Where to Stay in Glasgow (Areas + Favourite Hotels 2023)

Situated on the River Clyde, Glasgow is the biggest city in Scotland. It’s even bigger than the capital city, Edinburgh.

The city is known as the gateway to Scotland and it’s an ideal base to explore this beautiful country. Moreover, Glasgow will fascinate you with its impressive architecture, a nice mixture of Victorian houses and stately public buildings.

The city is divided into few big areas: City Centre, West End, East End, South Side and North Glasgow. Each of these areas contains a few smaller districts. They are marked with the letter G + a digit. So if you look at the address of any hotel you can easily understand where exactly it is located.

As it’s a big city, it may seem a little daunting at first to decide where to stay in Glasgow. But don’t worry, I got you covered! In my guide, you’ll discover the best areas to stay in Glasgow (including recommended hotels with parking and near the Central Train station).

For my trip to Scotland, I chose to stay right in the city centre, in the area between the Merchant City and Finnieston.

This area is very convenient, as Buchanan Street bus station and Central railway station are within walking distance. The Airport Express stops at Buchanan Street station and you can also take a bus to Edinburgh from there. The location is perfect for shopping and restaurants, too.

In a hurry? Looking for a nice hotel with a great location and a good rating?

Then check out The Grand Central Hotel – it’s one of the most popular hotels. This is a great place to stay if you’re visiting the city for sightseeing, shopping or even business.

A lovely 4-star hotel with a perfect location for sightseeing and shopping (close to restaurants and tourist sites). Plus, the spacious rooms have everything you need for a comfortable stay.
Why book – 500m from George Square, restaurant with seasonal locally sourced food, delicious breakfast, spacious rooms

Where to stay in Glasgow, Scotland

• City Centre – the best area for tourists
• Best hotels in Glasgow with parking
• Glasgow Central Station and Buchanan Bus Station – for convenient transport links
• West End – for a local feel

This is also the most convenient area if you plan to explore the rest of Scotland. No matter if you are interested in shopping, sightseeing or nightlife, everything will be at your doorstep.

The City Centre includes the Merchant City (G1), Charing Cross (G2), Woodlands (G3) and St Georges Cross (G4).

Merchant City is located in the eastern part of the City Centre. It is the medieval heart of the city. Merchant City is where the city started 15 centuries ago. Tolbooth Steeple, the only remaining part of the old Town Hall, is here.

Why stay in Glasgow City Centre

• The best area if you’re short on time (everything you need will be at your doorstep).
• The Central Station and Buchanan Street train and bus stations connect you to the rest of Scotland.
• The last stop of the Airport Express is Buchanan Street bus station.
• A major part of the tourist sites is here: Cathedral, Necropolis, Provand’s Lordship, George Square and many museums.
• There are two main shopping malls – the Buchanan Galleries and the St. Enoch Centre.
• Some of my favourite restaurants and cafes are located here. Wilson Street Pantry and Singl-end are great places for breakfast or lunch. Go to Obsession Of India or Bread Meats Bread if you are looking for a delicious dinner. Spend the rest of the evening in Gin71 or BrewDog.

This unique hotel is housed in an old printworks. The location is superb,  just steps away from the historic George Square, shops and bars. The main shopping streets are within a 2 minutes walk. This charming hotel has everything you need for a city break (including free wine and cheese tasting in the evenings).
Why book – next to George Square, HDTV with all Sky Sports and movie channels, quiet rooms, comfy handcrafted beds

If you look for a central hotel for sightseeing, this is the best choice. The location is more than convenient, right in the middle between the Merchant City and Finnieston. You can easily reach on foot all the famous landmarks. With its exceptional rooms and comfy beds, Dakota is a great choice for a city getaway.
Why book – 900m from George Square, full Sky HD package, bar with a Champagne Room and cigar terrace, comfy beds

The Grand Central is one of the most popular family hotels. The location is very convenient, perfect for sightseeing and shopping, everything is within easy reach. Plus, there is a direct entrance to the Central Railway station. The spacious rooms have everything you need for a comfortable stay.
Why book – 500m from George Square, restaurant with seasonal locally sourced food, delicious breakfast, spacious rooms

If you’re looking for a central hotel, look no further. Located in the western part of the city centre, the hotel is close to everything. The Buchanan Street shopping district is within walking distance. The rooms are modern, comfy and feature a flat-screen TV with Sky Sports and Movies.
Why book – 600m from George Square, TV with Sky movies and Sports, comfy beds

