Vastint Hospitality’s Courtyard Glasgow SEC in the UK has opened its doors. The opening was celebrated together with the operator Hotel Co 51.
Guests can relax in 216 thoughtfully designed bedrooms, some with great views across to Finnieston, including 16 family rooms and 44 superior rooms.
The hotel sits on the banks of the River Clyde and is located right next to the Scottish Exhibition Centree. It connects into the multi-storey car park at Finnieston Street in Glasgow. The Scottish Exhibition Centre includes the SSE Hydro (concert venue), SEC Armadillo (auditorium) and SEC Centre (exhibition and event halls).
The hotel brings its timeless classic style whilst meeting the needs of experienced travellers looking for space, great amenities and the latest technology. It also has five full meeting, conference and event spaces, holding up to 100 delegates on the first floor as well as a 24-hour fitness centre.
General Manager, Ross Saunders, who is originally from Glasgow, has moved from the Moxy at Merchant City to open the Courtyard. Delighted that the four-star hotel is open for business, he said; “It’s just over 36 years ago to the day that the first Courtyard Marriott opened for business travellers. I’m proud to be launching this stunning new hotel at the SEC but also within striking distance of the thriving bars and restaurants in Finnieston.”
With on-site parking and a covered walkway to the SEC, the hotel is perfectly placed for guests who will be attending events within the campus. The hotel was opened ready to welcome guests from over 200 countries that attended the United Nations 2021 Climate Change Summit and has its own commitment to climate change. It’s built using a sustainable and energy efficient construction method, has mobile room keys and a no plastic policy in place for their bar committing to glass and 100% compostable paper cups.
Donovan Sumner, Regional Director of Operations UK for Hotel Co 51, the operating company for Glasgow Courtyard SEC added; “This is our 14th hotel opening in the UK and first Courtyard Marriott. We’re excited to be working with the team at the SEC as events and conferences get back on track. Thanks to the location of the hotel, we were full for the Climate Change Summit and will continue to build on that as one of the key hotels in the city for travellers and delegates attending events in the area.”
Aileen Crawford, Head of Tourism and Conventions at Glasgow Convention Bureau said: “As the city prepares to celebrate the re-start of in-person conferences to support the social and economic renewal of Glasgow, the Convention Bureau is delighted to welcome the Courtyard by Marriott SEC hotel to Team Glasgow. Ideally located on the SEC Campus, this well-established international hotel brand is a great addition to the already varied accommodation offering for delegates.”
The hotel has also opened an 80-cover restaurant called Hopscotch featuring Scottish flavours and local ingredients. Mixologist Frazer Graham completes the offering with an exciting and eclectic bar menu providing showgoers with seasonal cocktails and unexpected combinations to enjoy before (and after) gigs at the OVO Hydro.