Nowadays when superstars and celebrities, plus their entourages, are in Glasgow and need a bed for the night, there are many more luxury hotels to cater for them than there were a decade ago. One consistent star-puller, however, has always been One Devonshire Gardens.
Nestling quietly in a tree-lined avenue in the increasingly hip West End, this discreet deluxe hotel is on the road leading out to Loch Lomond, just a short hop from the city centre and only 12 miles from Glasgow's airport.
Amongst the many visitors over the years, including the late
Michael Jackson (who stayed here on his 'Dangerous' tour in 1992),
some of the hotel's more recent guests include LaToya Jackson, Cheryl Cole, George Clooney and Gwyneth Paltrow.
You can see why so many love it here. This 49-roomed, plush and luxurious boutique hotel has the feeling of being in the middle of the countryside, when you are actually very close to the heart of the city. It was recently taken over by Hotel du Vin group, who have given it a sleek makeover and, with the addition of Jo Malone toiletries in the bathrooms, a whole suite devoted to the works of Jack Vettriano (one room has been totally decked out in the Scottish artist's prints) and a room specifically for tasting whiskies, One Devonshire has got pretty much all you could need from a five-star hotel in one of Scotland's biggest cities.
Staying at the One Devonshire Gardens was part of a double treat for myself and my daughter. I was also modelling for Amanda Wakeley in her fashion show at the recently refurbished bar/restaurant Hillhead Bookclub, not far from the hotel and one of the may bars and restaurants off the Byres Road.
After having make-up and hair prepped at the exclusive Princes Square shopping mall in the city centre, where Vidal Sassoon rubs shoulders with Space NK, Links of London and Vivienne Westwood, we headed back to the hotel.
We were met there by the gregarious manager, Gerry Sanderson, who has worked in the hotel business for over 15 years. He quickly offered my daughter and myself a dram of the finest whisky from a large silver quaich — par for the course in Scotland. It tasted good, though for my daughter (aged 5) perhaps a bit heavy — she opted for an orange juice instead.
We were shown to our room, a ground-floor suite, featuring a huge roll-top bath next to the bed. The bathroom was huge and on a separate level, with two fabulous power 'drench' showers and assorted mod cons. The bedroom itself felt big enough for a family of five, and was perfect for two. Huge windows looked out onto the street, with both blinds and curtains to keep out the light and noise. Magazines and books filled the coffee table and there is even a little electronic golf putting set for golf fanatics.
We couldn't hang about for long in our hotel room, as we had to be at the fashion show for 6pm for another run through. The hotel's staff were delightful and couldn't have been more helpful booking taxis and giving out directions. When we returned from the fashion show, starving, we were treated to a fantastic array of chocolate dipped strawberries in our bedroom, a real turn-down treat.
Luckily, we just caught the last of the dinner service in the restaurant and sat alongside what looked like a Middle Eastern prince and princesses. I had a most delicious steak served with dauphinoise potatoes and spinach, washed down with a splendid glass of Tempranillo. My daughter went for a plate of frites, which she adored, and some chocolate ice cream.
It was one of the best nights I have ever spent in Glasgow. The bed was huge with high thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets that ensured a deep and comforting sleep.
The next day we had a robust breakfast of eggs Benedict and freshly baked patisseries.
The only thing that could mar a stay at this beautiful boutique hotel is Glasgow's unpredictable weather. For the couple of days we were there the sun did manage to shine through and although we didn't meet Gwyneth Paltrow or George Clooney in the lobby we did catch a glimpse of the actor Robert Carlyle, who apparently lives just a few streets away.
Hotel du Vin Glasgow, One Devonshire Gardens, Glasgow, G12 OUX (0141 339 2001; hotelduvin.com). Room rates start from £115 per room per night.
