Hotel Review: Native Glasgow

Spend a few minutes in Glasgow, Scotland, and you’ll likely be struck by its ornate turn-of-the-century buildings.

The city is known for its concentration of Victorian structures, and for its own “Glasgow Style” architecture, a take on the art nouveau movement led by Scottish architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh in the early 20th century. 

Mackintosh’s Glasgow work might very well have influenced the city’s Anchor Line Building, which dates to 1906 and served as the Anchor Line Shipping Company’s headquarters. It now ever-so-discreetly houses the new Native Glasgow, which is part of the London-based Native aparthotel brand.

Located on busy St. Vincent street, Native Glasgow is only outed as a hotel by two small signs that bear its name. They do little to distract from the building’s grandeur — I was particularly captivated by the molding that frames the hotel’s doorway, which features a nautical-themed scene starring the likeness of Poseidon at its center.

After taking in this well-preserved artwork, I waited to get buzzed into the property. The intercom at the entrance connected me to reception, which is available 24/7, though checked-in guests can enter using a room key. 

Reception is located up a flight of stairs on the first floor, which is devoid of the usual hotel amenities. Indeed, this is not a property for those looking to lounge in hotel social spaces; there are none available. (The building’s two restaurants — Anchor Line Restaurant and Bar, and The Atlantic Bar and Brasserie — are accessible via the street level.) Perhaps because of the lack of amenities, the nightly rate here is quite a steal, starting at $60 for a studio room and $161 for a penthouse one-bedroom. 

Given its location in the heart of the action, Native doesn’t suffer from a lack of coworking spaces or rooftop hangouts. The hotel is sandwiched between George Square — one of the best outdoor spaces in the city — and Buchanan Street, a lively strip of shops, entertainment and restaurants. 

What the 64-room property does offer is a respite from the city via large, brand-new apartment-style rooms. My premium studio was especially ideal for a long-term stay thanks to a washing machine and a small kitchen setup that included a microwave, a stovetop, cooking utensils and a small kitchen table. The kitchenette is smartly located in the hallway that connects the front door to the bedroom. It features a comfortable king-size bed and a large picture window with thick sliding panes that can bring in, or completely shut out, city sounds. 

My view was reason enough to stay at Native Glasgow. The window — an original feature of the building — framed a panorama of Glasgow City Chambers, one of the most impressive sites in the city. Also adding to the comfort of the stay was a large bathroom with a shower. Unlike the ornate gray exterior of the building, rooms are modern, simple and bright. 

But despite how homey my room was, I had to take advantage of my proximity to shops, eateries, museums and two major subway stations — made especially easy via help from the property’s cheeky “Neighborhood Heroes” guide to local favorites. Indeed, zipping around town like a local is easy when staying at Native Glasgow.

The Details
Native Glasgow
www.nativeplaces.com