Babbity Bowster Glasgow | Free Parking & Live Music

17 photos

Babbity Bowster Hotel Glasgow Exterior photo

Babbity Bowster Hotel Glasgow Room photo

Babbity Bowster Hotel Glasgow Interior photo

Book through our site

—up to 10% cheaper

than Booking.com

Key details

About the Hotel

16-18 Blackfriars Street, Glasgow, United Kingdom, G1 1PE

Steps from Merchant City

Great

8.9

/10

Loved by Babbity Bowster Hotel guests

Spacious room
Comfortable bed
Friendly staff
Delicious breakfast
Ideal location

"Location was right in the heart of Glasgows Merchant City with lots of restaurants and pubs on the doorstep."

Alasdair from United Kingdom

read full review

"The room was excellent - perfect size for 1 person and nice modern bathroom which was exquisitely clean."

Jordan from Australia

read full review

4-star city-center haven in Glasgow

Amenities

Babbity Bowsters offers a pub and restaurant that serve locally sourced dishes and craft beers. The hotel includes 11 en-suite guest rooms with a boutique style. Guests can enjoy whiskey tastings and cultural events throughout the year.

Rooms

The hotel features 11 individually styled en-suite rooms equipped with comfortable bedding and modern conveniences. Each room provides a unique character, ensuring a distinct stay for every guest. Travelers can select from a range of room types suitable for different preferences.

Location

Situated in the Merchant City area of Glasgow, Babbity Bowsters is within walking distance of major attractions. The hotel is conveniently located near shopping venues, galleries, and theaters. Guests can easily explore Glasgow's cultural scene from this central locale.

Dining

On-site dining at Babbity Bowsters features a menu inspired by local Scottish ingredients. The pub serves a wide selection of local beers, wines, and spirits. Breakfast is available with a variety of options catering to different dietary needs.

Events

Babbity Bowsters hosts live music events and cultural happenings throughout the year. The hotel provides a welcoming space for local artists and musicians. Guests can enjoy a vibrant event calendar that showcases the local talent.

Highlights

Location: Merchant City district, near major attractions

Dining: Locally sourced dishes and craft beers

Rooms: 11 individually styled rooms

Events: Live music and cultural happenings

“From what I gathered, the spot stands out for its energetic pub scene and live music, deeply rooted in local culture. I noticed the staff's commitment to personal attention, making each stay feel particularly welcome. Its location provides convenient access to Glasgow's central attractions, blending cultural experiences with urban exploration.”

Olivia SmithEditor-in-Chief at Cheaphotels

Location: Perfect

9.5/10Review score

View hotel on map

Highlights from guests

DiningFood, fantastic!

The restaurant offers Scottish dishes with a modern twist. Some global fares are also available. It was some of the best food I've had.

Isabelle from France

Review on

Guest ParkingFree Parking

Free on-site parking was a big plus. I didn't have to worry about finding a spot or paying extra.

William from Canada

Review on

BedroomSuper Comfortable

The beds were super comfortable. I enjoyed the quietness and warmth, even with the bar downstairs.

Emily from United Kingdom

Review on

Room FeaturesTasteful room

Rooms are located on the top floor. My room was beautiful and tastefully decorated. Location is excellent to visit Merchant City.

Oliver from Australia

Review on

View all

Select your room type

The hotel provides a selection of rooms—doubles, family rooms, and suites—with perks like free cancellation, breakfast options, and great value deals

Single Room Shower

2 persons

140 sq. feet

1 Single bed

Shower

room details

Twin Room Shower

2 persons

165 sq. feet

2 Single beds

Shower

room details

Double Room Private Bathroom

2 persons

165 sq. feet

1 Double bed

Shower

room details

Room rates & availability calendar

See the best prices and book your dates today!

Amenities & services

Real traveler stories and honest reviews—no glossy ads, just authentic feedback to guide your booking

Facilities: Great

8.9/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Parking
24-hour reception
Express check-in/ -out
No pets allowed
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Fire extinguishers

Sports & Fitness

Hiking
Cycling
Bowling
Mini golf
Fishing

Services

Housekeeping
Laundry
Dry cleaning

Dining

Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area

Children

Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

Karaoke
Entertainment

Room features

Terrace
Tea and coffee facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Media

Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock

Dining Onsite

Babbity Bowsters offers a delightful dining experience with options to satisfy a variety of tastes, complemented by an inviting atmosphere. Guests can unwind in the restaurant or cozy bar while enjoying enticing dishes and refreshing beverages. Whether seeking a hearty meal or a warming drink, this venue promises a memorable culinary retreat.

