Dakota, Newcastle – Hotel Review
By Graham Clark, September 2025
With Dakota having hotels already in Leeds and Manchester, the natural location for their next hotel in the North East was always going to be Newcastle. The spring opening arrived in a U-shaped building that was formerly a solicitors’ headquarters. The new hotel comes with fantastic views of the Tyne and Millennium bridges – which can be seen from around a third of the hotel’s 118 bedrooms. Avoid staying in a room at the back of the hotel – unless you want to look out onto a car park or office block.
The five-star experience starts as soon as you enter the hotel, as the resident doorman willingly opens the door for you with a greeting that is as warm as hot coals from Newcastle. If arriving by train, the hotel is a good fifteen-minute walk from Newcastle Central Station. The hotel does not have a car park; however, there is a multi-storey one behind the hotel. Thankfully, there is a drop-off point at the front of Dakota.
For anyone who has been to one of their other hotels in the six-strong chain, the interior décor will not come as a surprise: think moody lighting, dark wood and grey carpets, which might sound rather downbeat; on the contrary, the furnishings give a sophisticated feel. The reception staff appeared pleased to be working at the hotel, and the genuine warmth they and all the other staff I encountered gave a friendly feel to the hotel.
The rooms
My Classic King room came with a soft grey and cream colour scheme, with snug mohair throws and leather chairs giving a homely touch; this was a room I could have easily stayed in for a long time. The Wi-Fi was exceedingly fast, the super king-size bed was supportive and comfortable, and the Smart TV even turned into a mirror if need be. Suites also come with a complimentary minibar.
The grey-and-marble bathroom came stocked with premium toiletries that were ideal to use in the generous rainfall shower. The ground floor has two Grand Deluxe Suites that come with private terraces and walk-in wardrobes.
The restaurant
The Dakota Grill specialises in steaks, seared over hot coals, where the cuts of meat are sourced from near and far – including Japan. Other options include curries, sweetcorn tempura topped with chilli, and a very tempting, sticky mac and cheese. The interior, like the rest of the hotel, is very distinctive – think dark walls and dim lighting, with standard seating and cosy booths.
Breakfast is also served here, with a continental buffet and a cooked-to-order full English breakfast, which featured quality produce. Service is, as you might expect, attentive but not obtrusive. The hotel has a small gym if you wish to exercise after all this indulgence.
Newcastle has a new hotel to be proud of, where the level of service matches the opulence of the furnishings, and nothing seems to be too much trouble for the excellent staff. The only difficulty you will encounter is having to leave Dakota … until your next visit.
Dakota, 112 Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3DX
dakotahotels.co.uk/newcastle/
Graham was born and raised in Keighley. A dedicated live music enthusiast, he has attended hundreds of concerts across the North and feels fortunate to have Bradford, Leeds, Sheffield and Manchester within easy reach — all key stops on major touring circuits. He has also supported Bradford Live, the upcoming 4,000-capacity venue opening in autumn 2025, helping to secure backing from some of the biggest names in live entertainment. Passionate about food, Graham draws on his background in hospitality to offer honest, experience-led insights in his reviews. He’s also a keen traveller, having explored extensively throughout Europe, America and Asia.
