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So you are planning to visit Glasgow this year for the International Comedy Festival? This takes place from March 11th to the 29th and always has performances from huge names in comedy. Every time I’ve been, it’s never disappointed me.
The festival is filled with good times and belly laughs. The question for visitors is where to stay for the festival, as hotels closeby can get booked up QUICK! We’ll go over many options for you depending on your budget and your preferences on how close or far you want to be from the festival.
Quick Reference for Area to Stay
Here’s a really quick reference guide to point you in the right direction depending on what you are looking for:
- Want everything to be super walkable to the comedy venues? – Stay in City Centre.
- Want a bit more shops and cool restaurants feel? – Merchant City.
- Want relaxed vibes + coffee shops? West End.
- On a tighter budget? Look slightly outside the centre near subway stops.
Glasgow also happens to be on our Most Romantic Places in Europe list, so bring a loved one or… maybe you will meet someone while here?
When Should You Book?
As mentioned in the intro, hotels can book up fast. You are going to want to book at least 2-3 months in advance. Make sure you take a look at some of our recommendations and snag them while they are still available!
City Center Locations for the Glasgow Comedy Festival
These locations will bring you smack dab in the center. Close access to all of the comedy gigs, pubs, and parties. Due to their close proximity, they are going to usually be pricier than elsewhere, but they will be the places you can make the most of your trip.
Most of the biggest comedy shows during the festival will be at venues like King’s Theatre, The Stand Comedy Club, and Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. Staying in this area will be sure to allow you to walk to any of the venues with ease.
Luxury & Mid-Price Hotel Options
These more premium hotel options in the city center are excellent choices with great reviews:
- Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel & Spa – This is a classic Scottish-style luxury hotel with top-notch service, spa and elegant rooms. Steps from bars and restaurants and great if you’re treating yourself.
- Dakota Hotel Glasgow – Locals love this for its stylish rooms and friendly service. Right in the thick of things for gigs and late-night eats.
- DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow Central – Huge review count with great location and Hilton quality. Perfect for comedy festival goers who want reliable comfort close to transport.
Great Value for Budget & All-round Balance
These hotels are right in the city centre and offer high ratings while being priced much more modestly:
- Maldron Hotel Glasgow City – Excellent balance of comfort, price and location just off the main streets.
- ibis Styles Glasgow Centre George Square – Bright, modern rooms and solid reviews, right near the train station and tons of festival venues.
- citizenM Glasgow – A trendy option with smart, compact rooms and a lively common space; great for young travellers.
Our West End Pick
If you want someplace a bit quieter but still brilliant for weekend trips, Glasgow’s West End is perfect. Its near the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and Kelvingrove Park, two great places to visit.
You can try One Devonshire Gardens by Hotel du Vin. The West End is a short ride into the centre and it’s a really lovely area to explore by day. This is perfect if you are traveling here and want to explore as well.
Staying Elsewhere?
If you choose to venture farther out, take a look at the subway locations and try to book somewhere close to a stop. This will surely help you save some money while still being only 10 or 15 minutes away from any venue you need to get to for the Comedy Festival.
(Subway map credit to reddit post: https://www.reddit.com/r/glasgow/comments/1m790h3/glasgow_rail_subway_map_in_the_style_of_the/)
