Can you recommend a good hotel in Glasgow

Asks jellybean

A. A few good places to stay in the city centre include:

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The Belhaven Hotel, 15 Belhaven Terrace, West End Glasgow G12 0TG, Tel: 0141 339 3222

This is a restored Victorian town house set in the heart of Glasgow's West End. Double rooms cost around �40 per night, with singles at �25.

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McLays Guest House, 264-276 Renfrew Street , Charing Cross, Glasgow G3 6TT�

Tel:0141 332 4796

This hotel is situated in the heart of the city, very close to Central Station, Queen Street Station and Buchanan Street. Double rooms cost �44, singles �22.

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Argyll Hotel, 969-973 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow G3 7TQ

Tel.0141 337 3313 Fax.0141 337 3283

Located right in the heart of the shopping district. Double rooms �70, singles �55.

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Groucho Saint Judes, 190 Bath Street, Glasgow G2 4HG, Tel. 0141 352 8800 Fax. 0141 352 8801

This is a trendy, boutique-style hotel set within a Victorian townhouse in the centre of Glasgow. http://www.grouchosaintjudes.com

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Q. Is there much to do in Glasgow

A. During the 1960s and 1970s Glasgow had a bad reputation and was certainly not considered a holiday destination by many. The Gorbals area was known as one of the worst slums in Europe, and the city was associated with violence and heavy drinking, and the close proximity of the two rival football teams renowned for religious sectarianism - Celtic and Rangers�- did nothing to dispel this.

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But like many industrial cities it has undergone a massive rejuvenation programme over the last 15 years, which has put new life, and more importantly money, into the city. It was voted European City of Culture in 1990 and City of Architecture and Design in 1999. The city has a real buzz once again and is definitely the place to be right now.

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There is a lot to see and do, some of the best include visits to the following:

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Art galleries area big favourite here. The Burrell Collection is considered the best, and innovative, art gallery in the city as it houses a varied collection of Scottish art as well as international contributions (work by C�zanne, Degas, Memling, Renoir, Bellini and G�ricault). It can be found in a custom-built gallery in Pollock Country Park. Also in the park is Pollok House,�this contains a smaller gallery, but impressive works by William Blake, El Greco and Goya can be seen here.

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In the city centre, the Gallery of Modern Art also houses contemporary Scottish art and was formerly an 18th Century tobacco warehouse. The impressive Glasgow Art Gallery and Museum can be found in Kelvingrove Park, it houses work by Van Gogh, Monet and Rembrandt. The Hunterian Art Gallery, with works by Rembrandt and Stubbs, can be found in the grounds of Glasgow University also in Kelvingrove Park. It also has an impressive reconstruction of the inside of Charles Rennie Mackintosh's house.

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Charles Rennie Mackintosh is one of Glasgow's most famous sons - the architect is celebrated throughout the city and his Art Nouveau style copied in the design of shops and cafes all over the city. On Buchanan Street you can find The Lighthouse, Mackintosh's first commission in Glasgow, which houses an exhibition on his life and works. The Glasgow School of Art (on Renfrew Street) was also designed by Mackintosh and is considered his greatest building; as was the elegant Willow Tea Rooms on Sauchiehall Street.

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A visit to the Barras (near Glasgow Green) is a tradition in Glasgow, it is a huge weekend market selling food, antiques, bric-a-brac, clothes, furniture, well everything really.

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The Tenement House is a time capsule full of nick-nacks and original features dating back to the late 19th Century managed by the National Trust for Scotland.

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Provand's Lordship is the oldest house in the city (dates back to the 15th Century), and is complete with waxwork figures and a history of the building and the city itself.

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The People's Palace dates back to 1898�it was originally opened as a cultural centre, it now houses artefacts from the Victorian era and records a social history of the city.

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Glasgow Cathedral dates back to 1136 and contains the tomb of St Mungo, the city's patron in its crypt, the Laigh Kirk. The cathedral is divided in half by a stone choir screen (that dates back to the 15th Century), which is decorated with seven pairs of figures to represent the Seven Deadly Sins.

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In its grounds you will find the infamous Necropolis -�this is an eerie and atmospheric graveyard that offers great views over the city. Inspired by the P�re Lachaise in Paris it holds the remains of Glasgow's great and good.

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The Centre for Contemporary Arts (Sauchiehall St) is well known for its risqu� and controversial theatre performances and exhibitions.

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Q. As Glasgow is infamous for its pub culture, can you recommend any good ones

A. The areas around Byres Road in the West End and Sauchiehall Street are the best places for shops and pubs. Some of the best pubs include Scotia (112 Stockwell Street), The Halt Bar (106 Woodlands Road) and King Tut's Wah Wah Hut (272 Vincent Street) all offer good live music, the latter being famous for 'discovering' Oasis; The Horseshoe Bar (17 Drury Street) is a traditional drinking hole; and Del Monica's is a great gay bar.

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Q. Does Glasgow have any cultural festivals

A. Edinburgh has the most famous cultural festival in Scotland, which is held in August. But not to be outdone, Glasgow has a few of its own.

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T in the Park is a huge music festival, usually held in July that attracts numerous international acts. It is Scotland's answer to Glastonbury. In May, Glasgow holds the Maydaze arts and dance festival and June sees the two-week long West End Festival of Music. Glasgay is held biannually, and is a gay arts festival.

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Q. Is it easy to get around the city

A. Most of the sights in the centre of the city can be reached on foot. However, you can purchase a Roundabout ticket that covers all underground and train transport, tickets are available in one day or three day versions. Alternatively, you can purchase a Roundabout Plus ticket that also includes rides on the Discovering Glasgow tourist buses (these start in George Square and leave every 20 minutes in summer).

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Q. When is the best time to visit

A. Good weather is sporadic in Glasgow, so without a doubt it is best to visit in summer.

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By Karen Anderson