Address: 129 Bath Street, Glasgow G2 2SY.
Tel: 0141-221 6789.
Fax: 0141-221 6777.
Email: Info@arthousehotel.com
Web: www.arthousehotel.com

First impressions:
Part of a listed terrace converted over nine months before opening in April last year. The conversion has left many original features, including 712 gold leaf lions on the walls and a 1911 elevator, but mixes this with modern, trendy furniture and paintings.

What are the rooms like?
High ceilings, velvet-covered walls, wood panelling, ornate curtains, a designer sofa and hidden modern lighting.

The bed test
A king-sized, comfy number. Pillows big enough for Pavarotti and a chunky duvet.

The bathroom test
Biggish (Domingues-sized), bath and a shower. The water did seem a darker shade of pale - but that could be Glasgow.

The food
Two separate restaurants - one posh, one not so - along with a Japanese Teppanyaki bar and an oyster bar. The Bar and Grill (not posh) offers starters from £2.50, including king prawns tempura with ponzu dipping sauce (£6.50). For the vegetarian, there is a tomato and basil risotto. Reasonable but short wine list.

What is there within walking distance?
Loads of bars, museums, the massive new Buchanan Galleries shopping arcade. Both main railway stations nearby.

What is there to see within a 10-minute drive
Rangers and Celtic football headquarters, the Clyde with all its ghostly machinery and a view of the beginning of the Highlands.

How much a night?
Double room £90, junior suite £140, executive suite £180.

Would you go back?
For an unusual experience in unusual surroundings it's worth a try.