Revisited: Blythsowood Square Hotel and Spa

Back in February I had the pleasure of staying in the newly opened Blythswood Square Hotel and Spa, and gave them a glowing review. As I was returning to Glasgow, I decided the hotel was so accommodating and lovely that I would try a second time to see if they're keeping up the amazing service. I wasn't disappointed!

Upon my arrival, I was greeted warmly by the staff who all remembered me, and even asked after the Punk Glam Princess wondering why she wasn't with me this time as well. Well blow me over! I've stayed at various hotels many times over and never been greeted as genuinely warmly as this!

I was led to my room, number 218 by the gracious staff who explained to me that this part of the hotel wasn't even open on my last visit. Since it was just myself this time I opted for the "wee classic" room, and although this is considered their most economical room, I found it to be quite luxurious with the giant king sized four poster bed fit for this Punk Glam Queen! (And yes, wee pixie sized me can take up that whole bed -- I'm quite a restless sleeper that has the poor Punk Glam King clinging to the edge of the bed every night! Sorry honey, you know its just that I want to be closer to you! Heehee!)

Lovely touches like a cozy Scottish Harris tweed shawl lay at the foot of this Queen's bed. A love seat at the foot made for easy entertaining when Queen Marie and Queen Michelle came to visit.

The desk, with a tray of sweets and fruit, the gratis bottles of Speyside Glenlivet Water (one each of still and sparkling -- I'm quite particular about water, and give this one 5 stars as well!) and the large flat screen TV at the end. I loved that mirror as well, it had such a sassy, 1930's boudoir vibe! Combined with the four poster bed, I felt like a modern day Jean Harlow as I had even brought my silk 1930's nightgown! Oh and I must not forget, FREE wifi throughout the hotel!

Lovely personal touches like this hand-written note make you feel realize you are in the lap of luxury.

Same gorgeous marble bath as our last room. Thick, thirsty towels, robes, and slippers, and organic vegan safe toiletries round out the luxury.

Our last visit I forgot to take a picture of the lovely sink faucet. Look at how the water cascades out... I want one!

The swanky Rally Bar during the day so you can see the decor better, where Queen Michelle, Prince B, and myself enjoyed drinks one evening.


Some quiet nooks off the main lobby.


Blythswood Square, just across the street from the hotel, now in full bloom.

My room rate was a summer special and included a full Scottish breakfast. For a mere 5GBP more I had it delivered to my room one morning as I intended on sleeping in and this little extra luxury made me feel so very royal indeed. Another evening, I was a bit peckish, and it was late, so I ordered room service. I got a wonderful Toasted Tuna Melt Panini for a mere 7.50GBP. All the late night room service options were very reasonable, and I wouldn't hesitate to order as the service was prompt and was not only beautiful, but perfectly served.

After staying at Blythswood Square Hotel this second time, I can honestly say this hotel will remain one of my all-time favourites, and it lives up to its 5 Star rating. Everything about it, from the gorgeous facade, motoring memorabilia, modern decor with a twist, food, little touches like robes and slippers, and superb staff and service will make this my hotel of choice every visit to Glasgow! At some future point, I do plan to return to Glasgow with my whole family, and visit Edinburgh as well. I wouldn't hesitate book one of the hotel groups offerings there due to my marvelous experience at Blythswood Square.

If you're interested in booking a room, please do refer directly to their website where you will find the best rates and specials anywhere on the Internet.

A special thank you to the staff of Blythswood Square Hotel and Spa for making my solo visit to Glasgow so special. You'll be seeing me and hopefully my family too again! (Soon I hope!)

Cheers!

Glorious Glasgow

I do understand that for some the title of this may seem a bit (or even a lot) off character, as Glasgow has had the misfortune of being labelled one of the more undesirable Scottish cities to visit. However, last February I fell in love, and since I was on a solo holiday I decided I needed to visit again to explore a bit more. It was every bit as charming this visit -- if not even more so with the amazing blossoms everywhere -- that I know this is a city I will visit over and over.

Such blossoms,they were so enormous and vibrant!

The Punk Glam King took the Punk Glam Princess to Florida to do the whole Disney/ Universal thing, and since I wilt in the heat I was seeking more temperate climes, especially after our recent heat wave in NY. I wasn't disappointed, and even seemed to have brought some NY sunshine which made for a lovely visit.

First order of business after the warm welcome back to the luxurious Blythswood Square Hotel and Spa (full follow up review to follow, they deserve a post of their own), was a joyful reunion with Queen Michelle. After catching up, we hit the beautiful ancient streets of Glasgow for a lovely wander about and of course just a wee bit of shopping had to be fit in!

