The Merchant Lodge Hotel, Glasgow

52, Virginia Street, Glasgow, G1 1TY 3

Welcome to a very comfortable, superbly central privately owned 3 star Glasgow city centre hotel, with all amenities for the modern traveller and a warm, welcom... more

 

£ Rooms from £47 (≈ $83) per night
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7/10 Overall rating

Category Average Rating
8/10 Check-in process
6/10 Your room
7/10 Working order of facilities / equipment
8/10 Order and cleanliness of the hotel
7/10 Performance of staff
7/10 Overall experience
8/10 Overall value for money
  • 8/10 Linda ( Mature couple) 

    from Dundee , United Kingdom;GB  on  July 27, 2006

    "we stayed there two years ago and that is why we booked again. however, the noise in the street from the pub/club was so bad it may prevent us from booking again." (3305006027)

    we liked the central location and the breakfast is superb.

    the only thing we did not like was the noise from the pub/club at the side of the hotel. the noise went on until 3.30am

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 8/10 Anonymous ( Group of work colleagues) 

    on  September 21, 2008

    There was a lot of noise from the street at night. It was not easy to sleep.

  • 9/10 Pauline ( Group of work colleagues) 

    from Alness , GB  on  June 9, 2008

    "good" (97558357)

    i found the hotel excellent value for money

    quite a climb to the top floor

  • 8/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  June 6, 2008

    "We enjoyed our stay at the hotel.The nearest surroundings was not the best but The Merchant Lodge Hotel itself was comfortable with no disturbing sounds from the neighbourhood. We will surely try to book a room next time we visit Glasgow" (97318375)

    Our room was located in the basement beside the breakfastrom. We missed the daylight.

  • 5/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  December 2, 2007

    "Apart from the above, the breakfast was excellent, and the chef in particular was a character. All of the dining room staff were very efficient and could not do enough, and the reception staff also were polite and helpful. Only slight detraction is that breakfast finished at 0845 which is a bit early for a leisure visit." (97939399)

    Great central location, although some people could be put off by the surroundings of a dark side street.

    The shower rail was not attached to the wall, the water temperature fluctuated, and the bathroom floor was very slippy - all of these were dangerous in my opinion. I informed reception of these points on departure. Also, the bed sagged at either side and the TV reception was very poor.

  • 7/10 Anonymous ( Group of adult friends) 

    on  August 30, 2006

    "Warm welcome. Very helpful receptionist. Great place to stay if you are visiting Hampden Park." (3304585601)

    Clean and friendly

  • 5/10 Rachel ( Young couple) 

    from Ovingham , United Kingdom;GB  on  June 28, 2006

    "the breakfast was chaos,need someone there to guide all the customers the food was nice and the chef was pleasant" (3304307269)

    the staff were friendly,comfy bed,clean bedding

    the room was not clean,especially the bathroom floor,interesting that there were 2 pictures the same in the room on adjacent walls

  • 10/10 Lauren ( Group of adult friends) 

    from By ellon , United Kingdom;GB  on  May 4, 2006

    "excellent, would recommend it to others and would definately stay again" (3304572052)

    clean, spacious, well-eqipped, nicely decorated and very comfy bed

    nothing

  • 5/10 Michael ( Solo business traveller) 

    from Houghton-le-spring , United Kingdom;GB  on  April 28, 2006

    "There was a huge lack of information regarding the provision for and arrangements regarding car parking at the Glasshouse Car Park. Whilst it is an excellent car park the hotel was not particularly helpful in informing me how the procedure works." (3304460933)

    Overall cleanliness and presentation of the room, particularly the shower and washing facilities

    I was particularly annoyed at the level of disturbance immediately outside of the hotel during both nights. This lasted until 4.30 a.m. on both nights. It involved crowds of rowdy and abusive young people, taxis and cars sounding their horns and finally a Marks & Spencers lorry standing for at least half an hour with its engine running immediately outside from 4.00 a.m. Minimum tea/coffee making provision No radio

