets stocking the newest trends, or stroll the length of the famous Argyle Street and experience the dynamic vibe of the city, having a sit down for coffee and donuts at Tim Hortons while enjoying a host of brilliant buskers along the way. 

Cowcaddens

Artist Rogue-One has, without a doubt, revitalised one of the less attractive areas in Glasgow. Cowcaddens station is well positioned to visit treasures such as Singl-End bakehouse and the Tenement House, and has been given a revamp in recent times with a utterly surprising mural, enhancing it’s previously grey walls. We won’t reveal too much so as to not ruin the surprise, but we recommend that you go see it!

Ibrox

Residence of the celebrated Rangers Football Club of course! It’s football gold, really. Home to one of two famous Glasgow teams, Ibrox is a true fixture on the Glasgow landscape and consistently draws in the fans with it’s exciting atmosphere on match day !

Kelvinbridge  

This subway stop is so near to our residence, you won’t even need to take a train! It’s certainly one to remember though because this station is slap-bang in the centre of the West End – half way along Great Western Road and a mere five minutes from Byres Road. It’s encompassed by many of the finest shops, cafes, bars and eateries in Glasgow; try the tremendously popular Kelvin Pocket for a chilled out ambience, great music and delightful coffee and cakes, or Inn Deep for craft beers and really delicious eats. 

Kelvinhall

Located amongst the bustle of Partick’s main street, you won’t need to wander far from Kelvinhall station to find the Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery, with its historical and glorious collections and intriguing events schedule. Have a roam through the park to completely immerse yourself in one of Glasgow’s most inviting green spaces – you will be glad you did, even in the winter cold!

Shop Til You Drop: Glasgow’s Style Mile!

Let’s be honest. The Glasgow climate can be a bit unpredictable more often than not. But the one great pastime that’s sure to cajole us out to the city centre in any conditions, is an opportunity to shop along the famous Style Mile. We hold our hands up – we’re shop-a-holics. If you, like us, love to browse the fashion aisles then watch as your newest find is lovingly swathed in gift wrap (even though its obviously a gift to yourself – we won’t tell if you don’t!), then read on to be in the know about which of our top locations to visit, on the Mile when you’re next in town. 

Princes Square Mall

This ritzy-looking venue isn’t your typical mall. It houses luxury high-street brands like French Connection, Ted Baker and Le Creuset, you’ll also be spoiled with a designer selection from the likes of Vivienne Westwood. Plus, their dining options are first-class. Independent and chain restaurants are situated either in the basement – where a central open space plays host to regular markets, fairs and concerts – or on the top level of the mall, where the glass roof gives diners lots of natural light. 

 

Argyll Arcade

Looking for the perfect ring to present as a special question is popped? then Argyll Arcade is the place to go. This 19th century shopping space’s architecture has stayed largely untouched and is a favourite haunt for watch and jewellery connoisseurs. You can find the big brands of course, like Mappin & Webb, Ernest Jones and Omega, where you can opt for a wow-factor watch or necklace to mark an occasion. Smaller jewellers aren’t to be dismissed though, such as ROX Diamonds and Thrills and Laings of Glasgow definitely make their presence known, boasting specialists of the highest standard in their field – really helpful for advice prior to a large purchase. 

Buchanan Galleries

For department stores such as John Lewis and a huge Boots, you’ll discover it all under one roof at Buchanan Galleries. If you’ve walked from the beginning of the Mile – St Enoch Square – it’s probably going to be coffee o’clock, so have a sit down and relax at Starbucks, Costa, or John Lewis’ very own café. The kids will be pulling you along to play at the Lego store, or you can treat yourself to something pretty at Boux Avenue. Remember to explore the bottom floor before you go. to pick up a Krispy Kreme donut, tasty pretzel from Mr Cinnamon or even bubble tea at MooBoo.
 

After a fabulous shopping spree, your tired feet will have earned a much deserved rest back at the hotel. Check out our regular blog to keep posted on our latest deals for the Albion Hotel and enjoy the Style Mile in, well, style!

Our Travel Tips!

We welcome travellers from the around the globe through our doors every week of the year and frequently get asked questions about the practicalities of a stay in the UK. In this month’s blog we hope to explain the basics to you, so if you’re coming from a long distance away, you can make yourself comfortable as quickly as possible and enjoy your stay at the Albion Hotel to the max. 

Power Up

In the UK we use 13 AMP plugs with three pins. The voltage is 240v – a little higher than in many regions of the world – so check that your appliances can function at this level. Before you depart your home country, or at the airport, purchase a plug converter to make sure you are fully prepared on your arrival. 