One of Glasgow's old buildings with a fantastic metal peacock sculpture atop.

A close up of the peacock sculpture.
Later that evening Prince B met us at the hotel bar for drinks, where I enjoyed great conversation with both Prince B and Queen Michelle. I don't think I really wanted the night to end between the lovely bar and the good company!

Spooky iPhone photo of Prince B and Queen Michelle!

Queen Michelle and I at the lovely Rally bar at the Blythswood Square.

The next day was my reunion with Queen Marie, and all three of us Queens hit the town running! So much fun was had wandering the markets, stopping for a tea (or in my case coffee) breaks and just laughing and enjoying each others company. My prize for the day was two large pieces of 50s barkcloth for a mere £3! There's enough for me to redo all my patio cushions as well as my front porch love seat if I use a coordinating solid for one side. I know it sounds rather dull, but here this would have cost me $50 at the very least!

Three happy shopping Queens in front of one of the markets!

Tea and coffee break for the weary shoppers!

Goofy iPhone shots, as you can see the time difference and my refusal to slow down is catching up with me!

Gosh I really treasure these silly candid shots so much, they reflect all the fun we were having!
The remainder of my stay the Queens were ever so gracious and drove me around the city to all their favourite vintage haunts. Of course we fit in a wee splurge at Primark which is the only place on earth where I can purchase a pair of jeans off the rack, without trying them on and have them fit perfectly. I have an extremely hard time finding jeans due to my very small waist and hate that bloody waist gap I find in brands both inexpensive and high-end. How do they do it?? It has never failed to amaze me!

Shot from a parking garage of the city.

The city of Glasgow has such charm, I feel its sad that most decide to forgo visiting for other cities. There has been so much urban renewal, with lovely pedestrian malls that house beautiful old buildings where you'll find all sorts of shops with various price ranges. Wandering the streets alone on my last evening (after practically causing a scandal at the hotel, as apparently this is something a single woman shouldn't do -- um, I'm a New Yorker, lived in some pretty rough neighborhoods, and since I believe I can handle myself anywhere, I can!) I was quite melancholy, thinking of the next time I get to visit this lovely city.

I know my wonderful return visit to Glasgow has to do with the amazing Queens. They are two of the most creative, talented, gracious, fun, and beautiful women I'm proud to call my friends. It sounds trite but I feel so blessed to have them come into my life and treasure their friendship the same as those of friends I've had for many more years!

In a few days I'll write more about my second leg of my journey to my second home, London.

Cheers!

Blythswood Square Hotel, Glasgow Review

On our first visit to Glasgow I had no clue of where to stay, the Queen's gave me the advice of the area best to stay in and a site that listed hotels (Glasgow Guide) so clicking under "hotels" I scanned the list putting in our dates to see what's available. I never look at anything with less than a 4 star rating as I usually find the price difference between a 4 and 3 star hotel negligible. Blythswood Square popped up and looked intriguing, so I went to their website for a closer look.

The hotel overlooks Blythswood Square.

PGP in front of the entrance to the Blythswood Square Hotel and Spa.

A luxury 5 star hotel and spa newly opened. It was the former site of the Clubhouse for The Royal Scottish Automobile Club (RSAC) from 1910 until it was sold to developers in 2002. Purchased by the Townhouse Collection in 2006, and recently opened as the Blythswood Square hotel and spa late 2009. The photos looked stunning, and the special Internet rate was spot on our budget, so I booked a "Wee Classic" room for the Punk Glam Princess and I as we only had a two night stay.

The biggest chandelier I've ever seen! Taken from the lobby looking up the incredibly beautiful staircase. I can just imagine the gorgeous wedding photos that could be taken there.

PGP and I in one of the bordello red velvet alcoves in the lobby. There were about three of these alcoves (with tables and chairs in front of each) which really lent an exotic air to the lobby!

Lounge area.

Well, to my surprise, they had given us a free upgrade to a suite! Which was absolutely perfect not only in decor but for our needs, as it made the gabfest with Queen Marie and Queen Michelle that much more comfortable. Little touches like a fruit and biscuits (Oh those Tunnock biscuits, just like Mallomars, but all milk chocolate!) board left for us, a personalized note wishing us a great stay, robes and slippers (you don't realize just how much you miss those until you have them provided for you) and bottled water made the experience into one we'll never forget and will be quick to repeat on future visits to Glasgow.

