TTKS staffer Nicole Conner visits an ultra-chic Lanarkshire wedding hotel that will transport you a million miles away from central Scotland. Couples marrying at Dakota Eurocentral will enjoy slick decor and a dedicated catering team, all within easy reach of Glasgow and Edinburgh
Since I began working at TTKS, my ideas about what my dream wedding would look like have shifted. Top of the list now is amazing food and an atmospheric venue where I can put my own spin on things, all in an easy-to-reach location. And I found exactly that at the super-cool Dakota Eurocentral near Motherwell.
My partner and I had the hotel’s Signature Suite for the night, a luxurious open-plan bedroom and lounge with mood lighting, rich decor and exposed brick walls, which felt more Manhattan loft than Lanarkshire hotel room. This would be a great place for the bride to make herself at home the night before she marries: there is more than enough space for MUAs and hairdressers to come in and work their magic; the walk-in wardrobe looks designed for easy gown storage; and the super-king bed means beauty sleep is guaranteed.
After lounging in our robes and slippers and making full use of all that the room had to offer (personal favourites: the rainfall shower, the Nespresso machine and the pair of huge plasma TVs, one for watching from the sofa and the other from the bed), we spent the evening in the restaurant.
Here, we were greeted by attentive staff, offered a complimentary glass of prosecco and served some of the best food I’ve had in Glasgow. Having sampled the Orkney scallops to start and the grilled halibut for my main (both of which feature on the Deluxe wedding package menu), I can say with confidence that guests are in for a treat.
Events manager Hayley Tobin led me on a tour of the hotel, taking in the Douglas Suite, which hosts ceremonies and wedding breakfasts. The room is surprisingly light and airy (in contrast to the rich textures and moody lighting of the rest of the hotel) and it can be decorated as you wish for your ceremony. It also has a private entrance, foyer and bar area for the wedding party, so although you have all the benefits of the hotel, you won’t be disturbed.
Your guests can spend time in the private breakout area while the room is transformed for the evening: the bar is a laid-back space – I can imagine everyone chatting together and soaking up the atmosphere here before they sit down to dinner. The Douglas Suite has its own kitchen and staff, so your party will be their priority.
Hayley also showed me the cosy wooden interiors of the Deluxe Suite, where very lucky newlyweds get to spend their first night. It’s an idyllic hideaway in which to reminisce about the fun of the day – you’ll want to snuggle up under the bed’s lavish faux-fur throws.
The Dakota’s staff deserve a special mention: they know how to treat guests, and this is a quality I’ve no doubt will spill over to weddings. Your day will be in safe hands, thanks to the knowledgeable and helpful people behind the scenes.
After a fabulous breakfast, it was back to reality as we checked out and drove the short distance back to Glasgow. (It’s not much further to Edinburgh – access really is easy.)
It’s hard to believe this place is perched at the side of the M8, but if you’re looking for industrial chic with a glamorous edge, you’ll find it here.
The numbers There is room for up to 80 of your nearest and dearest in the Douglas Suite, and the same number can be accommodated for the meal. 100 guests can be part of the evening celebrations.
The packages The Dakota package includes a pre-wedding tasting menu, a master of ceremonies, four-course wedding breakfast from either the classic or deluxe menu options, and wedding exclusivity (so you won’t be sharing the hotel with another wedding party). There are various extras: you can add canapés (from £9pp) and an evening buffet (from £10pp). The drinks package (from £32pp) includes two glasses of prosecco and a half-bottle of wine each, so there is scope to tailor things to your budget.
The accommodation The hotel has 92 bedrooms, so there is no shortage of space for anyone who wants to stay over after a night of celebrations. Wedding parties are given a preferential rate when making a block booking: this is for you and your guests both the night before and the night of, and includes breakfast before you head home.
Food and drink The hotel doesn’t allow outside caterers, but that doesn’t matter when the food is this good. The wedding chefs have their own separate kitchen away from the main hotel restaurant, and can whip up crispy duck or Caprese salad to start, mains such as fillet of beef or lemon sole, and champagne mousse or pavlova to top it all off. Vegan options are available. The Classic menu starts from £51pp and the Deluxe from £63pp.