You are absolutely right. One thing is when you are shooting a fine art image so you can do whatever you like, spooky, dark, gothic or bright, oversaturated with weird colors. And another, when you are working on a commercial project. That's when you should think not about what you like or the client likes but actually about what would the market you are targeting like and what would make them visit that place or buy that product.
IMO, the nicely lit image looks much more inviting. It will also make a great addition to your book.
OTOH, the dark one could make a good fine art print with a bit of retouching.
Alex