The view as you entered our room. The closet contained a kettle, selection of teas and coffee, a safe, and mini-bar. Not pictured to the left of the door to the bath is a huge double closet, which contained extras like an iron and board. Notice the great motoring rally mural on our wall.

Our room on our last day. Slightly messy after two days running around! Note the PGP and her new red leopard motorcycle jacket (styled in her inimitable style with "invader Zim" -- or is it "Gir"? -- hat!) This was taken from the window looking back towards the lounge and bed.

This was taken from the bed looking towards the windows. Note the large flat screen TV, and to the left the desk and a pass-through to the bath. (You can see our robes hanging in the bath.) Sorry for the glare from the open curtains, it was a bright, sunny warm day -- of course when we're leaving!

The bath view through the pass-through by the desk. I tired to get a shot of the sink -- the water cascaded out of the faucet like a waterfall! It was fascinating, and now I want one like that for our home bathroom! To the right of the teacup is a standing mirror which had a magnified side; another very thoughtful touch as it's so useful to those of us with poor eyesight!

The luxurious bath, which included the aforementioned amenities, as well as a selection of organic and vegan-safe toiletries handmade in Scotland by Purdies of Argyll. (I loved that the labels were also written in Scots Gaelic!) Another little luxurious touch was a red organza bag filled with bath salts. Such a relief at the end of the day to soak tired bones and sore muscles after a plane ride or touring a city in a hot tub filled with luscious bath salts!

As I was wandering about taking photos (the staff was very accommodating considering they had a conference going on at the time) a gentleman next to where I was taking a photo asked if I knew the history behind the hotel. It turned out that Mr. John Sinclair was a former member of the RSAC, and was so gracious to offer me extra information as well as tour of an area usually reserved for private meetings.

The photos throughout of the hotel are a vintage motor enthusiast's dream. I have a love of cars and motorbikes instilled in me from my father who has refurbished vintage cars as a hobby. (Actually anything he can tinker with that has a motor, which includes boats and airplanes. Yes, you heard that right. Imagine trying to explain to friends as a teenager that those things hanging in the garage that are being hand-sewn by my father are the wings to a vintage airplane.) So wandering around taking photos I got a little carried away with the selection provided.

Mr. Sinclair informed me that all of the photos were donated by former RSAC members. What a delight, it was like being in a motoring history museum!

This is a photo taken in the old "smoking room", covered in beautiful mahogany wood paneling. The painting above the mantle was from when the clubhouse was one of the starting points for the Monte Carlo Rally. This was the crowing jewel tucked away into the lower level of the hotel that Mr. Sinclair was keen to show me, and that I was thrilled and grateful that he did, as I would've otherwise missed it!

Closeup of the painting. The RSAC was one of 8 official starting points for the Monte Carlo Rally in 1955 .

The Blythswood Square has 100 guest rooms, boasts a spa, restaurant, bars (including the historic Rally Bar), and private event areas. My only regret was that our time was so short that I couldn't take full advantage of these (plus traveling solo with a child doesn't allow for much boozing, and they're picky eaters!) Next time will be a different story!

A vintage motor enthusiast's dream upscaled to modern luxury whilst keeping true to the integrity of the original architecture the Blythswood Square Hotel is a true 5 star hotel. I've stayed in many 5 star hotels over the years that honestly couldn't hold a candle to the Blythswood Square. Please do consider Blythswood Square Hotel and Spa for your next visit to Glasgow, you will not be disappointed! (Don't forget if you live in Glasgow they also will host your special event!) It's conveniently located (we walked everywhere, which I love as you miss so much otherwise) and a short inexpensive taxi ride from the airport. Go directly to their site for the best rates and selection, and I can assure you that the staff is keen to please and answer any questions you may have to make your stay memorable.

A warm and special thank you to Suzan Horswell and Murray Thompson for making our stay so enjoyable and allowing me access to photograph.

Cheers!

Holiday Time!

A few weeks ago we went on holiday to London and Glasgow, and as luck would have it was in London for the first two days of London Fashion Week. I managed to attend one show, which I'll write about in another post. For now, I'll talk about the Punk Glam Princess and my adventures.

It was a bit of a whirlwind, trying to fit everything in, but we did manage to see most everyone. And most importantly we made our way out of the vortex called London that usually sucks me in (hey, its hard to get out of such a great city filled with so many good friends) and took our first visit to Scotland. Glasgow to be exact. Even more specifically to see Queen Michelle and Queen Marie of "Kingdom of Style". I knew we'd get on like old friends, but what I didn't expect was to fall in love with the beautiful old city of Glasgow. Staying in the luxurious 5 star Blythswood Square hotel added to the magic. (The hotel is deserving of its own review post and will be coming soon, promise! I'm still typing one-handed and can't wait until this ulnar neuropathy is finally healed!)

