Glasgow is a city full of impressive, dark-stone buildings. The 19th-century train station, with its red brick-vaulted archways, glass-walled connecting bridge and Edwardian booking offices might be one of the most impressive of all. As a result, the opportunity to stay within it is always going to be an attractive proposition. The Grade A-listed Grand Central, one of Scotland’s most impressive hotels, has operated as part of the voco chain since 2020. The place has an atmosphere all to its own, and stepping through its heavy doors does feel a bit like walking into a different century. Lighting throughout the building is atmosphere-enhancingly dim, combining with the dark-wood fixtures and stone surfaces to create an air of heft and significance. Everything about the layout and the decor is old-world grandiose, and it’s not hard to imagine former guests John F Kennedy, Frank Sinatra and Winston Churchill smoking up a storm in its hallways and bar.
Rooms and suites are styled with a contemporary boutique look. One of the most gee-whizz features in the whole building however, is Champagne Central, the elegant champagne bar with windows overlooking the bustling concourse at the adjacent railway station. Even if you're not staying here, you can pop in for a drink.