A City Break in My Own Style

By Moira Graham
Part of our Hood Collective

Living in Edinburgh, Moira is just a train ride away from Glasgow, but even a familiar city can surprise you. A night at Arthouse Hotel Glasgow was the perfect excuse for Moira to rediscover the city, from its characterful interiors to independent coffee spots and a little retail therapy along the way.

I’ve always believed in dressing for real life. Layers for unpredictable weather, comfortable shoes and pieces that feel just as good years later as they did when I first bought them. I take much the same approach to travelling. There’s no need for a packed itinerary; sometimes, a lovely room, good coffee, a little wandering and a few hours to yourself are more than enough.

It’s funny how you don’t have to go far to feel somewhere completely different. Truth be told, it had been around a year since I’d last visited Glasgow. Edinburgh already has so much to offer, and there are always other places on the list, but I knew I was long overdue a visit. Storm season had arrived, the clocks had turned back, winter was beginning to set in, and I was ready for a change of scene. I wanted some time alone to switch off and focus on myself.

Don’t get me wrong, it was only a day after the storm, and I did have some anxious thoughts about the train. Would it be running? Had the fallen tree been cleared from the track? Would I actually get home again? I think as you get older, you start to worry about the most ridiculous things. After all, it was only Glasgow, around 45 minutes from Edinburgh by train.

Even as I boarded at Waverley, I was thinking about everything I needed to do: buying sweets for the trick-or-treaters, picking up a birthday card, wondering whether my sister could go to the shops for our mum, and deciding if I needed to do a food shop and, if so, when. All those little everyday responsibilities that somehow pile up until they feel like one enormous to-do list.

Thankfully, the journey was smooth, and the further I travelled from Edinburgh, the further those everyday concerns seemed to slip from my mind. I reminded myself that none of it needed to be dealt with there and then. I took a deep breath, looked out of the window and began to relax. I was already starting to switch off before I’d even arrived.

A Warm Welcome at Arthouse

I’d packed light; I only needed enough for one night. My first priority was getting to the hotel. I was too early to check in, but knowing I could leave my bag there and head straight out to explore made all the difference.

I’d chosen Arthouse Hotel Glasgow because I wanted somewhere with a little more character than your typical overnight stay. There was something appealing about the idea of a hotel with a history of its own, somewhere that felt individual and a little indulgent, but also like exactly what I needed. I wasn’t looking for extravagance for extravagance’s sake. I wanted somewhere comfortable, somewhere special enough to make an ordinary night away feel like an occasion.

From the moment I arrived, I felt looked after. The reception team were lovely, asking what had brought me to Glasgow and whether there was anything they could help me with. They kindly took care of my bags, leaving me free to enjoy the afternoon without having to carry everything around. It was a small thing, but it made the start of my stay feel effortless. I almost didn’t want to leave again.

An Afternoon at My Own Pace

With the days getting darker earlier, I wanted to make the most of the remaining daylight, so I headed out for a coffee and a wander. At Maison, in Princes Square, I settled down with a coffee and watched the rain fall against the glass roof above me. I browsed at Sheila Fleet, whose jewellery inspired by the sea has always appealed to me, before visiting COS, Space NK, Anthropologie, & Other Stories and Jigsaw. I wasn’t shopping for anything in particular, which made it all the more enjoyable. Sometimes it’s enough simply to look, discover something new and take a little inspiration away with you.

Later, I headed to atera for a spa visit. Tucked away beneath the city, it felt like stepping into another world, with warm, inviting interiors and a lovely pool that was the perfect temperature for lingering. There were saunas and steam rooms to explore, too, although I decided against the plunge pool after discovering just how cold it was! I came away feeling relaxed, warm and refreshed. It was exactly the kind of pause I’d been looking for: a little time when there was nothing to organise, nowhere to rush off to and no need to think about what came next.

By the time I made my way back to the hotel, there was still a little light in the sky. I was looking forward to seeing my room properly and finally settling in for the evening.

Time to Switch Off

The hotel itself has so much character. Its history is reflected in the details, from the old white tiles that reminded me of my primary school days to the traditional lift, complete with doors and metal gates that close behind you. There’s a lovely sense of nostalgia about the building, but it has all been beautifully brought together. Rather than losing its personality, the interiors allow its past to remain part of the experience.

I made my way up to the top floor, where the glass roof let in the last of the daylight, with raindrops gathering overhead. My loft room was just as inviting. A super king-size bed took centre stage, with two large chairs beside the window overlooking Glasgow’s skyline. The sun was beginning to set, and the view had that lovely, ever-changing quality you get when the weather is doing its own thing. I could have happily sat by the window for hours.

There were thoughtful touches waiting for me, too. Alongside the tea-making facilities, I found an Italian chocolate biscuit and a bar of Bare Bones chocolate, made in Glasgow. There was a copy of Glasgow Art Map to inspire further exploring, as well as a handwritten welcome card. I always appreciate those little details that make a room feel personal, particularly when they offer a connection to the place you’re visiting.

