Fraser Suites Glasgow

Frasier Suites is sandwiched between bars and eateries under a Victorian facade, with metal-and-glass doors that lead to a long entry hallway, decorated in purple and mauve tones and lined with chic furnishings and arty Glasgow photographs. Housed in a former bank building dating back to the 1850s, an extensive 2013 renovation transformed the interiors into their current incarnation. Interiors are a mix of glass and steel with ceiling spotlights and wooden floors, and retain some original touches, including a sweeping carved wooden banister. There are a few common areas some discreetly tucked away behind swipe-key doors and a pair of elevators transport guests to one of the property's four levels, the top one of which is the Executive Floor. 

The hotel is located in the Merchant City area of Glasgow, right in the city center. The location is excellent for exploring the city, with plenty of bars and restaurants in the surrounding area. Argyll Street train station is a five-minute walk away and connects to the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre (SECC) and the SSE Hydro concert venue in under 10 minutes. Bustling Buchanan Street and Princes Square -- known for great shopping -- are also 10 minutes away on foot, and Glasgow Central'a main train station is just beyond. The airport is a 15-minute drive or half-hour bus ride away. 

The property has 98 studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartments, and even the smaller units are huge (around twice the size of the average hotel room). Decor is sleek and modern, and all apartments come with sitting areas and kitchenettes, complete with microwaves and coffeemakers. Lounges have comfy sofas, iPod docks, and flat-screen TVs with DVD players, while the contemporary bathrooms come with sleek shower/tub combos, heated towel racks, and L'Occitaine bath products. While beds are large and there's plenty of storage space, the lack of air-conditioning can be an issue in the summer for some (though summers here are typically mild). The Ingram and Glassford Suite on the Executive Floor (the fourth floor) feature impressive views over Glasgow’s cityscape, while some other units just face a concrete wall. Noise from the bar next door is a common complaint, particularly in lower-level units on the bar side of the building.

As with most serviced apartment properties, there's not a great deal in the way of amenities at Fraser Suites. There is a small breakfast room, where a full continental breakfast buffet is served each morning (included in some rates). There's also a self-service laundry room and a small gym for guest use. Wi-Fi is free and available throughout the property, though the connection can be slow at times. Although there's no parking on-site, guests get a discount at a parking lot right by the hotel.