Glasgow Marriott Hotel installed 600 rooftop solar panels

Sustain Commercial Solar has installed 600 solar panels at the Glasgow Marriott Hotel as part of its ongoing environmental efforts.

These panels are expected to cut the hotel’s annual grid electricity use by 11.4% and reduce carbon emissions by 35,812kg per year.The solar installation is one of several green initiatives at the four-star hotel, which has already earned Green Key certification, an international eco-label for tourism businesses.

The hotel has also achieved gold certification from The PLEDGE on Food Waste, using Winnow AI technology to monitor food waste in real time and boost kitchen efficiency.

Other environmentally friendly measures at the hotel include electric vehicle charging points, motion-sensor lighting, water-saving fixtures and the elimination of single-use plastics such as straws and stirrers.

A voltage optimisation unit has also been installed to stabilise and reduce incoming grid voltage.

This improves energy efficiency, lowers emissions, and extends the lifespan of electrical equipment.

Chris McGuinness, general manager of the Glasgow Marriott Hotel, said: "Sustainability is something our guests increasingly expect from the places they choose to stay, and it is something we are taking very seriously as a business.

"Installing solar panels is a practical step towards reducing our environmental impact while continuing to deliver the high standards of hospitality we’re known for and are proud to provide.

"Since the Marriott Hotel became a part of Glasgow’s skyline 40 years ago, the city has continued to attract global conferences, major sporting competitions and culturally significant international exhibitions.

"It is important for hotels to play their part in supporting the city’s reputation as a bustling, dynamic destination with plenty to offer, in a manner that sustainably supports the pursuit of further growth."Located just off the M8 in Glasgow’s city centre, the hotel offers more than 300 bedrooms, extensive meeting spaces, and premium leisure facilities.

Glasgow Marriott crowned Best Hotel Renovation at Scottish Hotel Awards

Glasgow Marriott Hotel has been named Best Hotel Renovation at the Prestige Hotel Awards 2026, which recognises excellence across Scotland’s hospitality sector, following its extensive multi-million-pound refurbishment programme last year. 

Held in Glasgow, these annual awards celebrate leading hotels and hospitality businesses from across the country, with this year’s ceremony attended by more than 500 hospitality professionals.

The extensive refurbishment transformed the Glasgow Marriott hotel’s 303 guest bedrooms, public spaces and wider guest offering, reinforcing the hotel’s position as a full-service, four-star deluxe destination in the heart of the city.

The hotel was Glasgow’s first major four-star hotel and has welcomed generations of conference delegates, international visitors, sports teams and leisure guests over the past four decades. The refurbishment was designed to modernise the guest experience while retaining the strong connection the hotel has built with the city over the years.

Inspired by Glasgow’s iconic bridges, street murals and manufacturing heritage, the redesign introduced six new Junior Suites, 75 Executive Rooms with lounge access, upgraded leisure and spa facilities, a state-of-the-art gym featuring Matrix equipment, and refreshed conference and event spaces with enhanced AV capabilities.

The project aimed to create a more authentic reflection of modern Glasgow and Glaswegian hospitality while celebrating the character, creativity and energy of the city throughout the hotel experience.

Completed in February 2025, the refurbishment marked the culmination of one of the most significant transformations in the hotel’s recent history.

Chris McGuinness, General Manager of Glasgow Marriott Hotel, said:

“This award is fantastic recognition for the multi-million-pound investment and transformation that has taken place across the hotel over the past year. 

“We wanted to create a hotel that genuinely reflects the energy and character of Glasgow, while also responding to modern guest expectations of a full-service hotel experience.

“It’s something the whole team is incredibly proud of and a great reflection of the great work that continues to happen across the business every day.”

Alongside the refurbishment, Glasgow Marriott has continued to invest in sustainability initiatives including Green Key certification, EV charging infrastructure and wider energy efficiency improvements across the property.

Situated within Glasgow’s financial district and within walking distance of the Scottish Event Campus (SEC), OVO Hydro and SEC Armadillo, the hotel is well positioned for conferences, concerts and major city events, while also offering convenient access to Glasgow city centre, the West End and Glasgow Airport.