Our first night in Glasgow was spent having a gabfest at the hotel, which I wanted to go on forever! The Queens are the best and lavished us with such thoughtful and yummy gifts! Day two we met up with Queen Michelle and she took the PGP and I around shopping. My favourite shop was the lingerie shop Boudiche, where I purchased the most beautiful pair of Bebaroque "Myrtle" tights. Back in the '80's I designed lingerie and I still have quite a weakness for it, and Boudiche was a scrumptious sight to behold. The staff was so sweet, offering tea, and helping when needed. They also told me that when you order from the US via their website, the VAT is automatically deducted, and the shipping charges are quite reasonable. I know there will be more shopping from them in my future -- I had my eyes on some beautiful Bebaroque stay-ups and tights that were sadly out of stock but should be in soon and I will definitely be ordering from them. Queen Michelle tried on a gorgeous Lascivious Candy bodysuit from their Showgirls collection in hot pink that made us think of super heroes, so a super hero shot was in order!

It's Super Queen Michelle!

Not to leave out the PGP, Queen Michelle found a gothy/punky type shop called Osiris for her to find some goodies. She came away with a grey, black, & white short tutu skirt, and a red leopard bondage style motorcycle jacket that she hasn't removed since! (And that mum will be borrowing as well!)

It was sad to say goodbye, but hopefully it won't be for too long!

Back in London, the scramble started. I was taking the PGP down to Brighton to stay with her bestie L-Belle, and my bestie Barbara. We also decided to get haircuts at Rush since the last experience was so great. The lovely Esther (see my post from last summer here) wasn't in that day, but Brooke was suggested. So the PGP got her very first salon cut and I must say it looks gorgeous! I also got a fabulous cut, so here's another recommendation for Rush in Brighton -- different stylist, still a great cut! I left back for London solo as the next day was the first day of LFW.

The lovely Brooke at Rush, Brighton.

The Punk Glam Princess with her new 'do and L-Belle.

My new 'do much later that evening after rain! It actually looks much better, or will do once my hand is fully working again!

There was a total mess-up with my invites, I was assured they had been sent to the hotel, yet nothing arrived. The concierge even checked with the other hotel with "Bloomsbury" in its name as he said sometimes things go there by mistake. But no luck, it still remains a mystery. Thankfully a very magical pixie (you know who you are!) was able to make a mad scramble to get me on the list for the Felder+Felder, Jean-Pierre Braganza, and Hannah Miller show. I'm so grateful as I really enjoyed the show, which will I'll also feature in another post.

I must also suggest The Bloomsbury Hotel on Great Russell Street (very close to the British Museum and Oxford Street as well). The hotel has had a total renovation and was preciously a Jury's hotel. Its now stunning as well as accommodating. We'll definitely stay there again.

The PGP at the entrance to our lovely room at the Bloomsbury Hotel.

Our room at the Bloomsbury Hotel which was quite spacious although it doesn't look so in this photo!

I love staying in Bloomsbury as its so convenient for me to get to other parts of London. For example, the tubes were a mess while we were there, and on our last night we were headed to the Angel to meet up with some friends at our fav restaurant S & M Cafe (mind out of the gutter, Sausage and Mash, great traditional British food) but realized the tube would have stopped far below. However, just around the corner from the hotel there were loads of buses on New Oxford St. that took us directly there.

Wandering home after a meal at the Stockpot in the West End, we came across this at Centre Point. What sort of fancy sports car was this?

A Smart car! Pretty snazzy, no?

On the second day of LFW I decided to get some shopping done. I had to meet up with Barbara who was bringing the PGP back to London, and we decided we needed to go to the Alexander McQueen store. As mentioned previously, the scene was somber as was to be expected. I Love my new sunglasses but was a little disappointed that the boots and ring I wanted were out of stock in my size. (No matter, I remedied that once in NY, post foreshadowing heehee!) Barbara got a lovely ring as well.

My dreamy new sunglasses.

Barbara's new ring by the condolence book and flowers inside the shop. Photo by Barbara Taylor.

Barbara and I reflected in the window, trying to take a photo of the tribute. Photo by Barbara Taylor.

I loved this photo of Alexander McQueen.

Sorry for the long-winded post, but I had to work on it piecemeal and it turned out a bit longer than planned! I still have posts coming, so as my hand slowly heals they'll be coming along so stay tuned for more!

Cheers!