Restaurant #1

Casual comfort food with a local twist

Ambiance

Inviting interior with a cozy lounge feel, complemented by a charming terrace for al fresco dining.

Key Offerings

Highlighting seasonal dishes that reflect local flavors and hearty options, alongside a variety of craft cocktails and beverages at the bar.

Reservation

Recommended for dinner.

Hours vary.

Babbity Bowster Hotel Location

16-18 Blackfriars Street, Glasgow, United Kingdom, G1 1PE

Map view

16-18 Blackfriars Street, Glasgow, United Kingdom, G1 1PE

City landmarks

Church

Glasgow Cathedral

3400 ft

Gallery

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

2.0 mi

Park

Glasgow Green

3900 ft

Cemetery

The Necropolis

3400 ft

Gallery

The Lighthouse

4500 ft

Museum

People's Palace and Winter Gardens

3900 ft

Mosque

Glasgow Central Mosque

3700 ft

Stadium

Celtic Park

1.6 mi

Market

The Barras

3900 ft

Landmark

The Glasgow School of Art

1.3 mi

Nearby

Square

George Square

1800 ft

GlasgowScotland

Buchanan Street

1800 ft

GlasgowScotland

Merchant City

1000 ft

Gallery

Gallery of Modern Art

1800 ft

Museum

St Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art

1000 ft

Gallery

Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre

1800 ft

Shopping Area

St. Enoch Shopping Centre

1800 ft

3 Castle St.

Provand's Lordship

1000 ft

University

University of Strathclyde

1000 ft

Public Building

City Chambers

1800 ft

Clyde Street

La Pasionara

1800 ft

Mall

Princes Square

1800 ft

Church

St Georges Tron

1800 ft

Mall

Buchanan Galleries

1800 ft

Mall

Argyll Arcade

1800 ft

Glasgow Green

Tolbooth Steeple

700 ft

94 Queen Street

Duke of Wellington Statue

1800 ft

Event hall

St Andrew's in the Square

1400 ft

Museum

Glasgow Police Museum

1000 ft

Gallery

Transmission Gallery

1800 ft

Restaurants

O'Neill's

600 ft

71-73 Albion Street Merchant Square

Beer Cafe

800 ft

82 Candleriggs

The Chimney Cake Corporation

700 ft

85 High Street

Cafe India

900 ft

29 Albion Street Merchant City

The Chicken Place

1000 ft

23 Gallowgate Merchant City

The Spoon Cafe

1000 ft

46 Trongate G1 5ES

Old College Bar

1000 ft

City Centre 219 High Street

Val D'oro

1000 ft

12-14 London Road

Mongkok Express

1200 ft

223 High Street Chinese takeaway

Explore Glasgow

Glasgow Cathedral

13 minutes' walk

A stunning medieval church known for its Gothic architecture and historical significance in Glasgow's history.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

35 minutes walking

Home to an impressive collection of art and natural history, featuring free admission and special exhibitions.

The Lighthouse

17 minutes' walk

A blend of art and architecture, this center hosts design exhibitions and offers panoramic views of Glasgow.

St Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art

4 minutes' walk

Showcases diverse religious artifacts and art, highlighting Glasgow's cultural tapestry, with free entry.

Glasgow Green

15 minutes' walk

An expansive park ideal for jogging, picnicking, or enjoying outdoor concerts, complete with beautiful gardens and monuments.

Glasgow Ski & Snowboard Centre

7-minute drive

Offers indoor skiing and snowboarding experiences, suitable for thrill-seekers; rentals and lessons available.

Relaxation at The Spa at Blythswood Square

15 minutes' walk

A luxurious urban spa that provides a peaceful retreat with a range of treatments and relaxation therapies.

Cafe India

4 minutes' walk

Authentic Indian cuisine in a warm atmosphere, renowned for its flavorful curries and vegetarian options.

The Chimney Cake Corporation

3 minutes' walk

Specializes in Hungarian chimney cakes, perfect for a sweet treat. Casual setting during a fun snack break.

O'Neill's

3 minutes' walk

An Irish pub atmosphere offering hearty meals and an extensive drink menu, featuring live sports and music nights.

The Barras

15 minutes' walk

A vibrant market known for its eclectic stalls and street performers, offering a taste of local culture. Great for all ages.

