The Radisson certainly cannot be faulted for location as, for those arriving by train, it is across the road from Glasgow's main station. And leisure visitors are within easy walking reach of major shopping areas and many cultural attractions. Maintaining positive first impressions, friendly and helpful reception staff speedily sorted the registration niceties, meaning that I was in my room minutes after getting off the train from London.
My high-floor room afforded a mixed view - some charming old buildings set among some modern abominations. Amenities-wise, all the essentials were covered. Scandinavian-type chairs, lamps of varying sizes, decent workspace, TV facing the king-size bed and a small but well illuminated bathroom.The free WiFi worked efficiently and, in deference to local taste, there were some Tunnock's caramel wafers to accompany the complimentary hot drinks.
Wandering the nearby thoroughfares, you are spoilt for choice for drinking and dining possibilities. But for the time-pressed or plain lazy, the hotel has a restaurant adorned with works by pop art pioneer Sir Peter Blake and a choice of bars.
For kosher cuisine, you'll need to travel to Glasgow's main Jewish area - reachable by train, a bus ride of seemingly endless stops or a 10-minute cab journey - where Mark's Deli in Giffnock is a popular daytime dining and meeting place.
My one problem with the Radisson was breakfast. The buffet selections are fine for those favouring the traditional English fry-up or the even heavier Scottish alternative. But for lighter and non-meat dining, the choices are fairly limited and not hugely appealing. Putting a further dampener on my experience, the omelette I ordered was soggy. Maybe best to book accommodation only.