But first, there was a kettle to put on. I slipped into my fluffy white dressing gown, made myself a cup of tea and settled onto the bed. With the treats beside me and the city stretching out beyond the window, I watched the sunset and felt myself properly unwind.

It struck me how different I felt from the woman who had boarded the train that morning, worrying about shopping lists, birthday cards and whether the trains would be running. Those things would still be there when I got home, of course, but for now, they could wait.

There was nowhere else I needed to be. I had a beautiful room, a cup of tea and a little time that belonged entirely to me. And with dinner still to look forward to, the evening was only just beginning.

An Evening to Myself

One of the lovely things about staying at Arthouse Hotel Glasgow is having Celentano’s right there for dinner. After a day spent exploring and unwinding, I didn’t have to venture far to enjoy a relaxed evening. I could simply take my time getting ready and look forward to what was on the menu.

I had actually headed to the lounge for a classic Margarita first. It was dark and inviting, with mid-century-style interiors, long draped curtains and a bold fireplace. The room was lit by candlelight, making it a lovely place to settle into the evening. Just a few steps across the lobby and I was in Celentano’s.

It was warm and full of life, with intimate tables of diners enjoying their evenings, but without that feeling of being squeezed in beside everyone else. There was space to settle in and enjoy yourself. The artwork and interiors caught my eye, too; like the hotel itself, it was a feast for the eyes, where everything had been given room to breathe. I felt much the same about the dining experience itself. Each course arrived with its own moment, and there was no need to rush.

Dinner started with Celentano’s sourdough and smoked cultured butter, alongside the smoked cod doughnuts with kimchi. I love those little dishes that give you a chance to try something different, and the doughnuts were a lovely way to start the meal. The small plate of Highland beef ragù was another highlight. Rich and comforting, it was a reminder that you don’t necessarily need a large plate to make an impression.

Dessert was a work of art. The Celentano’s affogato, combining malted barley gelato, Bare Bones chocolate mousse and cold brew coffee, was beautifully presented. You can’t help but appreciate it when food looks as good as it tastes, and this felt like a fitting end to the meal. There was real care in the presentation, right down to the details, making dinner feel like an experience to savour rather than simply another part of the evening.

Bath, Bed and Breakfast

Heading back to my room after dinner, I still wasn't quite ready for the night to be over. I wanted to make the most of it while I could. As much as putting on a little make-up and dressing up for yourself can be fun, there is something to be said for taking it all off again and slipping into a warm bubble bath. It was the perfect way to end the day, washing away the last of the city and allowing myself to relax completely.

Wrapped in a warm white dressing gown, with a towel around my hair, I took my time getting ready for bed before heading towards that wonderfully oversized king-size bed, all to myself. A luxury if ever there was one.

The blackout curtains meant there were no distractions during the night, and I slept right through. With the clocks having gone back, I could open the curtains to the first signs of morning light without feeling any need to rush. I took things slowly, enjoying a coffee in bed before getting dressed and heading downstairs for breakfast.

Breakfast was served in Celentano's, and the morning light gave the restaurant an entirely different atmosphere from the evening before. I found myself sitting in the same seat, this time with the daylight coming through the window, and ordered a cup of tea and some apple juice before taking a look at what was on offer.

It reminded me of the sort of breakfast I'd enjoyed in Oslo or Copenhagen: simple, fresh and beautifully put together. There was sourdough bread with whipped butter, cheese, boiled eggs, smoked salmon, overnight oats and rhubarb compote. Nothing overly complicated, just a lovely selection of things to enjoy at your own pace. It was exactly how I like to start the day.

After breakfast, I headed back upstairs to make the most of my room for a little longer. There was packing to do, of course, but no reason to hurry. I sat for a while with a book, enjoyed the last of my coffee and took in the room once more before it was time to check out. Sometimes the best part of a hotel stay is having nowhere to be and being able to enjoy that feeling for just a little longer.

Eventually, it was time to head home. I left the hotel feeling as though I'd made the most of every moment, stepping back out into the crisp autumn sunshine and making my way towards the station.

My bags were a little fuller, thanks to a spot of shopping, but my head felt considerably lighter. All those little worries I'd carried with me on the train from Edinburgh seemed a long way away. The week ahead no longer felt quite so overwhelming, and I was returning home feeling rested, refreshed and rather pleased with myself.

It doesn't always take a holiday or a long journey to reset. Sometimes, all you need is a change of scenery, somewhere lovely to stay and a little time that is entirely your own. Glasgow had given me just that, and I was already reminded of how important it is to make space for these little escapes.

Planning your own Glasgow escape?

Arthouse Glasgow is located at 129 Bath Street, in a beautifully restored historic building that celebrates the city's architecture, creative community and cultural heritage. With individually styled rooms and Celentano's on site, it's a lovely base from which to discover the city.

You can find out more and book your stay directly at: https://arthousehotelglasgow.com/