Is The Millennium Hotel Glasgow REALLY Better Than The Grand Central?

[@ReecesTrains]

Great vlog, Rog! Looks like a nice hotel at a tolerable price!

[@RogEdwardsTV]

Thanks Reece. A very comfy stay.

[@spms3018]

As a Glaswegian I’m surprises how under used the terrace is

[@RogEdwardsTV]

It’s a great place to sit, drink, and watch the world go by.

[@alexmcwhirter6611]

Thanks for the latest Railway Hotels, Roger. In fact I stayed there in the 1990s when was branded as a Copthorne. I had a side room which overlooked Queen Street station. Obviously it's been renovated and spruced up since then. It would prefer a stay here if arriving by air, taking the airport bus to nearby Buchanan Street (bus station) and then setting off by by train to the West Highlands.

[@RogEdwardsTV]

Thanks Alex! I stayed there around 1987/88 but all I remember was that the bar was about 10 people deep! 😮

[@apollomemories7399]

It's important to remember that this is a "former" Railway Hotel and I wish Rog that you would use the proper name as it was British Transport Hotels (the parent company and a sub-company of British Rail) - as I indicated to you on your Newcastle video. Since the demise of BTH circa 1983, this hotel as known back then as North British Hotel has had the original heart of it ripped out. It used to be carpeted throughout the ground floor in a deep red shade which felt very warm and very quiet considering all the constant clamour right outside it's door. It also had a large round table situated in the lobby area with impressive floral displays countesy of the General Manager's wife, Mrs. Pat Masser. That glass panel frontage seating area didn't exist until about 1990-ish. The main entrance was to the building's left-hand side just before the steps up to the station. The reception desk was positioned on the front-side of the building on the right-hand side upon entrance. The upper floors where the suites are have much better views than any rooms at the Grand Central (formerly Central Hotel) and of course, have uninhibited views of the entire concourse of George Square. The North British also had a much larger main restaurant, too. It's banqueting and meeting room facilities were larger and superior to the Central's. And also of no small detail, it's public bar, situated on the far right-side of the hotel was easily one of the busiest all-day-open bars in Glasgow, bar none. Music fans may know that Bob Dylan was filmed there in his suite in May 1966, during his "electric" UK tour and also watching a Police display in George Square, as seen in the film "Eat The Document". Neil Young also stayed there in April 1976 and can be seen on film in his "Year Of The Horse" film foolishly setting fire to a napkin and being admonished by the young assistant manageress. Status Quo in their 70's prime hey-day used to hold court in that bar for days at a time when they'd play the Apollo for 4 nights in a row. There was also a third hotel, the St. Enoch's Station Hotel, but it was closed in 1966 and demolished in 1977 and the area is now a glass house shopping centre. Trust me Rog when I tell you that had you seen the North British's wine cellar, it would have blown your mind.

[@RogEdwardsTV]

Thanks for such a detailed comment - some great information. In fairness, I say British Transport Hotels many times in this and all the videos (literally within the first 30 seconds) since the Newcastle one, but for the point of view of titles and thumbnails BTHs is not a term people are familiar with - hence using Railway Hotels which is more descriptive! ☺️

[@apollomemories7399]

@@RogEdwardsTV Fair cop Rog, you did indeed. As you were...

[@RogEdwardsTV]

🙏🏻😀

[@dw140271]

Thanks for another great review Roger, I love these videos. Although I’m Leeds born and bred I’m told that the Crown Plaza in Sheffield is another potential transport hotel for review? (If not already on your list!) - many thanks, David

[@RogEdwardsTV]

Hi David - thanks for watching. The Crowne Plaza is indeed a former British Transport Hotel - I’ll probably get round to doing it next year. 😀🏨

[@PlanesTrainsEverything]

I was speaking to the sales manager before Covid, and she said there was to be an entrance from the station concourse straight into the hotel - as part of the station's redevelopment. I've never seen that. Did you spot anything (similar idea to the entrance to the Voco Grand Central)?

[@RogEdwardsTV]

I didn’t see anything, Scott. The logical place for such a door would be next to the bar but on reflection that would end up under the stairs down from the station concourse. I wonder whether the plans were for a door from the concourse onto the first floor of the hotel. Something to check out next time I’m in Glasgow. Thanks for watching. 😀

[@Alan.92n]

Hi Roger. Stayed at the Millennium about 6 weeks ago and enjoyed my stay. Was a bit concerned when you said that you were torn between the 2 Glasgow hotels, but agree with you, that the Grand Central still tops! Yes, I had a cooked breakfast to order on my 2nd and last morning, but got a bit more than yourself( yes a bit stingy), because I was asked what I wanted, and said everything! The previous morning the cooked breakfast was buffet style! The room good as was the wine, nice bar area, but preferred the Grand Central interior. Centre of Glasgow looked great with all the Xmas lights. Going up to Glasgow for a few nights in mid-December, staying at the Grand Central. Another good vlog, Roger, thanks again.🍷 😃 👍

[@RogEdwardsTV]

Thanks, Alan. Enjoy the Grand Central when you return! 😀

[@sueKay]

Stayed at the Millennium hotel 6 years ago... It was for my 30th to save me having to head home early since I live near Loch Lomond. I think the hotel was okay...I was kind of too drunk then hungover from a pub crawl to remember much! I remember my room was massive! it didn't look onto the square though. For many years I did frequent the Millennium Hotel's Georgics bar (which has been closed for a while now) as I had a friend who was regularly travelling to and from London, so it was a convenient meeting place for the bus station. I miss going in there, the staff were brilliant. They used to do a lovely light curtain at Royal Exchange Square at Christmas, I miss that.

