Address: 278 West George Street, Glasgow G2 4LL. Tel: 0141-572 1000. Web address: www.malmaison.com

First impressions: The metropolitan hotel chain was the trendsetter in terms of introducing boutique-style accommodation at an affordable price and is the winner of best British hotel category in our awards for the third year running. Branches in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle and one coming soon to London. We stayed in Glasgow - a converted church,which was the first in the chain.

What are the rooms like? Ruud Gullit liked them so much when he was manager of Newcastle Utd, he stayed for two years. Big, bold and modern, with specially-commissioned art and creature comforts such as CD player (though possibly trying too hard by including Snoop Dogg in the CD library), cable TV and mini-bar.

The bed test: Dominates the room - wide enough to sleep star-shaped in, big and bouncy enough to dance to Snoop Dogg on.

The bathroom test: Bright and clean and stuffed full of toiletries boated in from Arran.

The restaurant: Brasserie serves Euro food with a fair selection of wine. Attentive service, reasonable prices.

The bar: The Mal Bar offers a selection of cocktails, and the Mal Café serves lunch and light evening meals, such as pasta, pizza and salads. Slightly industrial feel in that they are overlooked by a gallery and reached by spiral staircase.

What is there to see within walking distance? City centre shops of Buchanan and Sauchiehall Streets are a matter of minutes away.

How much a night? Doubles and twins from £110 a night not including breakfast (£10.75 for the full monty).

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