Category: Blog

Good luck to the Caledonia Gladiators who take on the Bristol Flyers on Friday 24^th April in the last fixture of the season.

It’s been a pleasure to host the away teams in the hotel this season.  However, we can’t help being slightly bias and are hoping that the Gladiators end the season on a high!

Tip-off is at 7.30pm at the Playsport Arena in East Kilbride and you can find out more at caledoniagladiators.com

Love was certainly in the air at the wedding of Ritchie and Nikki Quinn.

Not only did the happy couple have the most amazing wedding but they took the time to thank our wedding team for a job well done!

Nikki said, “We chose to get married at the Easter weekend as we wanted more than just a day and what a weekend it was!

“Arriving on the Friday with family from all over the country we were met by impeccable service. Twenty four of us enjoyed a beautiful meal and were looked after from the moment we set foot in the hotel. The staff were so attentive and accommodating doing everything they could to help a slightly stressed bride and a one year old baby.

“The day itself could not have gone better. It was more than we could ever have imagined! The setting was beautiful; every member of staff was on top of their game and every minute of it went without a hitch.

“Feeding 120-day guests was no easy task but every guest commented on how beautiful the meal was. As the bride and groom, we had no worries at all as our day was seamless thanks to Sinnead and her amazing team.”

The happy couple requested to have some photography taken within the Theme Park which we were happy to accommodate.

It’s being part of memories like this that make the job special.

A big thank you right back!

The predicted trend for Twilight weddings is certainly ringing true for 2025.

Held at the golden hour of the day, it seems that more and more couples are keen to exchange their vows as the sun sets capturing not only the moment but also special photographs.

It’s also proving popular for couples keen to have one big party for all guests, rather than splitting the invitation list across the full day and an evening reception.

Twilight weddings can also be more budget friendly.

Traditionally held between 1st November and 31st March, we would love to create a magical Twilight wedding to remember. For more details please contact our events team at events@alonahotel.co.uk

We recognise that there is no cookie-cutter for the perfect wedding and that each one is truly unique and individual.

That’s why we tailor each wedding request to suit the couple and as part of that approach we also offer self-catering weddings.

If you want to arrange specialist outside catering for your wedding, we’re delighted to make that happen and work alongside third party companies.

Our wedding co-ordinators are only too happy to discuss our marquee hire package which can also include two complimentary rooms to be used as changing rooms or prayer rooms.

Calling all school prom committees, our events diary is now open for 2026 season.

Following a successful celebratory season, we’ve been delighted to welcome students, and teachers, over the past few weeks to the hotel to host the most memorable night and cause for celebration in the school calendar.

We know how much planning and organisation goes into the big occasion and our events team would be delighted to welcome you to the hotel to discuss our packages, introduce our trusted suppliers, and how we can help make your school prom be a night to remember.

If you are heading for a summer graduation, let us rise to the occasion and host your special Graduation Dinner.

Whether it be for family or friends, we would be delighted to hold your celebratory event, which could be an intimate dinner or a party style meal, with a special curated menu if needed.

Relax and let us do all the work to help celebrate your achievements.

We’ve been fortunate to host some of Europe’s top basketball teams to the Alona Hotel as they take on our home team, the Gladiators, in European cup ties.

The team were over the moon to receive this feedback from a visiting Team Manager who said, “I’ve been all around Europe over three years visiting teams and spent time in many hotels, and the Alona Hotel and the experience so far, put you in his top two hotels in the past three years!”

Now that’s something to make a ‘splash’ about 😊

A School Prom is the highlight of the year for school leavers and finding the perfect venue is the first step in making sure your event is both unique and unforgettable.

From the glamorous dresses and sharp suits to the limos and dancing, a Prom is a special occasion – the end of an era – to be celebrated and treasured for years to come.

Our experienced events team will be able to guide the Prom Committee through the planning process and pass on hints and tips, along with a checklist, to make the arrangements as easy as possible.

But in our experience, it’s the details that make the difference!  And we have rolled out the red carpet when creating our exclusive Prom package, along with additional extras, to make your evening as special as possible, from the choice of table linens to the entertainment.

To find out more contact our events team by emailing events@alonahotel.co.uk or 01698 333 888.

And we’ll make sure your Prom receives the top marks in deserves.

Having a wedding photographer is a top priority when it comes to wedding planning ensuring that your captured images provide memories that last a lifetime.

Choosing the right photographer who understands your style and the moments you want to capture, as well as working to your budget, is important to avoid disappointment.

Equally important is to consider the location for your wedding photography and we have plenty of variety to offer our special couples.

The luxurious surroundings of the Alona Hotel wedding marquee provides the perfect backdrop, not to mention our beautiful waterside setting overlooking Strathclyde Country Park.

For those couples looking for something quirky, we can arrange for the couple to be photographed with the Theme Park or within our striking 1950s themed American diner complete with life-size motorbike.

Whatever your choice, our wedding coordinators can recommend photographers and suggest picture perfect locations.