For a truly luxurious city break, this is the place to stay. The hotel occupies a gorgeous Georgian building from the 19th century. The luxurious rooms are spacious and feature marble bathrooms. In addition, you’ll find an awesome spa centre with 2 relaxation pools and a private garden.
Why book – 600m from George Square, private garden, awesome spa, rich breakfast

Premier suites plus feature spacious apartments with a living area and a fully equipped kitchen. The location is more than fantastic, right in George Square. This accommodation is an ideal base for shopping, sightseeing and restaurants. In addition, it’s within a few minutes walk to the Queen Street Railway station.
Why book – next to George Square, public parking nearby, friendly staff

Fraser Suites offer awesome apartments housed in a beautifully renovated Victorian building in the Merchant City. The living area features a work desk, DVD player and as well as an iPod dock and satellite TV.
Why book – 600m from George Square, public parking nearby, comfy beds

If you’re travelling by car, I’d recommend you booking a hotel with parking. It’s almost impossible to find free parking in the city centre. Another option is to use any of the numerous car parks (see the cheapest car parks here).

For good accommodation right in the city centre and secured parking, check out the suggestions below. Both places are perfect for sightseeing and exploring the city, as well as the rest of Scotland.

Hilton has the perfect location. The tourist sites, shops and restaurants are just a short walk away. Plus you can easily access the hotel from the main road if you’re arriving by car. Hilton features an excellent breakfast, a good restaurant, spa facilities and a swimming pool. The parking is very convenient, right below the hotel.
Why book – 1km to George Square, private parking with electric vehicle charging station, excellent breakfast

DoubleTree by Hilton is one of the best-rated hotels with parking. Plus, the location is more than fantastic, right in the city centre. The hotel features large rooms with good facilities and comfy beds. Don’t miss to check out the spa and the indoor swimming pool.
Why book – 900m from George Square, private secured parking, comfortable beds

Glasgow Central and Glasgow Queen Street are the two main train stations in the city centre. They are located in less than a 10min walk from each other (and close to tourist attractions).

If you plan to explore Scotland by train (or have an early train to take), choose an accommodation close to the Central Railway station. Take a look at my recommendations below, both have a super convenient location, right opposite the Glasgow Central.

Located opposite the Central Railway station, Motel One is a perfect base for your city break. The hotel features chic, individually designed rooms with cosy box-spring beds.
Why book – opposite the Central station, comfortable beds, safe, helpful staff

Radisson Blu is a modern hotel located opposite the Central train station. It offers spacious rooms with wall-to-ceiling windows and nice bathrooms with heated floors. Everything you need is less than a minute away from your doorstep.
Why book – opposite the Central station, British restaurant, amazing breakfast

Holiday Inn is one of the closest hotels to Buchanan Bus station. Plus, it’s just a short walk to the city’s shopping area. The spacious rooms are light and beautifully decorated in a modern style.
Why book – 150m from Buchanan Bus station, satellite TV with Sky Sports, restaurant on-site, friendly staff

citizenM is located only 300m away from the Buchanan Bus station. The hotel features king size beds, bath linen, rain shower and wall-to-wall windows. It’s the perfect choice for a luxury stay at an affordable cost.
Why book – 300m from Buchanan Bus station, bathroom with rain shower, comfortable beds

Finnieston is a part of the bigger area, called the West End. The district combines old Victorian charm with vintage shops and green parks. You simply can’t help falling in love with the beautiful Georgian and Victorian buildings. This is the best area to stay in Glasgow if you are looking for a more local feel.

Finnieston is also home to Kelvingrove Museum and the University of Glasgow. In addition to Kelvingrove Park, the Botanic Gardens are an arm’s distance away.

Why stay in Finnieston

• A calm area close to the main attractions.
• Must-see sites: the University of Glasgow and Kelvingrove Museum.
• The famous SSE Hydro indoor arena is here. This makes the area convenient if you are visiting the city for a concert.

Radisson RED Hotel is the most popular hotel in West End, perfect location for events at SSE Hydro indoor arena. The hotel features spacious themed rooms with comfy beds. In addition, you’ll find an awesome rooftop bar and a restaurant with craft beer and cocktails.
Why book – central location, rooftop bar with panoramic city views, private secured parking