  • 5/10 Anonymous ( Same sex couple) 

    on  April 14, 2006

    "where to park and the discount parking available" (3304487547)

    location

    breakfast was slow, little choice readily available

  • 9/10 Anonymous ( Group of adult friends) 

    on  April 7, 2006

    "Staff were very friendly and helpful, rooms are spacious and beds are comfortable. Excellent breakfast. Would book again." (3304351847)

    Accommodation was very spacious, comfy beds

    Having refreshments In room as there was only 1 tea-bag and no milk portions

  • 7/10 James david ( Solo leisure traveller) 

    from Lerwick , United Kingdom;GB  on  March 22, 2006

    "Overall the Hotel was ok for my 1 night stay. The room was quite small so i would not have liked the cramped space for a longer stay." (3304362498)

    Location, Breakfast, Very nice staff.

    Single Room was quite small

  • 9/10 Norman a ( Group of adult friends) 

    from Newtownabbey , United Kingdom;GB  on  March 19, 2006

    "Friendly and helpful staff from check in to domestics.Centrally positioned within walking distance to shops & public transport,resturants & bars." (3304333557)

    Easy access 24 hours a day with good security.Rooms were spotless and a credit to the cleaning staff.Check in was slicker than bigger group hotels. I will be recommending this hotel to others.

    The only thing I can think off and its not really important as that the television did not have teletext.This actual says more about me than the hotel.

  • 4/10 Susan ( Solo business traveller) 

    from Dundee , United Kingdom;GB  on  March 14, 2006

    "See above" (3304320669)

    Close to town centre.

    I had no bath towel, the toilet didn't flush. There was no hairdryer or iron (which were both advertised on site as being supplied). Someone tried to break into my car during the night, so advising visitors of safer parking would be helpful. Breakfast was basic, but ok, however, it looked like it had been sitting for 3 hours on the hot plate.

  • 8/10 Suzanne ( Young couple) 

    from Doncaster , United Kingdom;GB  on  March 9, 2006

    "Overall it was good - breakfast was of good quality and a good variety. The hotel was clean, and the rooms were of resonable quality" (3304316634)

    Clean and close to the centre of Glasgow

    Electric showers in the rooms. Sunday morning there was no hot water so we could not have a shower. I reported it to reception, they apologised, but i still didn't get a shower!

  • 9/10 Norman a ( Solo leisure traveller) 

    from Newtownabbey , United Kingdom;GB  on  December 21, 2005

    "Easy to find, centrally located. Very friendly & efficent staff.Room was spotless & spacious. The only thing that may help someone who doesn't know Glasgow would be the bus numbers which travel on Glassford Street" (3304016056)

    Easy to find, centrally located. Very friendly & efficent staff.Room was spotless & spacious. Will be booking again.

    Hard to think how to improve the hotel, but maybe a loyality card scheme could be introduced.

  • 7/10 Elizabeth ( Group of adult friends) 

    from Gourock , United Kingdom;GB  on  December 18, 2005

    "The triple room had adequate space for three adults but was down in the basement of the hotel with no natural light through the windows as they were faced by a stone wall. It was adequate for our purposes as we used it purely as a place to sleep after a christmas night out." (3304023093)

    The hotel was very well situated for the City Centre and its attractions.

    The room would have benefitted from more heating

  • 8/10 Lynn ( Same sex couple) 

    from Aberdeen , United Kingdom;GB  on  December 8, 2005

    "I WOULD HAVE LIKED TO HAVE KNOWN THERE WAS NO LIFT" (2939265)

    OVERALL THE STAY WAS GOOD

    WE WERE ON THE TOP FLOOR AND NO LIFTS SO WAS CLIMBING STAIRS WITH ALL OUR SHOPPING WAS DIFFICULT AS THEY ARE VERY NARROW STAIRS

