When one thinks of Scottish tourism, images of the Highlands, Loch Ness, and whisky distilleries typically spring to mind. The outskirts of Glasgow Airport are less likely to feature. Yet, a recent stay revealed a five-star sanctuary just minutes from the tarmac that is challenging perceptions and winning major accolades.
A Grand Victorian Estate Reborn
Mar Hall Hotel and Golf Resort, a majestic 180-year-old Victorian mansion, has undergone a transformative £20 million refurbishment under new, Dubai-based ownership. The investment has clearly paid off, with the property recently voted by readers of the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler magazine as one of the top 20 resorts in Europe.
Despite being a mere 10-minute drive from Glasgow Airport and 25 minutes from the city centre, the 240-acre estate feels a world away. Arriving at sunset, the winter light bathes the River Clyde and surrounding Kilpatrick Hills in gold, instantly setting a tone of serene escape.
Scottish Design at Its Heart
The renovation, led by local interior design firm Graven, masterfully blends the building's heritage with contemporary luxury. Jim Hamilton of Graven, who grew up nearby, emphasised the goal of maintaining a sense of homeliness, tracing the estate's journey from "home to hospital to hospitality".
The design is a bold, distinctly Scottish affair. Glasgow's famed Timorous Beasties studio supplied vibrant wallpapers and fabrics, while the Glasgow School of Art and Artpistol gallery contributed much of the artwork. Nods to the Victorian era, like potted palms in the entrance hall, sit alongside commissioned paintings of Scotland's seasons by artist Nichol Wheatley. The effect is lavish yet inviting, with staff offering a warmly Scottish welcome that puts guests immediately at ease.
Luxury Rooms and Culinary Delights
The hotel's 74 rooms, including opulent suites, are accessed through the stunning Gallery, a grand social space with fireplaces and a marble bar. During a festive stay, one guest was housed in the Erskine grand suite, complete with a sitting room, grand piano, and a rolltop bath overlooking the golf course and river. The attention to detail extended to a personal Christmas tree and welcome treats.
Dining continues the theme of refined Scottish classics. The Slàinte bar provides a cosy pre-dinner retreat. In the restaurant, a menu featuring local smoked salmon, tender blade of beef, and sticky toffee pudding hits all the right notes. The warm fig bread rolls were a particular standout. Breakfast in the elegant Dining Room offers everything from a full Scottish to a delicious 'rise & shine crumpet' with Argyll smoked salmon.
Facilities and Future Plans
Beyond the hotel walls, the resort boasts an 18-hole golf course with picturesque views. Current amenities include a spa with a pool, sauna, and steam room, plus a gym, games room, and private cinema. However, the ambition stretches further. Resort director Andy Roger revealed plans for a new clubhouse with a second restaurant and a state-of-the-art indoor-outdoor spa facility.
While it faces stiff competition from iconic Scottish resorts like Gleneagles further north, Mar Hall carves its own niche as an accessible yet exceptionally luxurious gateway. It’s a destination that proves an airport hotel can be far more than a functional necessity. For locals, it's the perfect pampering staycation; for international visitors, it's a breathtaking first or last stop in Scotland. The true testament to its success? The more time spent within its walls, the less one wants to leave.
Booking details: Rooms at Mar Hall Hotel and Golf Resort start from £292 per night and can be booked directly through the hotel's official website.
