By Anna Robinson
Newcastle’s Quayside has long been one of the most visually arresting cityscapes in the UK. Now, with the opening of the new Dakota Hotel, it’s also home to one of the slickest luxury stays in the North.
The Dakota brand has already won over devotees in Leeds and Manchester with its sultry interiors and meticulous attention to detail. Its latest outpost, perched perfectly on the River Tyne, brings all the signature style and substance you’d expect – and then some.
From the moment you step into the Dakota Newcastle, it feels like you’ve crossed the Atlantic. The interiors are dark, moody, and unmistakably chic. Think New York loft meets private members’ club: polished wood, low lighting, leather accents, and just the right amount of swagger. It’s sexy, stylish, and sophisticated – the kind of place where you can imagine a film noir starlet sipping a negroni in the corner.
One of the biggest selling points? The views. Book a river-facing room and you’re treated to an uninterrupted panorama of Newcastle’s iconic bridges, the shimmering Tyne, and the glowing silhouette of the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art. It’s a front-row seat to the best of the city, whether you’re watching the sunrise with a coffee or the nightlife with a cocktail.
Rooms themselves are beautifully designed and subtly luxurious. In many, there’s a deep bath and a walk-in shower – both a dream after a day exploring – plus thoughtful little touches that elevate the experience: a built-in boards for hair tools to prevent burns, a Nespresso machine for lazy mornings, and Apple TV for wind-down evenings (though you’ll need to log in yourself). The bed is so comfortable it almost demands a lie-in, and the blackout curtains help seal the deal for a genuinely restful sleep.
The vibe throughout the hotel is distinctly adult. Not in the X-rated sense, but in the sense that everything feels grown-up, elegant, and unashamedly indulgent. It’s not a place for kids running through corridors – it’s a place for cocktails, candlelight, and conversations that last until the early hours.
Speaking of cocktails, the bar is a destination in its own right. Settle into a booth with a Manhattan or a classic gin martini and it’s easy to forget you’re in Newcastle, not Midtown. The bar team know their stuff, and the drinks menu is tight, confident, and perfectly curated.
Dining at the Dakota Grill is another high point. This is not a place to scrimp, and the prices reflect that – the cheapest steak comes in at £38 – but the quality is undeniable. A fillet steak, cooked perfectly medium-rare, was one of the best we’ve had in the city. The mixed fried seafood starter, with crisp batter and fresh, delicate flavours, offered a lighter counterpoint, while sides of silky mash and garlicky spinach were executed with precision. Service was warm and intuitive throughout, adding to the sense that nothing is too much trouble.
Breakfast, however, was slightly disappointing. Compared to the impressive dinner offering, the morning meal felt a little pedestrian. A few more premium options, better coffee, or some elevated touches could go a long way to matching the luxury feel of the rest of the experience.
One major plus is the free parking – a rare treat in any UK city centre, and especially welcome here. It’s just another example of how Dakota goes that extra step to take care of its guests. In fact, the staff might be the hotel’s biggest asset. From check-in to check-out, every interaction was warm, personal, and efficient. There’s a quiet confidence to the service here – they know you’re in good hands, and soon, you do too.
For all its strengths, there are a couple of things missing. There’s no spa or sauna, which feels like a bit of a missed opportunity given the otherwise indulgent atmosphere. A wellness space could really elevate the experience, especially for guests staying longer or celebrating a special occasion. The cigar terrace, while in keeping with the swanky aesthetic, won’t appeal to everyone – and for non-smokers, it’s easy to forget it’s even there.
Ultimately, Dakota Newcastle is not an everyday hotel. It’s expensive – unapologetically so – but it delivers on its promise of luxury. This is a place to treat yourself, whether it’s a romantic escape, a business trip with a bit of flair, or a city break where you don’t want to compromise on comfort. It brings something new to the Quayside – an elevated, cosmopolitan edge without ever losing the Northern warmth.
Yes, it’s moody, it’s sexy, and it’s a little bit mysterious. But Dakota is also welcoming, comfortable, and sharply tuned to what modern travellers want: style with substance, service without stiffness, and a sense of occasion baked into every detail.
If you’re looking for a hotel that feels like a getaway without leaving the city, Dakota might just be the destination you didn’t know you needed.