  • 7/10 Sarah ( Solo business traveller) 

    from Paisley , UNITED KINGDOM;GB  on  December 3, 2005

    "i would like to have known about the noise which is caused by the wooden flooring, I would have liked to have known that I was placed on the ground floor, I do not generally like to be at ground level especially when you can see the street." (2929894)

    it was clean and spacious and bed was comfortable

    the noise from the other rooms was very loud. I was woken up at 6-30 by the lady in the next room walking about in heels,the wooden floors do not make for a peaceful sleep especially if people are crashing around their rooms in the morning, I did mention this to the lady on reception and all she said was that the room next to me had indeed left early in the morning. The design of the hotel therefore means that as soon as one person is up, so is the rest of the hotel!

  • 6/10 Anonymous ( Solo leisure traveller) 

    on  October 11, 2005

    "This hotel is rated 3*, but provides only basic accommodation. It is clean, the staff are pleasant enough and the room was nicely decorated (though with a very small en-suite and with the tiniest wardrobe hanging space I have ever seen). It has the potential to be really special (and charges as though it were) but is unfortunately is let down by the lack of 'little touches' that make all the difference. In short, it either needs to lower prices or pay more attention to overall detail." (2816882)

    Location

    Provide teletext tv's, newspaper deliveries to room, better quality toiletries. Serve alcohol.

  • 7/10 Anonymous ( Group of work colleagues) 

    on  October 1, 2005

    "Interesting building in a good location for the train station and town centre. Pleasant rooms with nice decoration and bedding, although quite small and small bathroom. Quite noisy due to central location. Good breakfast with the option of freshly cooked fish. Very friendly chef." (2627625)

    nice building & decoration; good location for train station and town centre; good breakfast

    fresh tea & coffee rather than machine at breakfast; rooms checked for replacement of bathroom supplies, lightbulbs etc

  • 8/10 Allan ( Mature couple) 

    from Burlington , United States  on  September 27, 2005

    "Guests should be clearly warned about the stairs and the lack of a lift or staff to assist with luggage. For this reason alone we would not chose to stay at this hotel if traveling to Glasgow again." (2510995)

    Staff were friendly and accomodating; room, while small, was adequate and very clean; breakfast and food choices were excellent

    Stairs, stairs, & stairs!!! This hotal should be used only by the young and agile. Or those traveling without any luggage. even then the climb above the second landing is trying due to their steepness.

  • 9/10 Amber ( Solo business traveller) 

    from Carrickfergus , United Kingdom;GB  on  September 27, 2005

    "ROOMS A BIT NOISY IF FACING OUT ONTO WILSON STREET. ALSO, WALLS OF ROOMS FAIRLY THIN. EXCELLENT RESTAURANT. STAFF SUPBERB. ELDERLY/ DISABLED STAFF MAY HAVE PROBLEM WITH SPIRALLING STAIR CASE (NO LIFT OR PORTERING STAFF) CLEAN OVERALL EXCELLENT" (2571875)

    EXCELLENT LOCATION

    MORE TEA AND COFFEE IN ROOMS. TOILET FACILITIES IN FOYER (HAVE TO BOOK OUT OF ROOM EARLY)

  • 8/10 Michael ( Group of work colleagues) 

    from Putney , United Kingdom;GB  on  September 20, 2005

    Location, staff friendliness

    Showers were not well looked after, Mould in corners

  • 9/10 Anonymous ( Group of adult friends) 

    on  September 15, 2005

    "The website did not mention that there was no elevator, requiring guests to negotiate as many as 5 flights of steep stairs, There was no access to water or ice, only a drink machine that was empty for most of our visit. At least one of the rooms on the alley had a window that opened only on a hall. To get light and air, one must open the door directly accessing the alley. The loud noise at night would discourage me from booking again. The hotel did call the police when I complained and they did come promptly but the next night it was the same story. The staff was pleasant and helpful and the location was very convenient. i would suggest that the website make clear that there is no elevator, washing machine, or ice and drinks." (2340238)

    Breakfast and the chef were a highlight. The room was clean and comfortable.

