Aria Bar

The Mr and I were out with friends to the cinema over the weekend (Triple 9 — don’t waste your time), and were hunting for a place to grab a drink after. After multiple suggestions, we settled on Aria.
Now, given where it is (at the really busy lower end of Hope St), I was surprised I hadn’t actually heard of it — but it’s actually the bar of a hotel, so that explains it!
I actually liked it. The bar itself is well laid out and fairly stylised (its all shiny black and wood). The staff were super friendly and helpful. And the drinks weren’t particularly expensive — £22 for 3 beers and 2 double spirits.
All in all, a pretty decent place to relax and have a natter. We’ll be back :)

Aria is the hotel bar for Artto hotel, but also links from the Bombay Blues restaurant via a connecting door… it is ideal for relaxing on a comfy sofa after a huge meal! It doesn’t feel like a soul-​less hotel bar, it has its own personality and pleasant décor. The staff are lovely and attentive (and busy, as some of them run the hotel check in as well), which makes this a four star review.
I have only been here twice but both times after a meal next door. I think it is actually a bit of a hidden gem as they have a big cocktail list, sell craft bottled beers and Birra Moretti, West beer and Heineken on tap. They also have a malt whisky of the month, cocktail of the month and shooter of the month, displayed on a pin board by the bar.
I enjoyed a glass of house red wine, and as a group we also had a March of the Penguins bottled dark beer, Birra Moretti and cider. Tea was also good and came with complementary biscuits.
They have a TV for sports and another for news, and also a leaflet stand for touristy things in and around Glasgow. Food wise they have a curry of the day as well as a fairly large choice of pizzas and bar food.
I’d recommend this as a place to relax with a drink after a meal, or a place to ponder tourist leaflets and plan your day out in Glasgow.