If the latest season of The Traitors has inspired dreams of a Scottish getaway, a stunning five-star retreat in the heart of Glasgow offers a uniquely luxurious base. The Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel, located just a ten-minute walk from Central Station, provides an elegant urban escape with a spa facility that boasts a feature found nowhere else in Scotland.
A Grand Welcome and Home-From-Home Comforts
Nestled on the quiet, townhouse-lined Blythswood Square, the Kimpton makes a glamorous first impression. Guests are welcomed by a cheerful doorman into a grand foyer adorned with ornate pillars, plush seating, and a multi-storey glittering chandelier. The hotel's thoughtful amenities are designed to make visitors feel instantly at ease.
Spacious rooms, such as the Premier King category, retain original features like fireplaces and baths that can be opened to face the bedroom. Complimentary soft drinks in the minibar and little bottles of local Glaswegian gin and tonic on ice add a personalised touch. The hotel's philosophy extends to providing forgotten essentials like toothbrushes and phone chargers, and even offering a complimentary handbag rental from the prestigious Scottish leather brand, Strathberry.
A notable recent addition is the 'Stay Well' programme, which allows guests to borrow cutting-edge wellness technology, including LED face masks and Therabody muscle recovery devices, directly to their room.
Culinary Highlights and City Exploration
Dining at the hotel is a highlight, centred around its restaurant, iasg – the Gaelic word for fish. As the name suggests, the menu excels in seafood, with the BBQ monkfish coming highly recommended and a notably chunky, perfectly cooked fish and chips. Breakfast offers an excellent continental buffet alongside hearty hot dishes, including full Scottish breakfast options.
For ventures outside the hotel, local recommendations included Ardnamurchan for elevated Scottish classics like vegetarian haggis, the perpetually popular pasta joint Sugo, and the authentic Italian café Sarti for coffee and friendly service.
For first-time visitors to Glasgow, simply wandering the streets to admire the striking architecture and colourful mural trail is a must, followed by a visit to the imposing Gothic Necropolis. The city's cinematic appeal is well-known; the author noted they had just missed Tom Holland filming scenes for a new Spider-Man movie in the area.
The Standout Spa Experience
The crown jewel of the Kimpton Blythswood Square is its spa, which features several unique elements that intrigue even seasoned spa-goers. Alongside various hot rooms and pools, it houses two particularly distinctive features: a cave-like dark pool illuminated by tiny ceiling LEDs, and Scotland's first snow room.
The spa's treatments are tailored to all guests, including expectant mothers. One visitor, five months pregnant at the time of her visit, reported a expertly delivered massage using oils from the Scottish spa brand Ishga, which catered comfortably to her needs, even including a gentle massage for her bump.
Planning Your Stay
Rooms at the five-star Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel start from £190 per night. This rate includes access to the hotel's unique amenities and its central location, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a blend of historic charm, modern luxury, and truly unique wellness experiences in Glasgow.
