It was one of Glasgow's most prestigious hotels in its heyday, hosting residents such as John F. Kennedy, Frank Sinatra, Winston Churchill, Gene Kelly and Laurel and Hardy.

[1] The hotel was designed by Robert Rowand Anderson, in 'Queen Anne style'; he also furnished the public rooms.

The world's first long-distance television pictures were transmitted to the hotel on 24 May 1927 by John Logie Baird.

In June 2009, it was revealed that Principal Hayley Group had acquired the hotel.

[4][5] Together with the rest of Glasgow Central railway station, the hotel is protected as a category A listed building.