Outcome of inspections at 8 Glasgow homeless hotels revealed
The Glasgow Times requested copies of the reports, which uncovered a catalogue of health and safety concerns.
Eight hotels were inspected over five months, which were follow-ups to previous visits when concerns were identified and action requested.
The issues found within the initial inspections for each hotel show some hotels in a worse state than others but each had problems
Last year the Glasgow Times started the End the Homeless Hotel Shame campaign, highlighting the experiences of people who had lived in the hotels.
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In the last year, from April 2024 to March 2025, the council paid more than £45 million to private hotels and B&B owners in the city.
Following the inspections, Pat Togher, Chief Officer of the Health and Social Care Partnership, said owners welcomed and embraced the recommendations.
He said: 'They have reacted quickly to address any issues highlighted to them following the inspections.'
Inspections undertaken focused on: Management of Legionella; Asbestos Management Plans; Health & Safety; Management of Hazardous substances; Inspection Checklists; Cleanliness; Pest control; Management of Falls from Height; Window Restrictors etc.
Rennie Mackintosh Hotel in Union Street was inspected on April 5, 2024, a revisit after one in February 2024.
(Image: Robert Perry)
The report found: 'Pest activity noted by a contractor, further highlighted by Police Scotland who indicated that mouse or rat droppings had been observed.
'Most recent pest control reports highlighted a number of areas where pests could gain access and that these require to be filled in.'
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A number of bedrooms were visited during the inspection and found to be in a generally satisfactory condition.
However, the following issues were identified whilst inspecting this small sample:
'Mould on the wall within the en-suite; tap at the wash hand basin loose and moving around.
'Bedroom door damaged; mould within the shower area.
'Scorch mark on bedding, bedding dirty, flooring within en-suite damaged. •
'Some bathroom floor tiles damaged, drawers damaged.'
It was also noted: 'Needles and syringes had been found by staff, and a blood-stained mattress was seen.
And it was reported: 'Staff can be exposed to episodes of violent and aggressive behaviour from clients.'
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Smith's Hotel Sauchiehall Street, Kelvingrove was inspected on December 12, 2024 and March 7, 2025. A previous inspection had taken place on November 11, 2024.
During the inspection it was noted there had been 'a significant number of recorded visits to the hotel by a Pest Control Contractor' following complaints from residents about pest activity or bed bugs.
The hotel was told: 'Consequently, you require to take additional proactive measures to address the issue whereby pests are gaining access to the Hotel.
'I would suggest that the Pest Control Contractor carries out a comprehensive survey to identify potential access points and to take appropriate action to have these areas adequately sealed.'
Ten bedrooms were inspected, with the following issues identified within a number of rooms:
'No restrictors on any windows within the rooms to prevent a person from falling a distance out of the window.
'An electric bike was located.
'A number of rooms were affected by the storage of large quantities of food (including open food) and also the storage of suitcases, clothing, and electric items.
'A number of the shower heads within some of the rooms were extremely dirty and require immediate cleaning and disinfection.
'In addition to this, there was damaged and dirty sealant around the base of shower cubicles, which require to be repaired and/or cleaned/disinfected.'
'Bed bugs were found within bed linen', and 'this room required to be vacated and treated as a matter of urgency.'
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Queens Park Hotel Balvicar Drive, in the Southside, was inspected in June 2023, a revisit after a May 12, 2023 visit.
It had found damaged floor tiles. In some rooms, 'bedding was dirty (blood stains were evident on some bedding)'.
A bed frame and a chair were damaged.
Rooms were dirty (e.g., window sills, walls, floors, below mattresses, behind beds).
The inspector reported: 'During discussions with one of the cleaners, it was identified that he could come across 20-25 needles per week when cleaning rooms and in one room recently came across 10 needles.'
Cleaners were not aware of procedures for dealing with sharps.
During the inspection, blood was observed on a bed sheet and blood splattering on a room wall.
It stated 'This type of contamination is considered as hazardous.'
Alexander Thomson Hotel Argyle Street, with 161 rooms, is one of the biggest used by the council for homeless people, with up to 200 people accommodated there.
(Image: Newsquest)
The Hotel was generally satisfactory but it was stated pest controllers had found evidence of cockroaches in a room.
Three rooms were inspected and were satisfactory. Bedding is stripped every four days and the condition was satisfactory.
Window restrictors were observed within the rooms inspected and confirmed to be working satisfactorily
Pest control visited after a complaint about bed bugs. No evidence was found but there was evidence of cockroaches in one room. (Image: Newsquest)
Chez Nous, in Hillhead Street, in the west end, was inspected on March 11 2025
Issues highlighted in previous inspection in February 2024 included a legionella risk.
The report stated: 'A Legionella Risk Assessment was carried out within the premises on 13 June 2023, with a recommended Review Date of 13 June 2025.
'A recent annual Legionella Inspection was carried out by H2O Legionella Control Services on 3 January 2024, which identified a number of non-compliances (i.e., hot/cold water temperatures not recorded on a regular basis, inconsistent shower cleaning records, no flushing records, recommend training for staff to improve monitoring and record keeping, etc.) with legionella control measures.'
Window safety was highlighted.
During the inspection it was noted that 'a number of windows were not opening correctly and therefore, there was little or no fresh air coming into the room'.
Copland Hotel, Copland Road, Ibrox was inspected on June 6, 2023
A previous inspection found a pest control contractor has indicated 'rat activity' within the rear garden area.
It was noted on the follow up there was 'no current pest activity'.
The inspectors also found damaged flooring and trip hazards, which have since been repaired.
There were signs that residents were smoking in rooms and the ground flood female toilet was in a dirty condition.
There was a 'damaged cooker' and 'dirty bedding' need more regular cleaning.
Concerns were also highlighted about residents' behaviour.
The report revealed around 12 needles had recently been removed from a sink overflow and staff were exposed to violent behaviour.
St Enoch Hotel Howard Street, city centre was visited on April 4, 2025, a revisit from February 25, 2025.
(Image: Newsquest)
Damaged flooring and trip hazards were reported.
Rooms were 'generally satisfactory' but inspectors observed cracked class, scorch marks, water damage on a ceiling in one room and no shower in an en-suite.
Two rooms had no showers and there was water penetration, with a bucket on the floor catching water.
Needles were found almost daily, including one incident which caused injury to a housekeeper.
Tartan Lodge in Alexandra Parade, was inspected on 17 October 2024 after an initial visit on September 13
A basement room had no ventilation with a window unable to be opened.
There were dirty showers in two rooms, and water damage was reported.
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