[@RogEdwardsTV]

Thanks for sharing your memories about The Millennium Hotel! 😀

[@MerryRaven]

lovely hotel and great price for the wine 🍷 that breakfast looked a tiny bit...well tiny lol

[@RogEdwardsTV]

Very stingy breakfast. I should have sent the waiter back to double everything up. The Reserve Rioja which I had (off camera) was superb.

[@simondavey7787]

Thanks, Roger. I always enjoy your station hotel videos. I think the hotel is one I would stay at but it doesn't have the grandeur of many of the other places you have stayed. As wonderful as the location, price and room are, it lacked atmosphere. I'm curious as to which other hotels you will try!

[@RogEdwardsTV]

Thanks Simon. 10 down, 24 to go (well I guess I can say 11 because I have reviewed The Landmark London but that was before I decided to do a series). I will get round to them all eventually but some of the top end ones like Gleneagles and The Balmoral are a bit pricey! 😮

[@annekerkvliet5096]

Thanks Roger for another great review! I think you were quite generous in your summing up. I have stayed here years ago and found it a bit scuffed round the edges. I think it would benefit from a bit of tartan carpet and some real chandeliers! Also perhaps richer colours on the walls and furnishings. However, it was the breakfast that shocked me. As a Scot, I thought that was so far removed from the usual, over the top, generosity that people expect in Scotland. And especially Glasgow. They're normally trying to kill you with kindness! Where's the haggis? Blackpudding? Tattie scones? Square sausage? I've never seen anything like it! Unbelievable! Did you say you were on a diet by any chance? Maybe after that extra glass of wine..............😂

[@RogEdwardsTV]

Thanks for watching! I should have sent it back and asked for more but I was a little shocked! 😮

[@martinquinn9007]

Remember before millium was cop Thorne hotel hqs cocktail bar qtbthe front

[@RogEdwardsTV]

I’m sure I went to a very raucous party in the bar there back around 1987! 🍺

[@walterfillingham]

I’ve really been enjoying this series comparing the station hotels. Did you know there is even a “Station Hotel” in my hometown of Stonehaven, it’s right next to the station and really the heart of Stonehaven, always a busy place, particularly the bar, restaurant and small function room. Always wandered what the rooms were like. Seems to be busy with visiting trades people with their vans parked overnight outside. Don’t think to big enough to have a grand staircase though..

[@RogEdwardsTV]

Hey - I’ve seen the outside of the Station Hotel in Stonehaven. My son lives in Aberdeen so we’ve been there a few times for the obligatory Aunty Betty’s ice cream. It wasn’t one of the official British Transport Hotels but I think it deserves a review purely because of its name and where it is! 😀

[@walterfillingham]

@@RogEdwardsTV oh, no, no, no.. you must try the proper genuine local ice cream parlour with old fashioned sweets, Giulianotti next door to the TSB Bank, they actually make their own delicious ice creams..

[@RogEdwardsTV]

Noted for next time! 😀 🍦

[@kevanhubbard9673]

I'd never noticed that hotel before but I'd seen the one by Central Station although I have never stayed in either.I wonder how many places in Scotland have more than one station on different lines?Falkirk ,Coatbridge ,Paisley ,Tyndrum,Livingstone and Glasgow are the only ones I can think of.

[@sueKay]

Helensburgh is about the only other one I can think of.

[@RogEdwardsTV]

Of course Edinburgh used to have a separate Princes Street Station which had The Caledonian as its hotel, way back! 🚊

[@justinr7542]

I live just up the road from this hotel and have always been curious what this place is like inside as to be fair the exterior is in need of some TLC, not bad inside though!

[@RogEdwardsTV]

I was pleasantly surprised. The conservatory overlooking the square was great.

[@steve-marsh]

I must be hotel, when you first said Millenium, I was worried for you, but it was actually alright in reality. Cheers for this one mate

[@RogEdwardsTV]

Cheers Steve. Pleasantly surprised by this one even though I've put it off for a while. 😀

[@davidfoster2459]

Have stayed in both. There are some very poor rooms in the millennium. I would say the Central is the best

[@RogEdwardsTV]

Agreed. Thanks for watching. 🥂

[@hughgardner2309]

It's nice but i think the nicest one is in York.

[@RogEdwardsTV]

The York Hotel has recently be rebranded as The Milner York - be interesting to see if they've made any changes.

[@hughgardner2309]

@RogEdwardsTV i see that I wonder why?

[@RogEdwardsTV]

William Milner was a Station Foreman who got medals for bravery during WW2. I think it's about celebrating a famous railway man. Probably more apt than The Principal given the hotel's history.

[@grantelliot9803]

No video this week Roger?

[@RogEdwardsTV]

Please have a look at my community post.

[@harveyfleming9572]

where your video today rog edwards tv?

[@RogEdwardsTV]

💡

[@martinquinn9007]

Wtf with that breakfast there takiy the p

[@RogEdwardsTV]

Embarrassing! Should have asked for more but I was momentarily speechless! 😶

[@martinquinn9007]

@RogEdwardsTV omg that's bad there was weather spoons just avcross

[@richardturnbull6333]

Everything ok until whoop.... that stingy breakfast

[@RogEdwardsTV]

I know right?

[@jimmcintosh9045]

Hotel could do with more comfy chairs in the lounge area. Too many bar stool type. The Champagne bar in the Central Station has more character. Your breakfast portions was pathetic.

[@RogEdwardsTV]

Agreed. Thanks for watching. 🙏🏻

[@harveyfleming9572]

its st andrews day today rog edwards tv

[@RogEdwardsTV]

😀

[@JohnAleman1]

Bit plain inside not as impressive as some you have stayed in🍻

[@RogEdwardsTV]

Definitely doesn't have the granduer of some of the Railway Hotels, but I guess if you don't compare it to the others, it's pretty good. 😀