April 2000

San Francisco, CA
USA

Using the Internet to find a B&B is a tricky proposition especially in a city you do not know. Are the pictures on the web-site cropped to hide offensive details? Does the promise of a “central location” prompt the rhetorical “central to what?” Does the phrase “breakfast served en suite” mean a box of stale Muesli and some equally questionable milk will be left outside your door ready or not? Fear not dear explorer for I have been to the Flower House and the web-site does not even begin to describe the comfortable, even sumptuous accommodations, the location just a stone's throw from the one of the most beautiful urban parks in the world; convenient for the West End and Downtown and the Exhibition Center, or the ample and scrumptious made to order breakfasts.

Then of course there is the question of the proprietor. Will they be a sour pensioner - mean with the hot water, towels and conversation? Or maybe intrusive busybodies you find lingering just outside your door? Again, I can put all fears to rest for Susan and her husband Ian extend the type of hospitality that makes you feel like part of a family. A family you would actually want to belong to had you been lucky enough to be born to a mother that can cook and dispense advice as well as Susan and a father that is as witty and entertaining a story-teller as Ian. This is not hyperbole. I am very serious. Stay with these fine people in their gracious home and no matter what else happens while you are in Glasgow you will be happy.

Again, I apologize for not getting back to you sooner.

It is my most heartfelt wish to come to Glasgow again and stay with you.

Thank you for everything.

Travis

April 12, 2001

Dear Susan and Ian,

It's been four months and a brand new season and the wonderful memories of my stay at the Flower House are as fresh as when I left on that snowy New Year's eve. Remember all the snow??? How many times can someone say that about a place where they've lodged? I envy those who stay with you now, especially in the spring and summer months when I am certain the Flower House more than lives up to its name.

The beautiful and genuine Victorian antiques that fill your home gave me the real sense that I stepped back in time to a period of true elegance. I still recall my first morning when I heard Susan's gentle knock on my door and my opening to find her standing there with a full breakfast. The best that most bed and breakfasts offer is a common area in which guests may eat. But, there is nothing common about the Flower House. And, so unobtrusive. How could anyone wish to visit Scotland and not enjoy the added experience of life in a "real" Scottish home?

Thank you very much for giving me the experience of a lifetime.

Richard F. Jay
The United States of America

From the Sunday Herald, Aug 31, 2003:  The Flower House in Glasgow (St Vincent's Crescent, opposite the Bowling Green) packs as much punch as a small village all on its own. It really is impossible to see any wall through the climbers and tubs and the scent of basketfuls of white lilies spills across the pavement. Outstandingly beautiful and a joy to all who pass by.

From TripAdvisor Oct 5, 2003: My daughter and I stayed at the Flower House Bed and Breakfast during our visit to Scotland in September. It was wonderful. Susan and Ian are welcoming, helpful and funny. The breakfast that Susan greets you with each morning is fantastic. The beds are so comfortable it is like being at home. The Flower House is in a great location and the property is beautiful. Our stay there was great! Colleen and Cambrae, Portland, Oregon.

From TripAdvisor Sept 30, 2003: What a gorgeous place to have stayed for a few days, not only is it in one of my favorite cities, but everything is easily commutable from great shopping and entertainment to sight seeing. I used to stay in one of the many "mainstream" hotels in Glasgow whenever I have visited, but decided to try The Flower House on recommendation by a friend. I wish I would have found this place the first time I visited.

As well as being in a pretty central location, it's quiet and peaceful when you need a break from the hubbub. The friendly faces and personalities of Susan and her family have really made my stay very enjoyable and comfortable. The main rooms are decorated in keeping with the Victorian style of the house and many antiques and period pieces adorn the tables and walls. I would definitely recommend staying at the hotel to anybody I know that's visiting north of the border, as I certainly have found my home away from home while in "the dear green place". Joel, Manchester, England

From TripAdvisor Sept 5, 2003: The Flower House must be one of the best places to stay in the lovely city of Glasgow, Scotland. This family had the privilege of spending time there in June and July,2003.about 10 days in all. I arrived from Australia I to experience the warm hospitality of Susan and Ian Docherty.

Comfortable beds and sitting rooms certainly made it a home away from home. Gourmet breakfasts served with a smile at a very early hour(7:00am due to my sporting commitments) did not faze this couple. I certainly found this a pleasant week because of their care and awareness of personal space needs.

My wife and her sister arrived to spend the weekend in Glasgow and received a wealth of information from Susan and Ian regarding the best way to maximise their time in Glasgow and its surrounds.Our busy weekend stay was made so pleasant by such useful pointers as the best value restaurants which one could walk to, the quickest transport to take and the best cultural sights for the ladies. The Flower House looks good, too. Such a lovely garden welcomes you, antiques abound inside and when it is time to go it is a farewell made to friends. Slancha! Ron and June and Margaret, Rainbow Flat , NSW, Australia.

From TripAdvisor Sept 5, 2003: It wasn't difficult to spot The Flower House from the outside as it lived up to its name and exceeded all my expectations! Mounds of beautiful scented flowers - climbing roses, lilies, jasmine - it was like stepping into a magical arbor. The welcome you receive from Susan and Ian Docherty at The Flower House is second to none.

After traveling many exhausting miles, I was greeted with open arms and welcomed into their beautiful home. After an amazing night's sleep in an original brass four poster bed, my breakfast was brought to my room - and what a breakfast! Fresh juice and fruit, local bacon and the most incredible light and fluffy scrambled eggs, toast done just the way I liked it, yogurt and a refreshing pot of tea made with real leaves! Just what I needed to set me up for a day of sight seeing in Glasgow. I can thoroughly recommend The Flower House for your visit to Glasgow. The welcome is so good, that you won't want to leave! I can't wait until I can visit Susan and Ian again - thanks so much for an amazing time!  Bristol, England

From TripAdvisor Sept 1, 2003:  The ideal venue for a short stay in the city! We really enjoyed our time at the Flower House, and would recommend it to anyone. The rooms are wonderfully comfortable and packed with beautiful antiques, the beds are incredibly comfortable, and the full breakfast supplied in your room each morning sets you up for a day of sightseeing!! The most striking thing about the Flower House, of course, are the stunning displays of flowers growing rampant all over the front of the house, as well as in the incredibly secluded back garden. A haven of tranquility and elegance in the heart of the city! We look forward to our next visit! Alan Morton, Ardrossan, Scotland.

From TripAdvisor Sept 1, 2003: Almost instantly, you are welcomed by the sweet aroma of the floral display at the entrance of the Flowerhouse! The rooms are homely in their Victorian decor - it is more like a friend's guest bedroom as opposed to "a generic B&B room". My bed was extremely comfy giving me one of the most comfortable sleeps ever! I would also like to add that all the facilities from the bed linen to the bathroom were spotless. The location is very quiet and peaceful and the landlady is exceptionally friendly! I was most impressed! I will definitely be coming back here.  London, UK

From TripAdvisor July 7, 2003: My husband and I and our daughter and her husband stayed at the Flower House on a tour of Britain. Wow! Warm embracing ambience and the softest bed to sink into at the end of a traveling day. Woken in the morning to an ample breakfast tray in our room overlooking the garden. Sooooo hard to get out of that bed! But wandering into the front lounge was equally enjoyable and soothing with its peace and elegant antiques. Thanks for a great stay. We hope to come again.. Warrick and Glenda Smith, Hamilton, New Zealand.