It may live in the shadows of its prestigious counterpart – Scotland’s hilly, beautiful capital of Edinburgh located 45 miles to the east – but Glasgow continues to have its own unique and inimitable appeal. Magnificent Victorian and art nouveau architecture along with several distinguished cultural institutions are just some of the reasons why visitors come here.
There are a large number of accommodation options in Glasgow, and most of the choices are on the lower end of the spectrum in terms of cost. So if you’re planning a trip to Glasgow and are on a tight budget, or simply want somewhere basic to stay, then you should have no trouble finding somewhere suitable. To help you along the way, we’ve picked out 7 of the best cheap hotels in Glasgow.
Heritage Hotel
FROM £67/ NIGHT
Oozing character and charm, this basic guest house in Glasgow’s bohemian West End district offers a combination of elegance and simplicity. It’s set within two historic townhouses on an elevated Victorian terrace and is an ideal choice for those who want to keep their costs down but would still like to stay somewhere with a distinctive atmosphere and appearance. Beyond the hotel’s confines, you’ll find several bars and bistros just a short walk away as well as the city’s famous Botanic Gardens. Kelvinbridge and Hillhead underground stations are also easily reached on foot, offering quick access to the centre of Glasgow and elsewhere.
Onslow Guest House
FROM £60/ NIGHT
If it’s peace and quiet you’re after, then this hotel may fit the bill. It’s nestled on a quiet residential street, tucked well away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, which is 1.5 miles away. Spacious guest rooms come with a TV, large bay windows and a fridge. Hotel services and amenities include a 24-hour reception, a dining area, free WiFi, free on-site parking, and freshly cooked Scottish breakfasts served daily. Shops, restaurants and traditional pubs are within a short walk of the hotel. For those travelling by car, the M8 Motorway is also nearby.
Albion Hotel
FROM £50/ NIGHT
A brisk 15-minute walk from the centre of Glasgow, this popular and affordable hotel has brightly decorated ensuite guest rooms with free WiFi, a TV, tea/coffee-making facilities, and a hairdryer, while ironing facilities and fridges are also available on request. Elsewhere in the hotel, there’s a spacious dining room where traditional Scottish breakfasts are served up each morning, plus a separate bar where guests can relax and socialise, or enjoy pre or post-dinner drinks. A number of restaurants and pubs are a short walk away and from Kelvinbridge Underground Station is just seconds away to. Glasgow International Airport can be reached in 15 minutes by road.
Glasgow Guest House
FROM £69/ NIGHT
This simple guest house has a pretty garden and terrace where guests can relax after a hard day’s sightseeing. All rooms come with a wardrobe and a flat-screen TV, and guests can tuck into continental breakfasts served every morning, providing plenty of energy for the day ahead. A number of Glasgow’s most notable landmarks are attractions are reachable from the hotel by foot, including Ibrox Stadium, The Hydro and SECC, while Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is a short drive or bus ride away.
The Victorian House
FROM £45/ NIGHT
Set in a quaint, traditional Victorian townhouse – typical of Glasgow’s charming architecture – The Victorian House is a popular choice with culture buffs, owing to its location just a few minutes’ walk from the city’s King Theatre. As for the hotel itself, cosy guest rooms feature a well-equipped private bathroom, satellite TV, seating area, work desk, and tea/coffee-making facilities. Authentic Scottish breakfasts, including national treasures such as kippers, haggis, are served daily in the hotel’s conservatory-style dining room overlooking a cute patio garden. Outside, a seating area offers a great space for guests to unwind on a sunny day. The Kelvingrove and Modern Art Gallery is a 10-minute walk away and Charing Cross Station is even closer.
Alba Hostel
FROM £30/ NIGHT
Located in the city’s bustling, culturally vibrant West End district, this family-run hostel is a fine choice for those keen to stay somewhere affordable but with easy access to Glasgow’s beating heart. The building in which the hostel is housed dates back to the early 20th century, so there’s no shortage of character, and there’s also some impressive amenities including a spacious chill-out lounge with a TV/DVD player and a terrace with BBQ facilities. There’s also a refurbished kitchen and a large dining area. Guest rooms are in the style of modern dormitories and have shared bathrooms. Anniesland Railway Station is a 5-minute walk away, providing easy access to the city centre. For those arriving by car, free on-site parking is also available.
Charing Cross Guest House
FROM £41/ NIGHT
For those seeking a centrally located hotel, Charing Cross Guest House is a popular choice. Rooms are basic but clean and elsewhere in the property there’s a 24 hour reception with luggage storage and a tour desk where guests can book excursions and tickets for local attractions, as well as seek advice about sightseeing and other city or regional activities. Scottish breakfasts are served every morning and free WiFi is available throughout, too. Notable nearby cultural attractions include Buchanan Galleries and the Gallery of Modern Art, while for music and comedy shows the SECC and SSE Hydro are also nearby. Glasgow International Airport is just over 9 miles away.