Premier Inn Glasgow City Centre Buchanan Galleries Hotel

Certainly the most striking feature of this popular budget chain hotel is its sleek, super-modern architecture that towers over its surroundings. Inside, however, its business as usual with all the efficient functionality and signature interiors that distinguish the Premier Inn brand. Opened in 2012, the Premier Inn Glasgow City Centre Buchanan Galleries is the newest of the four Premier Inn's in Glasgow city center, and consequently, the most fresh-looking and polished within the budget chain. The second-floor lobby is particularly streamlined, with a small one-person reception desk, while a trio of interactive screens allow for quick and easy self check-in. Clientele leans largely toward the leisure end of the market -- particularly couples and families -- but the hotel draws a share of business travelers, especially during the week.

Surrounded by the Buchanan Quarter retail district, the hotel could hardly be more centrally located to Glasgow's main shopping hub. In addition to the numerous shops, restaurants, and bars in the immediate area, the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall sits opposite the property, and the Pavillion Theatre is right behind it. Local transportation links also include the Buchanan Street subway and Queen Street station, which are within a five-minute walk of the property. The hotel is also within a 10-minute walk of Glasgow Caledonian University. 

The hotel's 200 rooms are spread over 15 floors, all of which follow the familiar formula of clean and simple decor in a palette of white and purple with basic wooden furnishings. The air-conditioned rooms are generally spacious and well-maintained, with the chain's signature comfy beds and sofas that convert into extra (though not as comfortable) beds. Rooms are no-frills, but amenities include free (though generally weak) basic Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, hairdryers, and tea- and coffee-making facilities. Basic Wi-Fi can be upgraded for a fee. Bathrooms are clean and modern, with shower/tub combos and wall-mounted soap and shampoo -- but towels can be scarce. Despite its busy location, street noise is rarely a problem, especially in higher-floor rooms, which also offer great views over the city.

The chain's signature all-you-can-eat cooked and continental breakfast is available each morning in the hotel's lobby-level restaurant (breakfast is not included in the room rate). The restaurant is also a cafe-bar, serving a range of alcoholic drinks and Costa Coffee products. Prices aren't particularly budget-friendly, and there are abundant bars and restaurants in the immediate area. There is no on-site parking or drop-off point available, though there is discounted parking at the Buchanan Galleries car park nearby. Security is extremely tight here, with key cards required for elevators and corridors, which while reassuring, some guests find annoying. Business travelers with Premium Inn accounts get such perks as faster booking with less paperwork, and easily reserved meeting rooms.