King Tut's Wah Wah Hut

15 minutes' walk

A legendary live music venue celebrated for showcasing emerging talent in an intimate setting; check their schedule.

Getting around town

City Centre

Glasgow15 min · 4000 ft

Airports

Glasgow (GLA)24 min · 9.9 mi

Glasgow Prestwick (PIK)81 min · 33.3 mi

Train

Argyle Street Railway Station8 min · 2000 ft

Underground

St Enoch10 min · 2700 ft

Bus

Bus stop11 min · 3000 ft

Looking for early-bird discounts?

Get special discounted rates today!

Check Rates

Property information and rules

Check-in

from 14:30-23:59

Check-out

until 12 pm

Guest Parking

Public parking is possible on site for free.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in for free.

Breakfast

The hotel Babbity Bowster serves a full breakfast for free.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Number of rooms:

Reviews and Ratings

What past guests shared about their stay

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

Guests consistently highlight the convenient location in the heart of the Merchant City, with easy access to nearby restaurants and just a short walk from the Barrowland Ballroom. The included continental breakfast, featuring fresh fruit and excellent coffee, is a much-appreciated perk. While some found the rooms a bit compact, they are generally described as clean, modern, and well-equipped, and free parking is available. Do note that some guests have mentioned that there are three flights of stairs without a lift, so it may not be suitable for everyone.

Show moreShow less

Review score

Based on 659 verified reviews

9.1/10

Perfect

97%

Recommend

Staff

9.8/10

Location

9.5/10

Facilities

8.9/10

Value for money

9.0/10

Pros

Cozy room

Modern bathroom

Fantastic food

Quiet street

Cons

Limited vegan options

Depressing walls

No lift

Zoe from Greece

Single

Double Room Private Bathroom

4 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: February 01, 2026

7/10

friendly staffwelcome drinkgreat servicesoft mattressloud outsidemissing aircon

the restaurant was fabulous it provided great service a bus stop is very close to the entrance. The staff was nice and cute the continental breakfast had everything i needed. The staff are very friendly they offered coffee as a welcome drink.

the mattress was very soft it moved with every movement. so sleep was often interrupted on friday evening it is loud outside. there is no air conditioning so it was very warm in the room with the window closed

0 Helpful

Bobby from United Kingdom

Couple

Double Room Private Bathroom

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 27, 2026

9.5/10

best stay ever wow

helpful stafffree parkingcentral locationcontinental breakfast

i totally loved the staff they were very nice and so helpful i also appreciated the free parking it was a huge bonus with six rooms available plus breakfast was included it was a nice continental style the location was in the heart of the merchant city with restaurants nearby.

the stairs were tough with luggage there were three flights i did not expect that

Rooms

9/10

the room had a comfy bed it also had a sleek modern bathroom a big tv was in the room plus there was a lot of hanging space for clothes there was a proper key too.

Facilities

10/10

the bar had a cozy vibe plus it served amazing food the atmosphere was great there was also a restaurant available the pub downstairs had a fire it felt quant and nice the staff there was nice.

0 Helpful

john from united kingdom

Single

double room private bathroom

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: November 23, 2025

7/10

decent stay with minor issues

friendly stafffresh fruitsonsite carparkuncomfortable mattresssealed windowlow water pressure

The staff was very friendly and accommodating. the breakfast had a wide range of fresh fruits. parking was available. I left my car keys in the pub so they could rearrange cars if needed.

the mattress was not great it moved with every turn. windows were sealed so i could not open them on a hot night. the water pressure in the shower was not great either

0 Helpful

Albert from Germany

Business traveller

Double Room Private Bathroom

3 nights in August 2025

Reviewed: October 16, 2025

8.5/10

a gem in the city

great locationfree parkingfriendly staffuncomfortable bed

i found the location great. lots of restaurants are close. the hotels pub downstairs had great food. a huge bonus was enough free parking exists. i would gladly visit again when needed.

the bed was uncomfortable. there are three flights of stairs to reach the room. it's not good if you have mobility problems.

Rooms

9/10

the room includes a comfortable double bed and a well-lit writing desk, perfect for catching up on work or correspondence, and offers ample storage space with a spacious wardrobe for extended stays. a modern en-suite bathroom features a rainfall shower.

Dining

8/10

the continental breakfast features a selection of fresh pastries, cereals, and fruit, alongside coffee and tea, while the pub offers a menu of traditional dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients and a variety of beers on tap. meal portions was generous.

0 Helpful