Heads on Beds: Marks Hotel, Glasgow

There’s no shortage of beds in Scotland’s city of culture, but until quite recently the hotel offering has been limited in terms of style and quality. Now a flurry of activity in the boutique and luxury markets has helped filled this vacuum.

The Marks, the only independently owned hotel of its size in the city, opened in September 2007. After picking up the business from pack-’em-in Irish chain Bewleys, local entrepreneur Stuart Wilson reopened it a year later as Marks Hotel, once a refit had taken it from a three to four-star. The boutique styling was masterminded by another local – Catherine Henderson Design – who’s turned around the interior of a difficult property. The contemporary One Ten Bar & Grill is pulling in the public with a high-quality brasserie menu, served up in stylish surroundings, while the same kitchen dishes up an outstanding cooked Scottish breakfast to hotel guests.

The Marks might still be finding its feet, but it’s doing a good job catering for the mid-range traveller, at very competitive rates. It has its four stars and some innovative plans, aspiring to catch up with some high-end competitors. Support of local arts and culture are part of the effort to maintain its independent feel: this year the hotel sponsors the Glasgow International Jazz Festival (20-29 June), when Buddy Guy will stay in one of the duplex suites and One Ten will host some events.

Track it down

The Marks is in the heart of the city centre, a short walk from Glasgow Central and Buchanan Bus Station, with their links to Glasgow airport, which is otherwise a 30-minute taxi ride. The Merchant City, the revamped business quarter bursting with hip shops and eateries, is just 10 minutes to the east; while the upmarket West End, whose shops and nightlife maintain a bohemian vibe, is also on the doorstep.

Check in

The renovation of the ground floor, including One Ten Bar & Grill, has given the lobby and reception a sleek style that sets the tone for the rooms. Check-in is quick and efficient. The staff are warm and helpful.

Room to manoeuvre

Of the 102 rooms, five are suites (including a two-bedroom duplex), eight are doubles and the rest are twins (double and single bed) and triples (double, single and sofa-bed). My twin was reasonably proportioned, with a skyline view, desk and occasional table with chairs. But in these days of oversized beds, the standard double was a squeeze, albeit with comfy mattress. There are plans to take extra beds out of some rooms, creating more spacious environments with queen-size beds and armchairs. The suites will be first to get a further upgrade over the next year – individual furniture and art will adorn the rooms, showcasing local designers and artists.

The use of bold-print wallpaper and deep-hue soft furnishings against a cream background has given the rooms a contemporary lift. The inherited contract furniture, while inoffensive, lets down the look a little, but is under review for when the next stage of refurbishment rolls out across the rooms. The bathrooms – they vary in size, so ask if it’s important – are perfectly functional, but need some attention to detail: stylish tiling, four-star showerheads and a more generous selection of smellies (already supplied by local company Arran Aromatics) are on the cards. Plasma TVs are standard. Only the suites have DVDs, although they are planned for all rooms.

Get connected

There is complimentary Wifi and broadband access in all rooms and in the public areas.

Fitness regime

There are no facilities on site, but corporate guests can use the hotel’s memberships to the local LA Fitness centre, just a short jog away.

Raid the minibar

Only suites have mini-bars. There is complimentary bottled water in all rooms and the basic tea and coffee-making facilities are due an overhaul to include herbal infusions and biscuits. Room service is available 24 hours.

Breakfast news

Free newspapers are available in the lobby and bar. Guests can order papers for the following day, which will be added to their bill.

Rack rate

Doubles from £89 per night room-only. From £99 with a full Scottish breakfast.

The address

Marks Hotel, 110 Bath Street, Glasgow (00 44 141 353 0800; markshotels.com).

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