Emma Discovering Revolver, Glasgow’s LGBT-friendly hotel
Revolver is a hostel that looks more like a boutique hotel in Glasgow’s Merchant city, a short walk from the centre of Glasgow. Revolver is not just budget-friendly but LGBT+ friendly as well, and is steps away from the Polo Lounge nightclub / The Riding Room.
Needless to say, if you are here for a quiet break, this might be the wrong place for you. The free earplugs (and condoms!) might give the hint that this hostel is a place for fun rather than sleeping.
We stayed over on a Tuesday night but it was still a busy night with the thump of the bass from The Polo Lounge and The Riding Room on the ground floor.
Transport
There is no on-site parking but there is a multi-storey NCP car park just a few streets away on Albion Street, which is expensive, especially if you’re planning on staying for a while. We would always recommend public transport for visiting Glasgow, and Revolver is walking distance to the two main train stations: Glasgow Central and Queen Street Railway Station (about 10 minutes walking time). Being in the Merchant City, High Street (on the Queen Street low level line) and Argyle Street (on the Central low-level line) are the two closest stations (5 minutes walk each). The Glasgow underground is also a short walk away (10 minutes to either St Enochs or Buchanan Street).
Sightseeing
Nearby attractions include the GOMA (Gallery of Modern Art) which recently showcased the work of Banksy; George Square; Glasgow City Chambers; Glasgow Cathedral; Glasgow Necropolis; and the oldest house in Glasgow, the Provands Lordship. These can all be reached easily on foot from Revolver.
Shopping
The main shopping areas of Argyle Street and Buchanan Street are on the doorstep too. Shopping malls include St Enoch Centre, Buchanan Galleries and Princes Square. Vintage and designer shops are also nearby.
Clubs and bars
Under Revolver are The Polo Lounge and Delmonicas. Nearby you will find other bars and clubs such as The Spiritualist, AXM, Doppio Malto and many more.
Restaurants
El Santo on Miller Street is operated by the same company. Miller Street is a popular food spot with Paesano (Neopolitan pizza) and Thundercat (Detroit pizza) plus Spanish Butcher for those seeking steaks.
Back to the hotel…reception is on the first floor. There are stairs and a small lift to get there, however there are a few steps to get to the secure access but narrow front door so it’s not wheelchair friendly.
The reception is filled with information, and you can pay extra to have breakfast, with food and drink available to buy throughout the day. There’s a communal area here with a selection of seating for eating, playing games, working, or for a pre-clubbing meet up, with a pool table and a big teddy, which possibly doubles as a slouchy seat.
Bedroom
We stayed in a king double room which had a fun Ab Fab-inspired mural, USB sockets, Alexa alarm clock, heavy curtains – our room looked out onto a courtyard.
The photos above and below shows how bright the lighting is, not very, if you are looking to put on your make-up before heading out. The bathroom lighting was better however there wasn’t anywhere to store anything.
Here is a photo of the room in the morning, with much better lighting.
The en-suite in this room was spacious with toiletries supplied. There are other types of room available including shared dorm-style rooms, and these come with either bunk beds or Japanese-style pods. There are en-suite doubles, family rooms and serviced apartments, with rates ranging from £25 to £300 per night.
Food and drink, including breakfast, can be ordered.
Or bought directly from reception.
Other facilities
Here is a look at some of the other facilities available. Rooms with shared bathrooms, so we had a wee peek.
There is also a laundry room for residents
For spring / summer 2024 they plan to open a roof terrace.
Overall verdict
If you are seeking budget accommodation in the centre of Glasgow for a few nights of fun, especially in a group, then Revolver could be ideal for you.
TL;DR
+ Great location
+ Great prices
+ Toiletries and towels provided
+ Free condom!
+ LGBT-friendly
+ Food and drink available from reception
+ Handy for the nightclub downstairs
– The bass from the nightclub can be felt on the first floor (but ear plugs are provided)
– Dark rooms, so not ideal for getting ready to go out
– Steps at entrance and narrow door may put off people with limited mobility
– No parking outside
Where
Revolver, 62 Virginia St, Glasgow G1 1TX,
Book a room
To book, visit revolverhotel.co.uk
