I’m all for a wee weekend away or an overnight stay, just to make it feel like you’ve properly had a weekend. To make it feel like you’ve done something with your time rather than fall into the norm of getting the washing done or cleaning the house.

I love staying in hotels. I love the feeling of checking in somewhere new and the opportunity it holds for a new adventure.

Last weekend we didn’t venture far, but far enough - we went to Glasgow for a night oot.

Ibis Styles hotel, Waterloo Glasgow

We stayed at the Ibis Styles on Waterloo Street and what a pleasant surprise it was! The hotel is very central and now in the heart of the finance district with many a financial firm built up around it.

It’s themed around music and quite specifically Glasgow and Scottish music/bands/artists which you will note that many are named on your hotel room bathroom walls. The decor is funky and hip from the piano reception desk to all the music memorabilia.

The music theme continues throughout the hotel including cassette tape information signs and Glasgow musical landmarks on the carpets.

THE BEDROOM

The bedrooms are quite spacious and very clean. Although I felt that they layout could have been configured a little better. The bed was at the top end with lots of empty space opposite it and up towards the door.

The sofa was pushed up against the cupboard and the only shelf/table area in the room where you could have set up your kettle or just put out your ‘things’ was in a wee corner behind the arm of the sofa. The space did lack some sort of decent dressing table/table and the sofa should be replaced by a single comfy chair to give access to the cupboard and shelf. And they could also do with some coat hooks.

THE BATHROOM

The bathroom was spacious and shower gel is provided. Great shower!

I loved the TV and the very Scottish Welcome Message informing you of things like

Check out is at 12 so have an extra hour in your scratcher!
If yer going ‘oot oot’ yer iron is in the cupboard, next to the kettle, dinnae get them mixed up, the kettle is pure shocking for getting the wrinkles oot yer shirts!
Gonnae no pay for Wifi - it’s free, nae password just crack on pal! It’s that fibre malarkey, proper fast and we won’t check your browser history!

You can connect to Netflix and iPlayer via your phone and it is a bonus that the TV is mounted on the wall opposite the bed. Perfect viewing.

The bed is extremely comfortable, the curtains close and black out the room and it’s sound proofed - it’s very quiet.

DOWNSTAIRS LOUNGE AND BREAKFAST AREA

What I liked the most is that the lounge area downstairs is open 24/7. Here you’ll find the bar (open 24/7), a snooker table which is free for guests to play anytime, guest snacks 24/7 including teas/coffees and hot chocolates. The seats are a mix of tables and chairs, booths and sofas with TV’s showing sport as well as quiet corners for reading and relaxing.

The front door closes later on in the evening and you will need your hotel key pass to gain entry so you feel every safe and there is always a member of staff about.

In the morning, the lounge area if where you head for breakfast and the snooker table doubles up as the breakfast buffet. It’s continental style with plenty of cereals, fruit, meats, hard boiled eggs, pastries and toast.

What a great hotel within walking distance of Buchanan Galleries and the city centre. The staff are super friendly, happy to have a chat and very helpful.

Access is great too - they are wheelchair friendly; there is a large multi-storey Q Park carpark opposite the hotel which costs around £17 for 24 hours (the hotel will validate your ticket which gives you 20% discount), there are plenty taxis and the bus stop is just around the corner.

When searching for a budget friendly hotel in a central Glasgow location, look no further than the Ibis Styles Waterloo Street.

Cost for the night approx £70 -£90.

Ibis Styles Hotel, 116 Waterloo Street Douglas House, Glasgow, G2 7DN. Tel: 0141 4284477 www.all.accor.com/hotel/B1C4/index.en.shtml

My Spoon Award : Silver Spoon 8/10

REVIEW : STAY - Ibis Styles Hotel Waterloo, Glasgow