IF posh, plush and swanky are what you want out of a city hotel, then Glasgow's Hotel Indigo will tickle you pink.
Newly opened in the heart of the city centre's financial district, it is ultra cool and modern. But being based in a grand Victorian building, it still retains much of its original character, with its interior design and artwork reflecting its history dating back to 1882.
From the onset, it was clear the 94-bedroom hotel on Waterloo Street has already established itself as being a trendy hot spot for slick executive types.
Arriving on a Friday evening, the contemporary cocktail bar just off the lobby, complete with fuchsia pink and lime-coloured seating, was busy with businessmen and women enjoying an after-work drink.
As soon as we walked in, we were shown to reception and allocated our twin room on the first floor. Wandering along the corridor, everything was so fresh we could still smell the paint and carpet.
The bedroom was just amazing. Each single bed was more like a double and were plumped up with lots of pillows and a soft duvet.
We could still smell the new leather from the huge wall-mounted headboards. As well as a dressing table, the room featured a 32-inch LCD wall mounted TV, a digital radio on the bedside cabinet, a light-up wardrobe, and air conditioning.
No expense had been spared in the decor, fixtures and fittings, as everything is extremely high quality. Little extras like reading lights beside the bed and big thick black-out lime-coloured floral curtains make for a comfortable stay.
The hotel's pink and lime theme was carried through to the bedroom, with pink floral wallpaper and a mixture of walnut laminate and floral carpet underfoot. The en-suite is also high quality, with a walk-in shower complete with "rain" shower.
At night, our room at the back of the building was so quiet it was hard to believe we were in the centre of Scotland's biggest city.
Guests can choose to enjoy dinner in the Limelight Restaurant, named to reflect the building's past as Glasgow's first power station. On February 25, 1883, Glasgow's streets were first illuminated by electricity generated in the premises, which originally included industrial and office space.
The first building it illuminated was Glasgow School of Art and today art is a key feature of hotel, with locally-produced portraits in the restaurant and bar focusing on personalities that have shaped Glasgow's culture over the last 100 years.
Above the bar, the main painting depicts 20 local celebrities including TV inventor John Logie Baird, shipbuilder John Brown and modern day personalities including Lorraine Kelly, Robbie Coltrane and Carol Smillie.
In these surroundings, I enjoyed a three-course meal of chicken satay with coriander and peanut dipping sauce, sirloin steak with peppercorn sauce and fresh hand-cut chips, and a couple of little Limelight dessert pots, including a low fat raspberry cranachan and chocolate mousseline with Glayva syrup. The food was just mouth-watering and the staff were meticulous, attending to our every need.
The other diners and guests including everyone from older couples to young families so it's clear the hotel is not just aimed at young trendy types.
At weekends, both the continental and traditional Scottish breakfast is served until 11am, perfect for those who have been out sampling the nightlife the night before.
As ever, the food and service was faultless.
Location wise, Hotel Indigo is just a few minutes walk from Glasgow Central station so it's about as handy as you can get for shopping and nightlife alike.
The only small issue I encountered during the weekend was the air con in the bedroom blasting cold air right onto my bed while I was trying to kip. However, after a quick call to reception, it was switched off and I was out for the count.
Fact file
Location: Waterloo Street, Glasgow city centre.
Distance: 170 miles, three hours drive from Inverness.
Booking: Call (0141) 226 7700 or visit www.hotelindigoglasgow.com. Rates start from £129, room only.