    The rooms, especailly those on the alley, were extraordinarily loud when the bars close at 3 am..

  • 9/10 Pauline ( Group of adult friends) 

    from Livingston , United Kingdom;GB  on  September 7, 2005

    "Very happy with my trip." (2633119)

    Room was ideal, people were friendly, location ideal

    lift could be good

  • 6/10 Torgeir ( Mature couple) 

    from Oslo , Norway;NO  on  August 29, 2005

    "The main entrance of the hotel was not very inviting. I guess this will be changed during the years. Nice welcome withe the fruit in the lobby. Light and airy room. Beds not too bad. The shower did not work, as I said, and this should be corrected one way or the other. Breakfast good, personnell very accomodating." (2606843)

    Redecoration and restructuring of the building well done. Very centrally situated. Light and fairly nice room

    Better instructions regarding locking the door. The shower did not work - or I could not get it work. If the latter is the case, again a instrucion of how it functions is needed

  • 4/10 Stephen ( Mature couple) 

    from Butcombe , United Kingdom;GB  on  August 20, 2005

    "1. We specifically asked for a non-smoking room and the first one we were given reeked of smoke. It took quite some time for another room to be allocated and then we were told we could have it for one night only (we had booked for two). In the event we were able to retain the same room after all. 2. There were no tea or coffee sachets - I had to phone reception to get some brought up - and the shower gel dispenser in the shower was empty. 3. A large sign in the breakfast restaurant proclaimed we are pleased to offer Scottish breakfast specialities such as smoked haddock and kippers. None were available. 4. On our first morning the coffee dispensing machine in the breakfast room was not working, and no-one was able to fix it. 5. A notice in the bedroom said that breakfast was served until 9.00am. On our second morning, coming down at 8.30 we found that staff were starting to clear food away almost immediately. One guest who arrived at about 8.55 was told that serving of breakfast stopped at 8.45! 6. On the night of 11th/12th August a group staying in the hotel were making a dreadful row, yelling and shrieking, inside the hotel and on the forecourt. This went on for over two hours until well past 1.00 am. As our room (on the top floor) had no air-conditiong we had to sleep with our window open - except that we couldn't sleep! My wife called down to the people in the forecourt to be quiet and that had no effect; then she phoned reception, who acknowledged that many people had complained, but that had no effect either. The hotel management should have taken much firmer action, or have called the police." (2475509)

    Very convenient central location.

    Better service/facilities at breakfast (see below).

  • 9/10 Patricia ( Group of adult friends) 

    from Airdrie , United Kingdom;GB  on  July 6, 2005

    "Although no problem for myself, I think anyone with a disability may have had problems with there being no lift, therefore, letting people know before they book would be beneficial" (2363966)

    excellent location, very reasonably priced for city centre, good sized room, clean and modern

  • 8/10 Anonymous ( Solo leisure traveller) 

    on  June 23, 2005

    "I found the hotel good value, and very clean and adequate but certainly no frills. I would have liked to know that there was no lift and quite a few stairs as I found it difficult to manage my luggage and no assistance was offered. I would be happy to recommend the hotel but not to senior citizens." (2261359)

    very conveniently located for shopping sightseeing and the station

  • 8/10 Anonymous ( Group of adult friends) 

    on  June 14, 2005

    "Convenient and price good for location. Recommending hotel - I might, it would depend who to" (2276953)

    Very good location, spacious room, very clean

    beds - new but mattress not too comfortable and room a bit dark. Also problem with water in shower - cold water only then one. Staff should have informed the guests of this, it was fixed next day! Breakfast staff unprofessional - chatting & shrieking amongst themselves whilst guests having breakfast

  • 8/10 Linda ( Group of adult friends) 

    from Aberdeen , United Kingdom  on  June 8, 2005

    "i would like a room on a lower floor and if possible away from the nightclub. Nice breakfast, pleasant staff and best of all the central location. Good value for money" (2250040)

    Its very central and easy to get too. Nice spacious rooms.

