Bringing a dose of sultry cool to Glasgow’s lively city centre, The Revolver is a boutique hotel filled with so much buzz that letting one’s hair down is practically a check-in requirement. Editor Sophie Ritchie returns to her Scottish roots to share more about this welcoming urban stay
Look. There are times in life for refinement, 9pm bedtimes and general OAP-worthy habits – and then, there are times to let loose a little. And when you’re after a weekend filled with just the right amount of debauchery, The Revolver’s freshly-painted rooms capture the essence of living la vida loco entirely.
Located in trendy Merchant City, this hotel (housed in the listed Virginia House building, whose name took inspiration from the city’s famed Tobacco Lords) is primely located for making the most of Glasgow’s sleepless nightlife. Designed with inclusivity in mind, this property on a mission to revolutionise the city’s LGBT scene. In fact, it’s been built directly above Polo Lounge nightclub, one the city’s most iconic institutions. Fantastic news if you love to party – as a wild night out is a mere flight of stairs away. For those that prefer soundless shuteye… bring your strongest earplugs, you’re a little less in luck.
Spanning across three floors, they do room categories a little differently at The Revolver. Instead of traditional hotel rooms, spaces differ from a stylish Dormitory Room and ‘Japanese-Style Pod Room’ to a more exclusive Double Room with Ensuite and, ideal for larger groups of friends, a Triple Room.
Don’t let the H word (hostel) and its instant connotations of shower queues and wobbly bunk beds spring to mind – this is anything but traditional backpacker territory. The shared spaces feature compact meets cutely contemporary furnishings, as well as lockers, USB charger ports, curtains for additional privacy and complimentary towels.
For those with bigger budgets, Double Rooms, located on the first floor are perfect for a Glaswegian getaway. Each of the hotel’s three floors follows its own colour scheme, inspired by a different area or aspect of the surrounding city. Designed to evoke elements from the infamous Red Light District, you can’t miss the first floor’s stark red corridors, with carpets and walls so rougue that the hallway wouldn’t look out of place on a Stranger Things set.
The Room
I stay in a Double Room with Ensuite, a large space decked out with sultry hanging lights, tongue-in-cheek wall art, red walls and high ceilings courtesy of the building’s original architecture. It’s a place of paired-back simplicity, where modern touches come in the form of fresh white bedding, cactus plants, incense sticks and complimentary condoms – the ultimate Millennial’s touch.
The bathroom (which is also designed to be wheelchair-accessible) features orange and grey tiles, simple fittings and a powerful rain shower. Like the main room, it’s very simple – but certainly does the job. Hunt high and low, but you won’t find a hairdryer – but fear not, as communal dryers are found in the nearby shared bathrooms.
Things To Try
1 Breakfast here: The Revolver
Creamy overnight oats, Japanese-style pancakes and frothy cappuccinos served with a smile. If you like to breakfast like a king (or queen) then make sure to try the hotel’s delicious a la carte menu – served from 8 – 10.30am in an electric space filled with urban furniture such as black and white marble tables, pink banquet seating, leather-backed chairs and neon fixtures galore.
2 Explore here: Kellingrove Art Gallery and Museum
One of Scotland’s most flocked-to visitor attractions, Kellingrove Art Gallery is worth the trek to Glasgow’s trendy West End district. Housing one of Europe’s most impressive art collections, the scope of the museum is wide ranging, with something for everyone to enjoy. Set aside a few hours to enjoy it at leisure, or join one of the regular guided tours to learn more about this fascinating cultural hotspot.
3 Run here: Glasgow Green
One for the runners. Step outside the hotel’s entrance and find yourself just streets away from Glasgow Green, one of the city’s oldest parks with over 136 acres to explore. Don your trainers and take to the paths, which weave across the site with various routes to follow. Not only spacious, the park also features numerous monuments, sculptures, fountains and yes, even a palace.
The Wordrobe Verdict
Bringing a dose of sultry cool to Glasgow’s lively city centre, The Revolver is a new boutique hotel that offers quirky urban decor, eccentric spaces and a team so friendly you’ll feel settled in no time. Come for the party and stay for the pizazz – if you’re partial to an energetic escape, it’s time to book a stay.
Make it happen
Where: 62 Virginia St, Glasgow G1 1TX
How: Find out more and make a booking via revolverhotel.co.uk
Cost: Shared rooms from £25pp per night. Hotel rooms range from between £60 and £110 a night
Words by Sophie Ritchie, editor
