Glasgow homeless hostel given ‘five-star’ reviews

The Bellgrove Hotel in Glasgow's Gallowgate

• Homeless hostel in Glasgow given ‘five-star’ reviews on TripAdvisor

• Shelter once named worst in Scotland called “hotel heaven” by mocking users

The Bellgrove Hotel in the city’s Gallowgate was propelled up the rankings as one of the UK’s top 100 hotels as users gushed over its spa and pool facilities and fine dining.

A “great hotel” with “friendly staff and a very warm welcome” was promised by one reviewer, while another called it “hotel heaven”.

Another was moved to exclaim: “The marble floors and crystal chandeliers were breathtaking! You feel like a king!”

User 927Jimp’s entry described a stay as “hotel heaven”, adding: “Strongly recommend this as an ideal hotel for young couples and those just looking for a relaxing city break. As a couple who travel regularly, we weren’t quite sure what to expect of Glasgow, we need not have worried, a glorious three day stay, made all the better by our choice of hotel in the Bellgrove.”

Another, gordy682 from Dublin, said: “Great hotel, friendly staff and a very warm welcome. Excellent food and room service with a smile. Nothing was any trouble for the staff. Central location near town centre.

‘Hotel did look a bit shabby on the outside however appearances can de deceitful. Luxurious rooms, spa and leisure facilities a real gem,” before adding the hotel was “Glasgow’s hidden treasure”.

Images of the hotel’s supposed spa and pool facilities were posted on the site.

A TripAdvisor spokesman said that the entry for the Bellgrove, which houses around 150 men, has been removed from the site after a request from the hotel management.

Hotel manager Joe McKee said: “We didn’t even know we were on TripAdvisor. It looks like there’s been about five or six jokers on there who have been posting these reviews. We contacted TripAdvisor and asked them to take them down because it’s misleading.

“Sometimes we get the odd call from people after a room if they’re coming for a concert. But we just tell them ‘sorry it’s not what you’re looking for’.”

In 2000, the Bellgrove was condemned as the worst homeless shelter in Scotland, and was labelled a “dumping ground.”