The Grand Central Hotel stands at the corner of Gordon Street and Hope Street, forming the impressive frontage of Glasgow Central Station and adjoining the station concourse.
Since opening in 1883, the hotel has played a significant role in Glasgow’s history, welcoming countless famous guests and earning its place as one of the city’s most beloved landmarks.
Over the years, the building has undergone several transformations, the most recent taking place during the pandemic, when it reopened as voco Grand Central Glasgow in April 2021.
The hotel also holds a unique place in technological history as it was here, on the fourth floor, that John Logie Baird successfully transmitted images over 438 miles of telephone lines from Glasgow to London.
Here are 12 famous faces who have stayed at Glasgow’s Grand Central Hotel.
1. The Beatles
The Fab Four performed in Glasgow on five occasions and on each of them stayed at the Central Hotel. As Beatlemania took off, thousands gathered outside the hotel to try and catch a glimpse of the band. | Getty Images
2. John F Kennedy
John F Kennedy pictured with Glasgow Lord Provost Patrick Dollan during his visit in 1939, when the then future President of The United States met survivors of the TSS Athenia. Photo: SWNS
3. Mick Jagger
Rolling Stones front man Mick Jagger stayed at the hotel on more than one occasion when the band were in town. He was snapped alongside Bayern Munich legends Gerd Muller and Franz Beckenbauer before the 1976 European Cup final at Hampden. | Getty Images
4. Frank Sinatra
The legendary crooner stayed at the Central Hotel in 1990 when he visited Glasgow to perform as part of the City of Culture celebrations as he played a concert at Ibrox. | The Rep Theatre