[Review] Trump Turnberry
[Review] Trump Turnberry

[Review] Trump Turnberry

A stunning white building overlooking its famous golf courses

Sumptuous Scottish Luxury

Peeking out of the aeroplane window, watching the ground turn into mountains and lush greenery, I couldn’t wait to touch down for our visit to Trump Turnberry and breathe in the fresh Scottish air.

We had been invited to stay amongst the beautiful scenery, a far cry from the concrete jungles we had left behind, and as we relaxed in the car from the airport, we drove closer to the mountains, treated to glimpses of the sea peeking through the countryside.

As we arrived, winding down the long driveway, the hotel soon came into view. A stunning white building overlooking its famous golf courses and the Irish Sea, with views of Ailsa Craig and the Isle of Arran. On a clear day, this is a magical view.

Review: Trump Turnberry

Our Welcome

What a welcome we had! Sleek, grey tartan kilted doormen welcomed us with a tip of their feathered hats and in their wonderfully lilting Scottish accents. Entering the hotel we almost sunk into the plush carpets as we made our way to check in. Homemade shortbread and refreshing drinks were waiting for us and we made our way along the dark wood panelled corridors hung with chandeliers to our room.

Review: Trump Turnberry

Lavish and total luxury, the hotel has been standing for 111 years. Acquired by Donald Trump in 2014, he invested £200m, and what an incredible transformation has been made. Windows all round framed breathtaking views over manicured lawns and on to the sea and chandeliers sparkled above our heads as we entered our beautiful room.

Review: Trump Turnberry

The Suite

Silk wallpaper, grey-blue curtains that seamlessly blended with the walls when closed, cosy grey blankets and a sweet welcome tray with macarons greeted us, along with a personal letter from Don Junior hoping we come back soon.

Review: Trump Turnberry

A cosy window seat beckoned, and with views across to the lighthouse and a coffee table full of books about Scotland, I really could have curled up there all day! But lunch awaited us and we made our way to the Grand Tea Lounge and Bar, to a table by the window, and enjoyed the most beautiful lunch of seafood spaghetti and a wicked fish and chips. Rose lemonade and a relaxing, tranquil environment made the perfect lunch. The staff are so relaxed and friendly, they really set you at ease.

Review: Trump Turnberry

After lunch, our official tour began with Calum, the lovely Assistant Events Manager. We were so excited to see what Trump Turnberry had to offer wedding couples, so we set off to explore the rooms.

Wedding Facilities

The Donald J. Trump Ballroom

Steeped in panoramic views out to sea, the elegant Donald J. Trump ballroom boasts dazzling Swarovski crystal chandeliers and glorious high ceilings. It’s a great space for a large wedding – it can accommodate up to 500 – and can be booked in conjunction with other rooms for a complete wedding package.

Review: Trump Turnberry

The Caledonia Ballroom

The Caledonia Ballroom has a sweet terrace, perfect for after dinner drinks or a barbecue to enjoy the beautiful views.

Review: Trump Turnberry

The Ailsa Craig Suite

The Ailsa Craig Suite is a smaller space, but no less beautiful! It would be a perfect space for a smaller wedding, accommodating up to 80 guests.

Review: Trump Turnberry

The Crystal Room

The Crystal Room has stunning picture windows and more gorgeous views! Great for pre-dinner drinks, it can hold up to 180 guests.

Review: Trump Turnberry

The Old Tom Morris Suite

The Old Tom Morris Suite is bathed in natural light and would be another great option for a drinks reception.

Review: Trump Turnberry

The Champion Suite

The Champion Suite boasts views towards the 18th hole and the hotel. Situated in the Clubhouse, it has a casual golfing atmosphere and would be ideal for a golf-lovers welcome drinks.

Review: Trump Turnberry

As part of the wedding package, couples can have their menu tasting right in the kitchen. A big wooden carved table can host engaged couples to experience the food choices from within the beautiful kitchen.

The Spa

On to the spa down a long corridor decorated with pictures and postcards showing the hotel 100 years ago. The spa has a crèche and kids room – a really fabulous feature so you can take some time out and know your kids are being well looked after.

More crystal chandeliers and beautiful marble create such a fabulous atmosphere. The swimming pool has awesome views over the Irish Sea and it’s the perfect spot to relax and refresh. The spa offers bespoke ESPA treatments, Ishga seaweed treatments and day packages along with memberships and lifestyle programmes.

Review: Trump Turnberry

A traditional treat

6 pm saw us sitting in the tea lounge listening to tales of Robbie Burns, folk tales and history by the fire. As the sun set, the storyteller made his way outside to pipe until sundown. This was such a treat and a wonderful addition to the stay. It gives the hotel a unique identity and really sets it apart, it was such a special experience.

Dinner at 1906

Dinner was at Trump Turnberry’s signature restaurant, 1906. We sat by the windows, utterly relaxed, and enjoyed another meal of exquisite food before dragging ourselves off to our beautifully turned down room. We slept so well – the beds are so high I really felt like a princess! The morning came and we drew back the curtains to soak up the beautiful views before a gorgeous breakfast of fresh smoked salmon and a full English.

Review: Trump Turnberry

The Turnberry Lighthouse

Our trip to the lighthouse was in the wind and rain, which created such a dramatic atmosphere, but no less beautiful than the sun we had encountered the previous day.

Review: Trump Turnberry

Set on the ruins of Robert the Bruce’s castle, the Turnberry lighthouse is elegantly grand. It hosts a two-bedroom master suite looking out to sea and would be just the perfect escape for honeymooners or for a first year anniversary. You could also host a private dinner or cocktail gathering, it is such a heavenly space. There are even binoculars and a compass provided to fully enjoy the views!

Review: Trump Turnberry

After lunch in the Halfway House, we made our way to our golf lesson. Famed for its iconic Ailsa course, Trump Turnberry has hosted the Open Championships four times so we were excited to experience it.

Our friendly resident PGA pro, Palmer, took us through the basics and let us have a go from their incredibly hi-tech academy. It was such fun and would be a really good way for the bridal party or groomsmen to spend the day before or the morning of the wedding.

An invitation to the ball!

As we made our way back to the hotel, the magnificent Donald J. Trump ballroom was being arranged for a charity ball. Here at 5 Star Wedding Directory, we have reviewed many hotels, but we’ve never been invited to a function within the hotels, so we were absolutely delighted to be asked to attend the event that was raising money for Great Ormond Street Hospital. And what an event it was! Silver service, fireworks over the mountains and a performance from Ben Haenow, it was a fabulous evening and wonderful to experience an event in the beautiful ballroom. It was simply brought to life with décor, florals and a gorgeous atmosphere.

Review: Trump Turnberry

Review: Trump Turnberry

A quick beach trip

The next day we took a walk down to the beach which would be great for wedding photos – with Ailsa Craig in the background you’d get the most beautiful shots.

Review: Trump Turnberry

The final tea

We enjoyed afternoon tea before our car took us back to the airport, drinking in the beautiful views and wonderful atmosphere before we had to return to the real world! It was such a relaxing moment before flying and once again, the staff were warm and friendly, creating a serene ambience in which to enjoy our tea.

This trip was definitely one to remember. We were so well looked after, given such a good feel of the hotel and all it can offer and would highly recommend Trump Turnberry and all its extra features for a most beautiful wedding. And yes, Don Jr., we can’t wait to come back.

Thank you to all the wonderful staff who made our stay so special.


Trump Turnberry, Turnberry, Ayrshire
Scotland KA26 9LT – United Kingdom

www.trumpturnberry.com Tel: 01655 331000

Trump Turnberry is a 5 Star Wedding Directory trusted supplier. See their listing here.