Malmaison is a growing portfolio of boutique hotels, scattered around the UK, with four properties currently in Scotland. An award-winning member of the Frasers Hospitality Group, Malmaison has built a reputation on being just that little bit different and promotes ‘A Lifestyle, not just a Hotel”.
The Mal Glasgow, as it is affectionately known, is no different, finding a home in a former Greek Orthodox Church, on West George Street. It’s rather devout history belies the interior and indeed entire ethos adopted by this quirky and fun hostelry, as I was to find out….
An atmospheric welcome hall and reception, fashioned, I am guessing from the old vestibule, housed a very welcoming reception team; informed and friendly, with a relaxed and easy charm. The hotel houses 72 bedrooms and suites, split between the old church and the adjoining building and bridged with a chilled, pub-type bar and of course Martin Wishart’s, The Honours Restaurant.
Ideally suited to its city centre location Malmaison’s charm and sense of humour edges through all the public areas and into the bedrooms, with unique takes on standard hotel hardware. ‘Clear Off’ – possibly a more than quirky take on ‘Do not Disturb’, brings a smile to most guests’ lips, I would think and a refreshing change to the norm – leaving me hunting out more, within my room.
The black, white and hues of grey (I shall refrain from the obvious pun here) colour scheme, presented a contradiction of the fun element but a fabulously unadorned backdrop for cartoon prints and some rustic charm.
A divine headboard, again was totally different from the norm and the Malmaison branded toiletries, which didn’t dodge the humour, were refreshingly unique.
The extensive minibar was a delight with its range of contents and a pleasant bottle of red, almost (but didn’t) prompted the use of ‘Clear Off’ for the evening, had I not wanted to sample the legendary delights of The Honours!
The Chez Mal Bar, which has recently been re-modelled at Malmaison Glasgow, offers a welcoming venue, not only for hotel and restaurant guests but those passing and in favour of a bar with a difference, or a cold craft beer. It’s impressive beer barrel wall and double height space, with a courtyard feel and spiral staircase is the perfect place to grab a chilled bottle and unwind.
For all the fun and quirky nature of the hotel, service is impeccably professional throughout and The Mal has a timeless charm, coupled with a unique venue, which shall carry its offering to a wide reach of worldwide consumers.
