IF you’re heading to Glasgow for a weekend of song, sustenance and sightseeing you won’t find a better base than The Courtyard Glasgow SEC by Marriott.
It’s right next to the SEC campus that contains The Hydro, The Armadillo and the SEC auditorium.
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And it’s just five minutes from the fashionable Finnieston district with the world famous Kelvingrove Museum set in the spectacular grounds of the park with the same name.
The area is a hive of activity in the evening with a variety of restaurants and bars offering craft ales and cocktails.
And with just a one-stop train ride, a five minute bus journey or a quick skip in a taxi you’re smack bang in Glasgow city centre, where you’ll find shops, museums, restaurants and pubs by the score.
How about combining them all? Book yourself a tour at the Tennent’s Brewery, 90 minutes for £15. They’ve been brewing on the Wellpark site since the 1500s, so you’re getting your history and culture as well as quenching your thirst!
You can also book a meal, so once you’ve fed your mind, feed your belly.
All washed down with a few pints of lager, then grab yourself some merchandise. You know the dog will look great in a bandana.
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While I was staying at The Courtyard the Country to Country music weekend was in full swing at the SEC and there were stetsons and double denim everywhere. I joined a few people for drinks at the sleek bar and by the time I knocked back a few Jack Ds I had a Texas drawl and a Nashville swagger!
But my biggest find was a rather tasty, local and extremely apt spirit — Glaswegin. I kid you not.
Due to high demand for their premium gin they’ve expanded to provide even more ‘ginthusiasts’ with their potent botanicals concocted in traditional copper stills.
Perfect as a long drink with tonic or perhaps with some ginger beer heat or something to savour.
Their Raspberry and Rhubarb flavoured gin went straight onto my birthday wish list.
GO: GLASGOW
ROOMS at the 4* Courtyard Glasgow SEC start from £109, B&B. Canine guests cost £15 a night. See marriott.com
Oh, I nearly forgot to mention that the Courtyard is completely dog friendly and have just launched their Sir Woofchester’s Canine Comfort Package, with welcome dog pack, along with a choice of a ‘Paw Star Martini’ or ‘Bark Brew Beer’.
Maisie Mac, my beaut of a border collie, had a toy to play with and a cosy bed. There was also a couple of bowls that were soon filled with Sir Woofchester treats from the Canine Station.
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Not to be outdone by the dog, I headed downstairs for a look at The Market Place. Twenty four hours a day you have access to wines, cider, beer, sweets and crisps.
There’s a microwave for heating sausage rolls/burgers and there’s sandwiches and salads, even ice lollies and ice cream.
If you can tear yourself from your super comfy bed, you’ll find a substantial breakfast awaits in the bright and welcoming dining area on the ground floor.
Lots of continental pastries and, of course, a full Scottish breakfast. I filled my boots and sneaked a sausage for Maisie!
The hotel restaurant offers an excellent lunch and dinner menu too. I tucked into seared salmon with spicy avocado and paprika couscous. A delicious mix of taste and texture.
But you can’t come to Glasgow and not have a curry. Mother India is one of the long-standing favourites. You’ll find them near Kelvingrove Park and make sure to book.
Read more on the Scottish Sun
Of course we ordered too much and at one point found it difficult to find space on the table for all the incredible dishes. Luckily it was a 20 minute walk back to the hotel, I sure did need the exercise after that feast.
Staying at The Courtyard by Marriott felt more like coming home than going away. And that’s what every good hotel should be like.
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