    It was too hot on the 4th floor.

  • 6/10 Anonymous ( Solo business traveller) 

    on  June 1, 2005

    "Compared with other Glasgow city hotels, the price was very good. The staff were very helpful and friendly. The ambience of the breakfast room was lively, very friendly and good humoured. However the location of the hotel opposite a night club and next to Marks and Spencers goods inwards delivery area meant that it was noisy through the night and into the morning. The sliding sash windows were double glazed, but ill fitting, resulting in poor noise reduction. The curtain track was hanging off and so the curtains couldn't be shut. The fault was reported and an attempt to repair was made, but the curtains still couldn't be shut properly. Tea/Coffee facilities were barely adequate, 1 tea bag, 1 saschet of coffee, 2 portions of coffee compliment. Little can be done about the location but lack of attention in the room was a problem." (2317391)

    Atmosphere/ambience at breakfast - very pleasant staff - great buffet

    Tea/coffee making facilities were barely adequate. Room in need of several repairs. Room very small

  • 8/10 Anonymous ( Group of adult friends) 

    on  May 22, 2005

    "Ectremely good value for money, exactly the centralarea we wanted to stay in, yet in a relatively quiet street. Extremely friendly check-in and restaurant staff." (1911949)

    Cheap, central and friendly. Good breakfast. Free 7-day luggage storage while walking West Highland Way.

    Bathroom window blind not fitted properly, but not a major problem.

  • 4/10 Trevor ( Mature couple) 

    from Auckland , New Zealand  on  May 13, 2005

    "The room provided (room 110)was minute and was not that described in the web-site. Unfortunately I did not have a copy of the web details at the time or I would have complained on the spot or refused to pay full price. The TV had no remote. There was no room for suitcases. Overall a very disappointing stay." (2140803)

    Location

    The room provided bore no resemblance to that shown on the web-site.

  • 8/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  May 10, 2005

    The television did not work. There was some noise from the window.

  • 9/10 Anonymous ( Group of adult friends) 

    on  May 6, 2005

    Central, comfortable, spacious room (for a quad, normally expect four beds squashed in small room).

    Room too hot. No proper shower in bathroom, a hose pipe which didnt reach the hook meant for it.

  • 9/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  April 24, 2005

    "Perfect place to stay, very close to shops, restaurants and bars." (2169073)

    Clean and nice rooms, good breakfast.

    Too early breakfast, from 7 until 8.30 pm in the weekdays, when we are on holiday.

  • 9/10 David ( Mature couple) 

    from Ulverston , United Kingdom;GB  on  March 16, 2005

    "overall an excellent choice, convenient location and value for money" (1891708)

    convenient location, friendly staff, good breakfast,

    little noisy from the club next door at closing time

  • 8/10 Anonymous ( Same sex couple) 

    on  February 16, 2005

    "enjoyed short stay and location - will be back" (1922839)

    Friendliness and helpfullness of reception staff

    queing for full breakfast whilst staff who were present only cleared tables

  • 7/10 Philip ( Young couple) 

    from Kirkby in ashfield , United Kingdom  on  November 6, 2004

    "We were very disappointed on our arrival, the reception staff were very freindly & helpful, but the room was very basic. This information should have been stated at the time of booking, inc that the room only had a shower, no carpets on the floor in the room and no Sky TV. We would not have used this hotel if we knew this information before-hand. My Wife and I like our comforts. I suspect that this hotel is mainly used by businessmen for overnight stays only and it would appear fit for this purpose, but not for leisure purpose." (1380415)

    It was cheap!

    we are not used to such a basic room. There was no carpets in the room, also no bath or Sky TV.

