The first images have been released of the seven-year restoration of an A-listed 120-year-old Glasgow building.
The new AC by Marriott Glasgow has transformed the city's old Parish Halls into 22 newly opened ‘heritage’ suites including a showpiece £3000 a night penthouse.
The building features a sweeping stone staircase, period cornicing and a stained-glass window depicting Glasgow’s famous coat of arms inspired by the legend of St Mungo.
The new part of the four-star hotel was designed by Hoskins Architects and fills an 80-year-old empty site on the corner of George Street and John Street with panoramic views over George Square.
The Liberty penthouse suite is named after the miniature version of the famous statue atop the City Chambers and is expected to be popular with visiting bands and celebrities.
Much of the original Victorian architecture of the building has been retained and restored including ornate golden cherubs surrounding the ceiling representing the different trades of Glasgow; the glass dome with the original ‘Glasgow City Parish’ detailing and four fireplaces with engravings of the Glasgow crest.
At one time the Parish Halls boardroom, the suite boasts two luxurious double bedrooms, a conference and dining area and lounge.
Craig Munro, general manager, described the penthouse restoration as "truly phenomenal".
He said: "We actually had Glasgow City Marketing in recently and their faces were a picture - it just takes your breath away. There is nothing else like it, certainly in the city.
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"It was in a state of disrepair when we took it on with a tremendous amount of dampness in the building. To bring an A-list building back into use is not a small task.
"When I first saw the Liberty suite it was just a large room with plaster coming off the walls. There was scaffolding up for nine months as they worked on the cherubs on the ceiling and other features.
"The entire building is steeped in Glasgow's history."
He said the suite would appeal to guests "in the entertainment industry" and said the hotel had already taken bookings for Summer 2024.
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Built in 1900 to a design by Thomson & Sandilands, the halls eventually became part of Glasgow Corporation and was used as both offices and a meeting hall.
"It was about having that vision of saying how can we make the restoration work alongside a very modern extension," said Mr Munro.
"I think it gives people options. There are 11 different types of room, which is quite a lot.
"Some people prefer modern and the views over the Chambers but I see the Parish Halls building as the jewel in the crown if you like.
"It's what really defines us as something different and the hotel is pulling people into that corner of Glasgow, which effectively had nothing before."
The hotel is a key element of the £100 million Love Loan development by the Chris Stewart Group which involves the transformation of an entire block off Glasgow’s iconic George Square into a thriving leisure and residential neighbourhood.
When complete, it will include bars, restaurants, health and well-being facilities, and Scotland’s first Soho House private members club.
Chris Stewart, CEO and Owner at Chris Stewart Group, said: “The opening of AC by Marriott Glasgow and Hazel is a significant milestone in the Love Loan story.
"The AC by Marriott brand is world-renowned, and its arrival in Glasgow city centre is a real feather in the cap for the city and Scotland.
“This hotel means Love Loan will be the first port of call for countless visitors in years to come, and our carefully curated blend of leisure, retail, and hospitality – steeped in Glasgow’s rich history and heritage – will ensure they have the best impression of the city from the moment they arrive to when they leave.”
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