voco Grand Central-Glasgow By IHG

Built and opened in 1883 as a British Transport Hotel, this property was originally owned by the railway company that operated Glasgow Central Station, to which it remains directly connected. Over the years, it has been at the center of Glasgow life, witnessing the coronations of four monarchs, the abdication of a king, and surviving two World Wars and the Great Depression. Famous guests have included Winston Churchill, The Beatles, Nat King Cole, Charlie Chaplin, and royalty, and in 1927 John Logie Baird sent the first long-distance television transmission from the fourth floor.

On 26 April 2021, after a multi-million refurbishment, the hotel reopened as a voco property under IHG Hotels & Resorts. To celebrate, a projection light show was created, featuring memories and pictures contributed by former staff and guests. Walking its halls, visitors can sense the rich history that has unfolded here over more than a century.

When you arrive at the hotel, the building immediately catches your eye. Designed by Sir Rowand Anderson, who also created Scotland’s National Portrait Gallery, it’s one of Glasgow’s finest examples of Gothic architecture, with detailed stonework, arched windows, and grand façades that have stood for well over a century. Sitting at the corner of Hope Street and Gordon Street, it has long been a central part of the city.

After IHG acquired the property in 2019, the hotel underwent a careful, multi-phase refurbishment. Ornate interiors like high ceilings, carved woodwork, and decorative plaster were preserved while modern touches were added, including elevators, fully wheelchair-accessible rooms, and facilities for disabled guests. Thoughtful lighting, restored staircases, and elegant public spaces now blend the building’s historic grandeur with practical comforts for today’s travelers.

Located above Glasgow Central Station, Champagne Central is a stylish bar and has a relaxed vibe, making it perfect for enjoying afternoon tea with a glass of Champagne or picking from a menu of small and large plates. Guests can try Scottish-inspired bites like haggis bonbons and grilled prawns, or settle in for heartier options such as steak frites and smoked haddock risotto. It’s a great spot whether you’re after a light snack, a full meal, or simply a place to unwind and watch the hustle of the station below.

Brunch is particularly popular and served daily from 10 am to 2 pm, with weekend hours starting at 9:30 am. Guests can indulge in Scottish classics like haggis shakshuka, smoked salmon with poached eggs, or sweet treats like pancakes, waffles, and pastries. The bar has been recognized for its quality with the Best Bar None Gold Award, and the combination of historic vibe, stylish décor, and delicious food makes it a must-visit spot for travelers and locals alike.

If you are planning your day here, the hotel makes it pretty easy with different packages you can choose from. You get a dedicated Wedding Planner who walks you through everything, so you never feel overwhelmed. You can customize the decor, seating, music, and your full wedding menu, including the cake and a three-course meal for your guests. Whether you want something relaxed or something a little grand, the team helps you bring it together in a way that feels personal.

The Grand Room

Venue type and style: The Grand Room is the hotel’s showstopper and works well for couples planning a larger celebration. It kept many of its original features during the refurbishment, including marble pillars, tall ceilings, a distinctive fireplace, and double windows that fill the space with natural daylight. You can use this space for the ceremony, wedding breakfast, or evening reception, giving plenty of flexibility for big gatherings.

Capacity: Up to 360 guests

The Victoria and The Regent Rooms

Venue type and style: If you’re looking for something a little more intimate, The Victoria and The Regent sit at the top of the grand staircase and offer bright, welcoming spaces. They feature original arched windows and an adjoining area that works well for a drinks reception. These suites can host mid-sized weddings that still want a sense of character and history.

Capacity: Up to 200 guests

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Glasgow is one of those places where you step out of the hotel and instantly have things to do. If you want something simple, the hop-on on hop-off bus is an easy way to see the city. You just sit back on the open top deck and watch the sights go by, then jump off whenever something catches your eye. One experience people always talk about is the Glasgow Central Station tour. From the outside, it looks like a normal station, but the tour takes you into hidden tunnels and underground spaces that tell a whole different story about the city.

If you’re into local drinks, the brewery tours are worth trying. Tennent’s gives you a full behind-the-scenes look at how their beer is made, and West Brewery has a relaxed vibe where you end with a tasting. Both are light, fun, and easy to fit into your day. There are also plenty of walking tours that cover spots like George Square, Glasgow Cathedral, the Necropolis, and the People’s Palace. They mix history with small stories that help you understand the city a little better. And if you want something more hands-on, the Glasgow Science Centre is always lively and a good pick for families.

Glasgow also makes it simple to plan day trips. Stirling Castle, quiet lochs like Loch Lomond, pretty villages like Luss, and scenic countryside are all close enough to reach without much planning. It’s nice when you want a break from the city without going too far.

Shopping is another big part of the city’s charm. Buchanan Street has everything from high street brands to cafes, and nearby you’ll find Buchanan Galleries and St Enoch Centre if you prefer indoor shopping. Merchant City is great for a mix of style and history, while Silverburn and Braehead offer huge spaces with shops, food, and entertainment. You’ll definitely be tempted to pick up a few things.

During the festive season, voco Grand Central Glasgow hosts a range of Christmas and New Year events. The hotel is beautifully decorated, and the atmosphere is lively, making it a standout spot in the city for holiday celebrations. Christmas lunches are held in the Grand Ballroom, featuring a three-course meal followed by dancing until late. Evening Christmas party nights include a three-course set dinner, followed by a disco in either the Grand Ballroom or Victoria Suite, running until 1 a.m. For the New Year, the Grand Hogmanay Ball offers an elegant evening with food, entertainment, and a festive atmosphere, perfect for ringing in the year with family and friends.

Whether it’s a cozy dinner with friends or a big corporate gathering, voco Grand Central Glasgow has the perfect space for your plans. From the grand, ornate Ballroom to smaller suites, there’s something to fit every style and size of celebration. They also host birthdays, anniversaries, charity events, proms, and black-tie evenings, so no matter the occasion, the hotel can bring it to life. For meetings, the atmosphere is easygoing yet professional, so delegates can focus, collaborate, and connect while the team handles all the details. The event spaces are kept tidy and comfortable, with attention to cleanliness and wellbeing in line with the IHG Clean Promise.