The Launch of Blythswood Square - 'Glasgow's Glamorous New Golden Girl'

• 14 SEP 2009

Formerly headquarters to the Royal Scottish Automobile Club, this landmark property has been redeveloped by Scotland's stylish luxury boutique hotel group, The Town House Collection, to capture the glamour of a bygone era whilst showcasing the latest in designer styling as befits this vibrant and sociable city.

Blythswood Square which is located in the City centre on one of Glasgow's only remaining green spaces will have 100 bedrooms including four spacious suites and an enticing top floor penthouse complete with rooftop hot tub.  It will also house Glasgow's first luxury spa offering indigenous Scottish treatments, a restaurant, bars, a private screening room and event facilities.  

Blythswood Square will be one of Scotland's most environmentally-friendly hotels through the incorporation of renewable energy technologies to achieve reduced carbon emissions.         

The hotel interior retains its fine architectural features whilst sporting contemporary bespoke furniture by modus, flooring and textiles.  This includes the use of Scotland's famous Harris Tweed which will be used across chairs, curtains and even restaurant menus.  This is the first time this textile has been used for interiors since the 1970s.

Formerly the Royal Scottish Automobile Club's ballroom, the hotel's main 150-cover restaurant and cocktail bar will be impressive with its high ceilings and grand dimensions.  However, the atmosphere will be fun and relaxed, a place to enjoy delicious seasonally chosen and locally sourced food and inventive cocktails with friends under the attention of award winning Executive Head Chef, Daniel Hall. 

The Spa at Blythswood Square champions the latest in cutting edge design offering a number of unique facilities and treatments specially created for the spa. Guests can indulge in bespoke natural treatments using Scotch Thistle extract, Scottish seaweed and a selection of treatments from the luxurious Anne Semonin and ila. The spa is home to Glasgow's only Seaweed Bath chamber filled with healing organic seaweed sourced from the Hebrides. The marble Heat Suite offers a range of hot and cold experiences including a large hydrotherapy pool. The 11m relaxation pool leads to the decadent Dark Pool where guests can float under a crystal chandelier. This outstanding spa also houses a Rasul, relaxation rooms, 9 spacious treatment rooms including a double suite, all offering the highest level of comfort and warmth.

Additional highlights within the hotel include a 35 metre Salon featuring two original fire places, columns and cornicing with stunning views over Blythswood Square and a private Screening Room, the first in a Scottish hotel, which will be furnished in over 40 different designs of Harris Tweed.

There is also the RSAC's original 'Rally Bar' named after the Monte Carlo Rally which started from Blythswood Square in 1955.  Over the years many high profile racing drivers frequented the bar and it grew a wide reaching and auspicious reputation.  The Rally Bar is being restored to its former glory and is available to guests booking the hotel's conference and event suites.

Blythswood Square is owned by The Town House Collection, owner of four of the finest boutique hotels in Edinburgh - The Bonham, Channings, The Howard and The Edinburgh Residence.  Peter Taylor OBE, Chairman of The Town House Collection, commented:
"The chance to restore this landmark Glasgow property tastefully into a contemporary hotel, retaining its unique features and personality has been a wonderful opportunity.  It's a magnificent building and we look forward to welcoming our first guests."