Getting Around

The Albion Hotel is only a few minutes’ walk from the nearest SPT Subway Station. The subway map can appear a bit confusing at first, given that it’s simply a circle! There are 14 stops, and a single ticket whisks you to whichever stop you wish on one line, meaning you’ll pay the same amount if you want to get off at stop 12 as you would stop 4, for example. Trains are really regular throughout the day but be aware – the Subway stops operating in the early evening on a Sunday! Buses are also a great choice for travelling around the city, although exact change or card payment is required and they can be a little bit costly. 

For sheer convenience and peace of mind that you’re in the right place, use a taxi. Reception staff are always available to call you a cab whenever you may need one, just remember that black cabs from Glasgow Taxis take card payments while private hire cars only take cash. Glasgow also has an extensive Uber network. 

Finally, airport travel to and from Glasgow International is simple! A designated, express bus service operates up to every 10 minutes, 24 hours a day (less frequently very late at night). A return ticket is just £12 and buses are clean, comfortable and also have USB charging ports, free 4G WiFi on-board and accepts contactless payments up to £30. Journey takes 15 minutes.

Stay Warm

If you’ve learned anything about Scotland, you’ll have heard about our weather. Glasgow and the wider region can get very cold, especially during the winter months. Expect to require a warm, waterproof coat, hat, scarf and gloves at the very least. Remember to bring an umbrella and pack some thermal underwear too – just in case!

Health Matters

Getting ill on holiday can be a real pain in the neck, so we’re here to make sure you’re prepared if the worst should happen. Hospital Emergency Rooms are open 24/7 every day of the year, and the city has a couple of late-night pharmacies just a short taxi ride away from our hotel too. Here you’ll be able to get over the counter treatments for minor ailments and sickness, to keep you feeling in tip-top condition. Our water here in Scotland is safe to drink and, compared to the rest of the UK, is known for its purity – it does trickle down our mountain
peaks you know! 

 

Live Like A Local

In the past, Glasgow was mainly recognised for its ship building industry, rowdy pubs and chucking anything that was edible into a deep-fat fryer. Now the city has experienced rather a rejuvenation. As one of the most vibrant, friendly cities in the UK, Glasgow offers thousands of eateries, an exciting events calendar which is world-class, and a marvellously colourful multicultural spirit. Property is being bought up at a rate of noughts, and the city continues to expand on its 21st century transformation, year after year. 

With a whole host of tourist attractions on offer, this month is a bit different in that we’d like to offer you a taste of what it’s like to live here, with examples of activities and popular hang-outs frequented by locals. 

Hunt for the Next-Big-Thing in the Art World

Galleries are all over Glasgow, but if they’re not on your radar, they can be easy to miss. Hidden in plain sight, amid bustling shopping streets, or at the top of Glasgow tenement buildings, if you’re not clued up, a lot of them can skip your attention. We recommend going to visit Mary Mary in the city centre, and The Vacant Space on Argyle Street. Exhibiting crazily different works from one another, Mary Mary is well-known for attracting pieces by international artists, while the latter typically displays work from Scottish artists. Both are a must-see and, if you follow them on social media, you’re likely to discover an exhibition opening which attracts locals…and free fizz!

Where to Stay?

The Albion Hotel, of course! Our residence is within walking distance of two subway stations (which is the favoured mode of transport for Glaswegians in our area) and only a few steps from the best of the West End, the trendiest neighbourhood in the city. 

Eating and Drinking with the Residents

Glasgow boasts a vast array of restaurants, with every kind of cuisine you could imagine, so you really are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining out. To get a feel for the city we recommend going a wee bit off the beaten track. For vegan options try the Hug and Pint. Hailed as one of Scotland’s finest restaurants in 2016, anticipate contemporary, cruelty-free cuisine with live entertainment 7 nights a week. For the carnivores amongst you who love their meat and fish, options are plentiful. Brewdog’s Doghouse in the Merchant City offer lots of hot wings and smoky burgers, plus 25 types of craft beer. For a chilled vibe, shabby chic decor and vintage couches galore, get yourself to the Butterfly and Pig on Bath Street – late opening hours make this the ultimate spot to eat and drink all night. 

Fancy a Dance?

At last, if you’re in the mood for dancing, we in this city know how to party, and Glasgow boasts one of the most vibrant music and club night scenes north of the border. Subclub is the ultimate venue for live DJs, Sanctuary rates highly for top ten hits and One Up and the atmospheric Arta welcome a (slightly!) more mature party-goer.