TTKS Visits: Dakota Eurocentral, a luxury boutique hotel venue

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.