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Babbity Bowster – reviews, photos

16-18 Blackfriars Street, Glasgow G1 1PE, Scotland
Hotel amenities
Babbity Bowster
Ranked #63 of 112 hotels in Glasgow
4.0 of 5 stars 29 Reviews
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29 reviews from our community

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Date Rating
Glasgow, United Kingdom
1 review
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
“just went in for a pint - won't be doing that again”
1 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 August 2011
4
people found this review helpful

I went in to Babbity Bowster last night (27th Aug 2011) for a pint with a friend. The barmaid served us 2 pints of Budvar and one of the pints was about an inch short of the top and the other was 2 inches from the top, about a quarter pint in my reconning, she informed us that the barrell had ran out and she would top our beers up when it was changed. About 15 minutes passed and we had not been topped up so I asked her to do this, she said she was just going to do this and proceeded to put the smallest dash you could get out of a tap into the 2 inch short glass. When I asked "is that it?" she relied "aye, thats it" and walked away. I confronted her about this later to which she just said that I was wrong and did not want to discuss it. I have been going to this pub for about 20 years an have always found the staff to be a bit stuck up, but I don't like being blatantly ripped off so I won't be back. That's the thanks you get for being one of the people who have supported and recommended this establishment over the years.

Stayed August 2011, travelled with friends
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Senior Contributor
33 reviews 33 reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
20 helpful votes 20 helpful votes
“Mixed feelings”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 August 2011 via mobile
1
person found this review helpful

When you stay here you have to keep in mind that the main thing you're paying for is the fantastic location. Our room (no.3) was basic and clean(ish) - I did find a lot of stray hairs in the shower and on the toilet. The bathroom in general was not of a good standard in our opinion. But my main issue was that it was roasting even though the radiator wasn't on and our window only opened a crack so I slept badly for the 2 nights we were there.
The staff were all lovely, one lady really went out of her way to get me a hairdryer as I was expecting there to be one (take note).
My other vice was the parking. The entrance to the site was so narrow and difficult to approach from the busy main road that I ended up scraping all the side of my car on some scaffolding. I drive a ford focus, they're not that wide, so I can't see any bigger cars being able to get in easily unless the drivers are super confident.
All in all, I'm sorry to say we wouldn't return to stay the night and I wouldn't recommend the accommodation to anyone, but we would definately come back to drink and enjoy the atmosphere in the bar.

  • Stayed August 2011
    • 3 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 3 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 3 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
1 review
“great bar, great location, great staff”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 June 2011

We stayed at Babbity Bowster in May for a 30th birthday weekend. The moment we arrived we were greeted by friendly faces and helpful staff. The hotel is situated on a quiet street in the heart of Glasgow. The central location enables you to experience the most of what Glasgow has got to offer at a great price.

We had a couple of drinks before heading out to our 30th and thought the bar was relaxed and airy. Before leaving in the morning we enjoyed a tasty breakfast which was served with a smile and worth every penny.

You would be hard pushed to find a bed for the night in the heart of Merchant City for a better price! We'll be back.

  • Stayed May 2011, travelled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Edinburgh, United Kingdom
1 review
“Wee gem of a hotel in the heart of Glasgow”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 June 2011

This is a wee gem hidden in Glasgow's Merchant City. The food is great, the rooms are perfect and the hospitality is second to none. The bar menu is really great for a tasty bite to eat and the restaurant offers fine dining at very reasonable prices. Super friendly staff ensure that you have a fantastic stay. I couldn't recommend it enough.

  • Stayed May 2011, travelled with friends
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Bristol, United Kingdom
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
“Central location great breakfast”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 February 2011

I always stay here when on business. Relaxed atmosphere great food with traditional scottish fare ie Cullen Skink, Haggis and neeps etc. No TV in rooms ( a bonus). No piped music. Good selection of ales and whiskys. Breakfasts also to delight in. Will
continue to return. Close to restaurants in Merchant part of city.

  • Stayed February 2011, travelled on business
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 3 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
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Additional Information about Babbity Bowster

  • Babbity Bowster Hotel Glasgow
  • Babbity Bowster Glasgow
Address: 16-18 Blackfriars Street, Glasgow G1 1PE, Scotland
Price range (per night):* INR3,957 - 6,966

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