  • 9/10 Robert ( Young couple) 

    from Dundee , United Kingdom  on  August 31, 2004

    "first time i have used your service ...... wont be the last,,,,," (1401091)

    location, clean, homely

  • 9/10 Andrew ( Solo business traveller) 

    from College station , United States  on  August 26, 2004

    "I enjoyed my stay and will defiantely stay again if I am in glasgow" (1413372)

    location and staff were excellent

    showers and lighting could use some work

  • 8/10 Anonymous ( Family with older children) 

    on  August 21, 2004

    "Good value. Nice staff. Family room dorm-like and clean. Big breakfast. Street noise worse second night. Breakfast room unpleasantly hot because of poor ventilation." (1374382)

    Big breakfast. Family room clean and efficient.

    Breakfast room poorly ventilated and unpleasantly hot. Door locks barely worked on room. Street noise.

  • 8/10 Christopher ( Solo leisure traveller) 

    from Dumfries , United Kingdom  on  August 17, 2004

    "Old fashioned but with bags of character compared to standard modern hotels. Very nice room decor and nice location, relatively quiet for the centre of a city." (1372632)

    Good room. Secluded location.

    No lift to room.

  • 6/10 Anonymous ( Same sex couple) 

    on  June 9, 2006

    "Das Hotel war für britischen Standard und Preis angemessen, kann allerdings nicht mit Hotel auf dem europäischen Festland konkurrieren. Die Stadt Glasgow hat uns sehr gut gefallen; auch die Geschäfte, Restaurants und Pubs waren sehr gut. Außerdem fanden wir die Leute in Schottland sehr nett und freundlich." (3304157511)

    Frühstück war ausschließlich für Briten akzeptabel, nicht aber für Kontinentaleuropäer!!!

    Frühstück muss auch für Kontinentaleuropäer geeignet sein.

  • 5/10 Marie ( Mature couple) 

    from Bruxelles , Belgium;BE  on  April 26, 2006

    "la proximité de la boite de nuit" (3304566648)

    centre ville

    une boite de nuit sous les fenêtres de l'hotel avec des sorties extrêment bruyantes jusqu'à 4 heures du matin

  • 6/10 Verena ( Solo leisure traveller) 

    from Hamburg , Germany;DE  on  December 14, 2005

    "Die Lage des Hotels war ausgezeichnet, das Personal sehr freundlich. Die Armaturen im Bad waren nicht komplett intakt, aber nutzbar. Wenn man allerdings in einem Zimmer wohnt, dessen Fenster zur Wilson Street zeigt kann man vor 3 Uhr morgens nicht mit Ruhe rechnen. Aufgrund nahegelegener Pubs und Diskotheken und massenweise vorbeiziehender Leute ist der Geräuschpegel sehr hoch. Es ist also ratsam, bei der Reservierung die Lage des Zimmers zu berücksichtigen." (2552240)

    sehr gute Lage im Centrum von Glasgow

  • 7/10 Anonymous ( Solo business traveller) 

    on  September 8, 2005

    "Das Hotel liegt in einer kleinen relativ ruhigen Nebenstraße. Die Warteschlangen zum Club gegenüber erzeugen Freitag bis Sonntag von 22:00 bis 2:00 viel Lärm, der von den Fenstern nur unzureichend gemildert wird. Duschen und frische Klamotten anziehen sollte nach dem Frühstück erfolgen, da man stinkt, wie einer Friteuse entstiegen. Trotz beider Nachteile würde ich wohl wieder hingehen." (2374068)

    Top-Lage, aber am Wochenende leider laut (Club gegenüber). Seinen Preis absolut wert.

    Eine vernünftige Belüftung des Kellers (Küche und Frühstücksraum) installieren.

  • 7/10 Javier ( Solo leisure traveller) 

    from Malgrat de mar , Spain;ES  on  August 17, 2005

    "W¡En general, la experiencia ha sido positiva" (2582754)

    Calidad a la recepción

    Mejoraría el desayuno y ofertaria un servicio de parking o convenio con uno privado

The views expressed on this page are the personal opinions of guests and therefore do not necessarily represent the views of Active Hotels, Active Reservations or our distribution partners (About our hotel reviews).

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