The city of Glasgow has seen more changes in the past two decades than almost any other British city. From a declining industrial centre with widespread pessimism about its future, Glasgow has now transformed into one forward-looking city and one of the hippest spots in Europe. It is set against a backdrop of outstanding Victorian architecture, and has world famous art collections. It also claims the best shopping in the United Kingdom outside London and the most vibrant and exciting nightlife in Scotland. Glasgow today is a very lively city, one of the most cosmopolitan destinations in Europe and has been reborn as a centre of style and vitality.

No visit would be complete without experiencing the city's shopping with high street stores, designer labels, and speciality outlets to explore, with welcome pit-stops in the first class cafe culture around the Italian Centre, Merchant Square, Gallery of Modern Art or the Buchanan Galleries. The inner-city district of Charing Cross, spanning the edges of the city center and the west end, boasts a prime location for easy access to both, still within walking distance of many of the shopping and entertainment areas of Glasgow. It also offers the King's and Mitchell theaters.

The Merchant City district boasts a sophisticated, yet active nightlife scene, thanks to the numerous restaurants, bars and theaters that are located here. The Merchant Lodge is one of the oldest buildings in Glasgow. Although it's been brought up to date with all the conveniences of modern hotels, it still retains many original features and the rates are pleasingly old-fashioned.

Also within walking distance of the heart of Glasgow and the centrally located amenities are the comfortable Thistle Glasgow, which boasts of some of the largest hotel bedrooms in Scotland, the striking Quality Central Hotel, the thoroughly modern Glasgow Marriott and the memorable ArtHouse Hotel. More affordable options in the center include the Glasgow City Travelodge and the Holiday Inn Garden Court.

For a more intimate yet no less luxurious option, Groucho Saint Jude's is a boutique hotel offering the ultimate in minimalist chic. A cheaper alternative in this area is the award-winning Babbity Bowster, it has a friendly, traditional atmosphere and an excellent restaurant serving traditional Scottish cuisine. Still within walking distance of the city center's facilities and amenities is the Brunswick Metro Lodge. A local landmark, it has a stylish interior and a popular and innovative restaurant, making this small hotel a highly sought after place to stay.

There are fewer hotels in the medieval area of the city, but one decent reasonably priced option is the Cathedral House Hotel, which is said to be haunted by two ghosts, although they don't seem to bother anyone. In the east end, The Inn On The Green prides itself on the beautiful handmade wooden beds and friendly atmosphere. This is a great place to stay if you're in Glasgow around Guy Fawkes Night as you can watch the firework displays over Glasgow Green from the comfort of the hotel bar.

For those hoping to spend as little as possible on accommodation, Park Terrace has two great little hostels in historic buildings – the Glasgow Youth Hostel and Glasgow Backpackers Hostel. For visitors that tire of the city's delights, Glasgow offers easy access to some of Scotland's beautiful mountains, glens, lochs and unspoilt coastline. Loch Lomond, for instance, is only 32km away.

Special Value rates and best deals on 53 hotels in Glasgow