Hilton, Glasgow, Scotland

It may feel a bit out on a limb but you're only 20 minutes from the airport and a mile from the West End and the Ovo Centre. The city centre is a ten-minute walk and good transport by bus and the 'clockwork railway' will get you anywhere else you want to go. Turn right and walk along St Vincent Street and you'll soon find yourself in the thick of bars, restaurants, and shops; or for local credibility, turn left for the Two Fat Ladies at the Buttery - a Glasgow institution.

By plane: flights from London to Glasgow take 1 hour 15 minutes. The hotel is a 15-minute drive. Parking costs £15 per day. Book flights to Glasgow.

By train: 4 hours 30 minutes from London and 3 hours from Manchester. The hotel is a 10-minute walk from Glasgow Central station. Book trains to Glasgow.

The vast central atrium reverberating feels a bit like a smart airport, as do the acres of industrial carpet and neutral colours, except it's much more relaxed, with no one hurrying anywhere.

Of course you expect laundry and room service, as well as the parking, gym and pool, but what stops this enormous hotel from feeling coldly impersonal is the warmly welcoming, endlessly patient staff.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Swimming pool
• Fitness centre
• On-site parking
• Free Wi-Fi

Inescapably restful with lots of quiet colours and king-sized beds with duvets tucked in tight enough to bounce a coin; pull back the curtains for hypnotic views. Trade up to Deluxe for bathrobe, slippers and Nespresso machine.

Room types: Room, Double Room, Deluxe Room, Deluxe Double Room, Executive Room, Executive Double Room, Executive Suite, Executive 2 Bedroom Suite

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, hairdryer, tea and coffee facilities, iron and ironing board, TV, free Wi-Fi

The Whisky Mist Bar and Kitchen just off the main lobby works hard at being all things to all people, but it's not really a place to linger. It's the sort of place that's perfect when you're too tired to go out - try comforting chicken tikka masala or truffle mac and cheese.

Whisky Mist Bar & Kitchen: all-day dining and whisky cocktails. Mains include fish and chips, chicken tikka masala and burgers. Open daily, 8am-10:30pm.

Dilmah Lounge: afternoon tea and light bites. Open Thu-Sun, 12-5pm. From £24.50 per person.