Weekend pass: Dakota Forth Bridge

Published on Friday 12 June 2009 15:47

WHO would have thought that siting a luxury hotel on the edge of a retail park would have been a good idea? Ken McCulloch didn't just think it – he knew it.

The locations of the Dakota hotels – near motorways, airports and business parks – make them ideal for business travellers. But their stylish mix of five-star luxury and affordable prices has meant they have become popular destinations in themselves. This one is visible for miles around – dark, dramatic and brooding with a flash of neon, it has the feel of something from another dimension.

Once inside, the staff are friendly and welcoming and the furnishings up to award-winning designer Amanda Rosa's usual high and incredibly hip standards.

Getting there Driving is easiest – simply head towards the south end of the Forth bridges and you will see it from the A90.

Room service Think luxury Manhattan loft apartment – exposed brickwork, slatted wooden blinds, lots of lighting options, beautiful vases, artfully displayed driftwood, sumptuous chaises and cushions in fabulous fabrics. There's no bath but there are plenty of fluffy towels and a great shower in the sleek bathroom.

Our suite was cleverly divided, using furniture and lighting, to give the feel of a spacious apartment. It also had a walk-in wardrobe and full-length mirror as well as all the essential small white goods – including a hairdryer and an iron. If you have work to do, there's an impressive desk, but the views over the rail bridge and Fife will probably distract you.

There's a huge plasma-screen TV – plus a smaller one at the foot of the bed, just in case you can't agree on which of the 65 channels to watch. The well-priced mini-bar – 2 for a jar of olives, 1.80 for a bottle of Coke – also has a jug of fresh milk for the complimentary tea and coffee.

What's the food like? With high standards throughout the hotel, it's no surprise that the Grill restaurant holds several awards – the most recent being Seafood Restaurant of the Year 2009. It's not just good for seafood, though, a medium-rare steak was prepared exactly as ordered, and the waitress couldn't have been nicer when we asked if there was another vegetarian dish available rather than the gnocchi on the menu. In fact, she actually came back with a couple of options.

Breakfast will set you up for most of the day – it does the full range of options, from fresh fruit to a full Scottish with additional pastries thrown in. Once the sun is over the yard-arm, make sure you also visit the bar and try something from the extensive cocktail list – it has something to suit all tastes, even those who think they don't like cocktails.

The bed test The bed was huge. Crisp cotton sheets, a variety of pillows and fabulous throws all add to the feeling of luxury.

Out and about There's plenty of opportunity for a scenic stroll around South Queensferry, or you could take a boat trip out to one of the islands on the Forth.

Little extras There's the hotel's special brand of toiletries – shea butter and bergamot soap, shampoo and shower gel. For a little more pampering, the Dakota has teamed up with Zen Lifestyle to provide decadent Sleep and Spa packages. If you feel the need to work out, there's also a fully equipped gym.

The bottom line The special summer rate of 139 will run to the end of July. It is based on two people sharing a double room and includes breakfast, plus dinner in the Grill to the value of 25 per person.

Ferrymuir Retail Park, South Queensferry (0870 423 4293 www.dakotaforthbridge.co.uk)