I would have preferred to write my hopefully constructive comments to a member of the senior management at the Dakota Hotels organisation, particularly as they are in the growth stages. However, and significantly, having failed in all my attempts to research an appropriate member of the senior management team, which included writing ‘twice’ to the Dakota Hotel Edinburgh reception (no response), spending a lot of time researching Linkedin and perusing the government website ‘companies house’, not one member of the senior management team appeared. Consequently, I have penned my comments to trip advisor. Location The Dakota Hotel Edinburgh is ideally located to the airport and a super wedding venue, Dunbas Castle. Initially, one is either impressed by the modern looking black edifice or find it depressing, a personal choice. Apparently, the theme of the hotel is one of a sombre mood, where an abundance of light is shunned. On the first evening we held a small champagne reception in a room shared by another wedding party. A gentleman from the other party asked a member of staff who came to close the blinds and put us all in near darkness if it was possible to leave them open. The staff member said it was against hotel policy but would ask the duty manager. Within a few minutes the duty manager appeared and brusquely closed the shutters in a most defiant manner, clearly illustrating the mood of the management! Reception Staff The first impression of a hotel is often made when checking in. Alas, of all the reception staff I encountered during our 4 day stay, I was appalled by the lack of friendly interaction. Indeed, on many occasions the extremely abrupt and curt conversations were almost offensive. Fortunately, there was one female manager named Megan who is most definitely an excellent example for the hospitality industry, as she was polite, attentive, and most efficient. Megan was indeed a redeeming feature of this hotel. At the initial check-in we were informed that we would be entitled to a glass of champagne and two Hors d'oeuvres each evening. This only occurred on two of our 4 evenings! When my daughter arrived from America, she was not told that breakfast was included in her room nor that she was entitled to a complementary glass of champagne and two Hors d'oeuvres each evening of her stay. As my daughter’s stay combined business with pleasure, she had some very important business and video calls to make but was frequently prevented from accomplishing her work as the hotel WiFi was not robust enough. In response to her complaints, she was offered 2 further alternative access points, but neither was sufficient to achieve a strong enough connection. Dining Room The dining room (brasserie Grill) was appropriately illuminated and the staff in the main were efficient and very polite. Alas, the chairs were too low for the tables and for each meal, cushions had to be requested. The staff were so accustomed to this anomaly, that t
117 Reviews