Our Travel Tips!

We welcome travelers from the across the world through our doors every week of the year and regularly get asked questions about the practicalities of a stay in the UK. In this month’s blog we hope to break down the basics for you, so if you’re coming from afar, you can settle in as quickly as possible and enjoy your holiday at the Albion Hotel to the fullest. 

Power Up

In the UK we use 13 AMP plugs with three pins. The voltage is 240v – a little higher than many parts of the world – so check your appliances can operate at this level. Before you leave your home country, or at the airport, invest in a plug converter to ensure you’re not caught short without one when you arrive. 

Getting Around

The Albion Hotel is just a few minutes’ walk from the nearest SPT Subway Station. The subway map can seem a little confusing at first given that it’s simply a circle! There are 14 stops and a single ticket takes you to whichever one you like on one line, so you’ll pay the same amount if you want to get off at stop 12 as you will stop 4, for example. Trains are very regular throughout the day but watch out – the Subway stops running in early evening on a Sunday! Buses are also a great option for getting around the city but exact change or card payment is required and they can be a little on the pricey side. 

For total convenience and peace of mind that you’re in the correct place, use a taxi. Reception staff are always on-hand to call you a cab whenever you might need one, just remember that black cabs from Glasgow Taxis take card payments while private hire cars only take cash. Glasgow also has an extensive Uber network. 

Finally, airport travel to and from Glasgow International is easy! A dedicated bus service runs up to every 15 minutes 24 hours a day (less frequent very late at night). A return ticket is just £12 and buses are clean, comfortable and even have USB charging ports to give your battery that all-important boost!

Stay Warm

If you’ve heard anything about Scotland, you’ll have heard about our weather. Glasgow and the wider area can become very cold indeed over the winter months. Expect to need a warm, waterproof coat, hat, scarf and gloves at the very least. Definitely don’t forget your umbrella and pack some thermal underwear too – just in case!

Health Matters

Getting sick on holiday can be a real bummer so we’re here to make sure you’re prepared if the worst should happen. Hospital Emergency Rooms are open 24/7 every day of the year, and the city has a couple of late-night pharmacies just a short taxi ride away from our hotel too. Here you’ll be able to access over the counter treatments for minor ailments and sickness, to keep you feeling your best. The water in Scotland is safe to drink and, compared to the rest of the UK, is known for its purity – it does trickle straight off our mountain ranges after all!