During my recent press trip to Scotland, I had the pleasure of staying at the Voco Grand Central Glasgow, an IHG hotel. Nestled in the heart of the city and directly adjoining Glasgow Central Station, this historic hotel beautifully blends old-world charm with modern comforts, making it an ideal choice for both leisure and business travelers. Over the years, it has hosted a star-studded guest list, including the Rolling Stones and Gene Kelly.
Upon my arrival, Kristi Inal, the front office manager, extended a warm welcome to the New York Jewish Travel Guide (NYJTG). With over 20 years in the hospitality industry, Kristi is a true gem. Her journey began as a tour guide in Estonia, taking advantage of newfound opportunities when Estonia gained independence. Fluent in English and Estonian, she brings invaluable expertise to Voco Grand Central Glasgow. I frequently stay in IHG hotels, and I’m always delighted by their quality, facilities, and staff. The Voco Grand Central in Glasgow stands out as one of my favorites for its beauty, grandeur, and elegance.
The history of the Voco Grand Central Glasgow is fascinating. Built in 1883, the hotel initially served as office space for the railway station, where travelers could buy tickets and manage their luggage. Over the years, it evolved into a luxurious hotel, hosting notable personalities like Winston Churchill, John F. Kennedy, Frank Sinatra, and The Rolling Stones. The hotel’s restaurant, Malmaison, was renowned in the 1960s and 1970s, attracting famous musicians, although Led Zeppelin was infamously turned away for not adhering to the dress code.
In 2020, the hotel underwent a significant renovation, including the addition of air conditioning while maintaining its historic status. Kristi noted that the fifth floor retains its original charm, offering a distinct experience compared to the renovated floors. A unique feature of the hotel is the Clock Tower, a popular meeting point that sets the hotel apart.
The Voco Grand Central Glasgow boasts modern amenities alongside its rich history. It has eight function rooms, making it a prime location for various events, from birthday parties to weddings. Kristi emphasized that it is the only hotel in Glasgow integrated with a train station, providing unmatched convenience for travelers. While city hotels typically lack parking, the Voco’s strategic location allows for easy access to public transport.
The hotel’s ambiance radiates grandeur, with its design accentuated by a magnificent lobby chandelier, which held the title of Europe’s longest until 1980. The hotel also has historical significance in broadcasting, as John Logie Baird sent the first television signal to London from the fourth floor in 1927. A suite named after him honors this achievement, along with other notable suites like the Kennedy Suite and those named after John Doe Gilbert and Sir Robert Rowan Anderson, the hotel’s architect. Kristi added that the hotel has seven floors, with the top two floors, once staff living quarters, now empty and unused.
The hotel is within easy walking distance of central Glasgow attractions, including Princes Square and the Buchanan Street shopping area. Prime attractions include the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow City Chambers, and the Macintosh at the Willow Tea Rooms on Sauchiehall Street. Glasgow Central Tours offers 90-minute tours of the station several times each day.
Awarded the Best Hotel Bar in Glasgow at the 2019 Best Bar None Awards, Champagne Central Bar is the go-to place for glamorous cocktails for guests and locals alike. Take afternoon tea in the Champagne Lounge or enjoy a cocktail while watching the hustle and bustle across the station concourse. The luxurious semicircular Champagne Bar, with its unique view of the train station, provides visual theater and a historic ambiance.
Kristi also shared fascinating details about the staff and their symbolic signs. The staff in the Champagne Bar and function rooms wear a flamingo sign, symbolizing their constant movement in serving guests. Front office staff wear a finch sign, reflecting their communicative nature, while an owl marks bedroom doors, symbolizing wisdom and rest. Additionally, the hotel’s wide corridors were designed to accommodate the large dresses of the past.
The Voco Grand Central Glasgow is exceptionally family- and pet-friendly. Kristi has implemented a special check-in process for children, complete with registration cards, wristbands, and complimentary hot chocolate. The hotel also accommodates guests with disabilities, with six accessible rooms designed to cater to various needs. The lobby can be accessed from the concourse entrance, and all public areas are conveniently reachable by elevator. There are four specially equipped bedrooms, three with accessible showers and one with an accessible bath, all with grab rails, emergency pull cords, and wheelchair-height peepholes in the door.
Safety and security are paramount at the Voco Grand Central Glasgow. Kristi works closely with an external security company, particularly during large conferences and events, to ensure the safety of all guests. Kristi’s tour of the hotel was invaluable, and her knowledge of every detail made the experience engaging and informative.
The Voco Grand Central Glasgow, an IHG hotel, is a remarkable establishment that combines historical grandeur with modern luxury. Whether you’re visiting Glasgow for business or pleasure, this hotel offers an unparalleled experience that is sure to exceed your expectations.
For additional information,
Voco Grand Central Glasgow, 99 Gordon Street, Glasgow, G1 3SF Telephone: +44 141 221 3388 Website: grandcentral.com
Authored by Meyer Harroch, New York Jewish Travel Guide.com, and New York Jewish Guide.com
For thorough assistance in arranging your kosher excursion to Scotland, connect with Kosher Scotland. Visit their website at Kosher Scotland or email them at office@kosherscotland.com for all the essential details.
