A new symbol of hospitality has subtly surfaced in the center of Newcastle’s historic Quayside, where the Tyne glistens beneath arched bridges and cobblestone streets hum with tales of coal and trade. This is the Dakota Hotel Newcastle. This £36.5 million property, which officially opened on March 29, 2025, completely reimagines the local hotel scene rather than just improving it.
Dakota offers a fusion of urban luxury and tranquil riverside charm by setting up shop on St. Ann’s Wharf, very close to the water’s edge. Its 118 carefully chosen rooms and suites, which are decorated with rich textures and moody hues, provide a pleasant diversion from the hectic pace of contemporary city life, much like listening to jazz after a long day of emails.
Dakota Hotel Newcastle – Quick Facts (WordPress-Optimized Table)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 112 Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3DX |
| Opened | March 29, 2025 |
| Investment | £36.5 million |
| Rooms & Suites | 118 total, including the 2-bedroom Grand Deluxe Suite |
| Dining | The Grill (brasserie-style), Dakota Bar (signature cocktails) |
| Special Amenities | Cigar Terrace, Champagne Room, Waterfront Terrace, Meeting Spaces |
| Website | dakotahotels.co.uk/newcastle |
| Contact | +44 191 406 8777 • info@dakotahotels.co.uk |
✨ An Area Designed with the Senses in Mind
The rooms at Dakota, which are layered with velvet, dark wood, and ambient lighting, are made to be incredibly immersive. Each Classic King offers contemporary amenities like Sky Sports, rainfall showers, and Milton Brown toiletries in a sensory-rich environment that remarkably resembles a private club rather than a chain hotel.
The Grand Deluxe Suite elevates luxury to a whole new level for those looking for something more opulent. Views across the Tyne turn the windows into living works of art, and a steam shower, sunken roll-top bath, and dedicated fireplace evoke the charm of a penthouse in Paris.
Singing with Simplicity in Dining
The Grill, located in the center of the hotel, is a fine dining establishment that excels at serving comfort food. Think pan-seared halibut that melts like poetry or steak cuts that whisper of culinary precision—the brasserie-style kitchen transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
In contrast, the city’s tastemakers are drawn to the Dakota Bar like bees to lavender. It’s a favorite for date night drinks, important business conversations, or just spending time alone with a smoky Old Fashioned. It’s set in cozy interiors with mood-lit alcoves. The carefully chosen and internationally inspired cocktail list is a passport rather than just a menu.
📈 Where Boutique and Business Collide
Business travelers looking for peace and quiet after stressful negotiations will especially benefit from Dakota Newcastle’s deliberate creation of an events wing that divides its meeting rooms and event suites from its recreational areas. Whether you’re throwing a launch party by the river or an executive boardroom lunch, the hotel’s event spaces offer a sophisticated, businesslike setting.
Building Legacy, Investing in Community
Together with Group Operations Director Matt Townley, General Manager Mark Spanton was motivated by Newcastle’s revitalization, especially along Pilgrim Street and within Newcastle United’s Premier League-driven comeback. Townley noted, “This city is open for business,” and gave the local council credit for obtaining planning approval in just 12 weeks.
With team members moving from other Dakota properties, the hotel’s opening has already resulted in the creation of 120 new jobs. By making as much of an investment in people as in real estate, Dakota is creating something enduring, significant, and distinctly local.
⭐ Guest Reviews for Dakota Hotel Newcastle
| Reviewer | Rating | Review Summary | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nick Malhotra | ★★★★★ | “The rooms are a masterclass in comfort, but the steak at The Grill? Out of this world. I’d come back just for that.” | Remarkably effective service, exquisite food at The Grill. |
| Andrew Sharp | ★★★★★ | “My son and I enjoyed cigars and cocktails on the terrace—it felt like a private club in Manhattan, right on the Tyne.” | Cigar Terrace experience, perfect for relaxed luxury. |
| Jackie Davidson | ★★★★★ | “Every bite of the meal was an explosion of flavor, and the staff were warm, attentive, and incredibly professional.” | Flavourful cuisine, exceptionally clear hospitality standards. |
| Leanne Roberts | ★★★★☆ | “The ambiance was wonderful. A little wait at check-in, but the bar’s mood lighting and cocktails quickly made up for it.” | Slight delay at reception, but notably improved evening experience. |
| Marcus Elliot | ★★★★★ | “Rooms are spacious, sleek, and exceptionally quiet. The rainfall shower was the best I’ve had in any UK hotel.” | Standout bathroom amenities, highly efficient soundproofing. |
| Sophie Grant | ★★★★★ | “From the black velvet interiors to the riverside view—this hotel is pure cinematic luxury. Can’t wait to return.” | Romantic setting, beautifully designed interiors, unforgettable views. |
🔥 The Cigar Terrace: A Reimagining of Old World Luxury
The Cigar Terrace, a daring yet appropriate nod to vintage luxury, is set to open later this year and will be the first of its kind in Newcastle. It promises to be a sanctuary for both connoisseurs and aficionados with its wide selection of humidors and outdoor atmosphere.
Dakota dares to emphasize tactile pleasures and classic rituals in the context of contemporary hospitality, where many establishments strive for digital novelty.
A Boutique Hotel in Newcastle That Belongs to the World
Hotels like Dakota will be at the forefront in the upcoming years as tourists from around the world become more picky and prefer genuine experiences to routine stays. Although it doesn’t aim to please everyone, it does what it does with unwavering conviction, style, and clarity.
Dakota is more than just a place to sleep for Newcastle. It is a representation of change. A posh murmur that announces your arrival.
