This hotel is on a mission to spread kindness throughout Glasgow
We all need a change of scenery from time-to-time but, when our schedules seem busier than ever and it’s more difficult to coordinate time off than it is a group flash dance, the ideal solution is a night away close to home. As such, I, Hood’s editor Maxine Eggenberger, decided to swap my new hometown of Edinburgh for a night in Glasgow, experiencing something very special indeed. Cue: the Kimpton Blythswood Square.
It was only the second time I had been to the Kimpton Blythswood – my first time spending the night – but before I walked through the door, I knew what to expect. Not only are the interiors akin to a work of art, but my previous rendezvous at the hotel’s gorgeous restaurant, Bo & Birdy, meant I was well-versed on the cuisine front: a refined take on traditional, hearty food, all made with premium produce from Scotland’s bountiful natural larder. What was new to me, however, was the hotel’s rooms—and during my stay, I was able to explore a one-of-a-kind suite for myself.
The Kimpton group first trialled its Stay Human initiative in its Beverly Hills hotel and, after its success, it has since rolled it out across 20 of its hotels—including Blythswood Square. The Stay Human room is unlike any other in the hotel. First of all, it has a fantastic, Pepto Bismol-pink door which, let’s face it, is Insta-bait in itself. Things, however, only get better when you step inside.
In-keeping with Kimpton’s boutique charm that guest have come to know and love, the Stay Human room features all of the customary luxury amenities that guests at the hotel have come to expect. There are, however, some playful differences.
With the goal of making each and every stay in Glasgow memorable for its guests, the Kimpton is encouraging occupiers of the Stay Human suite to bestow small acts of kindness to those they meet during their time at the hotel. With Glasgow being ranked the world’s friendliest city by Time Out earlier this year, we can’t think of a more fitting (or receptive) place to do so. Kitted out with a suitably pink instant camera, guests to capture their memories and stick them to three message boards (which, rather pleasingly, are also pink) where they are also encouraged to scrawl any recommendations of what to do in Glasgow for future guests.
The best part, however, is undoubtedly the pre-paid stamped kindness cards which you are given upon check-in. Much like a golden ticket, the room’s guests are invited to gift these as a personal thank you to someone you make a heartfelt, human connection with during your stay at Kimpton Square. After a nightmarish train journey to Glasgow with my two miniature dachshunds (who, yes, are more than welcome to stay at Kimpton hotels and were even presented with personalised dog treats upon arrival) the day prior, I decided to give mine – a voucher for two glasses of champagne – to the lady who helped me board my return train. Needless to say, she was pretty excited about it.
My stay, which I decided to share with a close friend who I hadn’t seen for far too long, has reinforced something I truly believe—that kindness always wins. If only every hotel experience were as thoughtfully minded.