Despite being the one of the busiest wedding bands in Ayrshire, it had been a few years since we last had the privilege of playing at Trump Turnberry, as it’s now known. We had all heard about the huge investment that had gone into the hotel over the previous few months and were excited to see what they had to show for their efforts.
Trump Turnberry
First Impressions
When this place looms into view as you pass across the front, you are immediately struck by the imposing presence it possesses, perched at the top of the hill. Even from the road, a fair distance below, the hotel looks big and endlessly white. White is clearly the theme, as all the surrounding buildings, lodges, golf clubhouse and service buildings all share the colour scheme. The access road takes you right across the front towards the far side of the hotel, and you start to become aware of the elevation.
Views
The road winds round the back of the building, though it strangely feels like the front as it contains the main entrance area. Here you encounter some impeccably kilted gentlemen, awaiting your arrival to assist in any way they can.
Having arrived during the meal, we had some time to kill. As it was a nice day (for Ayrshire) we were able to venture outside to the front/back of the hotel. This is where you appreciate quite how spectacular the views Turnberry offers are, looking out from the Ayrshire coastline. Ailsa Craig, Arran, Kintyre and even the Irish coast are visible from this vantage point.
Donald J. Trump Ballroom
Our wedding was in the smaller of the ballrooms, with our access provided through the main Donald J. Trump Ballroom. This was brand new when we were there, and offers a space on a larger scale than anything that Turnberry had before. On entering the ballroom the first thing that catches your eye is a chandelier. Reputedly £40k worth of chandelier, and that’s just one of them. The ballroom contains 8 of these. The carpet feels so thick you could lose a shoe in it, and everywhere you look there are signs of expensive tastes and an exquisite classy finish. Even the restrooms have a chandelier!
Crystal Ballroom
The room we played in was the smaller room, the Crystal Ballroom. Despite being smaller than the massive Trump ballroom, this room certainly does not suffer in comparison. Fitted and finished to the same exceptional standard, this room was an ideal size for the group we were playing for. Where a wedding reception for this number would have been lost in the large space, the Crystal Ballroom worked perfectly. The portable staging provided was high quality and allowed an ideal performance area for the band.
It’s always nice to perform at a wedding with an enthusiastic crowd, and this evening was to provide that. A high quality buffet was served with a minimum of fuss, and the staff that night were polite, courteous and helpful to a level we rarely see. They are a credit to their establishment.
As the night came to an end, we were able to step out and see what a stunning setting we were in, the nighttime lighting illuminating the front of the venue in spectacular fashion. Overall our visit to Trump Turnberry was a thoroughly enjoyable experience for Pulse Wedding Band. It’s great to see one of the iconic Ayrshire wedding venues back to such a high standard, and a venue to which we look forward to returning on a regular basis.
