I do love a hotel stay. You're not at home, so you couldn't do housework if you tried - it's enforced relaxation, and who doesn't love that?!
So a couple of Sundays ago, I had tickets to go to Panic!at the Disco at Glasgow Hydro. I don't stay too far from Glasgow, so theoretically I could have come home after the gig. But with the gig finishing too late to get the last train home on a Sunday night, and a taxi costing £50-60, I decided the best option would be to get a hotel for the night. Any excuse for a cheeky hotel stay, really!
Glasgow Hydro is a great gig location, partly due to the fact that there are several hotels on or near the campus. Over the years, I have stayed at most of them. Some are good, some are basic but fine, but they all have the convenience factor. This time I decided to try out the new hotel on the block - the Radisson Red which opened its doors last year. I'd heard good things about its rooftop bar, but no one I knew had stayed there, so I booked and hoped for the best.
Check in time was 3pm, and my friend and I were meeting for drinks and food before the gig. I arrived in the very spacious and modern lobby of Radisson just after 3, already tired out by the journey to get there while carrying my overnight bag as well as my things for work the next morning. I was very much looking forward to getting to my room, getting to put my bags down and relaxing for a while before getting ready for the evening.
So you can imagine I was none too happy when I was told my room wasn't ready because the hotel had been fully booked the night before. I pointed out that check in time was 3pm, and I really wanted to get into my room. I was about to launch in to a very pointed tirade about not making the customer wait, when another hotel team member obviously noted my distress and intervened and said they would switch my room to another type to save me from waiting. I was very relieved - and also very impressed at this level of pro-active customer service.
They put me in a new room - an upgrade to a corner suite. And I have to say when I entered the room I was very impressed indeed! The decor was very contemporary, light and bright with pops of colourful modern art, and not overcrowded with furniture. The room was very spacious and airy, with dual aspect windows flooding the room with light. Facilities wise, the room had everything you'd want - a giant comfortable bed, with a sofa and a huge TV. There was also a fridge in a locker style cupboard, just perfect for storing a pre and post gig bottle or two. A big plus for me was the plentiful plug sockets (outlets for my US readers) and USB charging ports - some very conveniently placed near a mirror to do my hair and make up!
There was also a table for five in the corner, a great spot for sitting to have a drink with friends or simply gazing out of the floor to ceiling windows. Of course, I can't forget the bathroom, which again was spacious with a very generous sized and powerful shower and some lovely luxury toiletries.
I have to say I enjoyed this hotel room so much I almost wish I could have spent the night lounging in the room watching TV, or people watching out of the windows with a glass or several of wine. However, the gig was amazing and I managed a few hours post-gig enjoying being in the room.
The Radisson Red team have definitely hit the right tone with this hotel. The rooms are spacious and make the perfect place to relax and get ready for a gig at the next door Hydro. The reception area is cool, with games and seats to while away some downtime, and it's also home to the beautifully designed Oui Bar and Kitchen - I didn't get a chance to experience this or the rooftop Red Sky bar, but I'll definitely be back and I'll make sure to check those out next visit.
So if you're looking for a stylish contemporary hotel in Glasgow, do check out Radisson - and I might see you there!
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