Last updated: May 14, 2025
The brand Dakota Newcastle has landed on the Quayside bringing with it some of the biggest hotel rooms in the city!
Having opened in March, it brings Dakota’s signature masculine design to the banks of the Tyne with ambient mood lighting, rich textures, and luxurious simplicity that wraps you in calm the second you walk in. The interiors feel more like a film set than a hotel lobby — and the attention to detail is impeccable.
We stayed in a ‘Classic King’ room (the second smallest room category would you believe?!) and it was gigantic – easily the largest classic we’ve stayed in. Sporting a huge, stylish bathroom with a deep tub mood-lit in slate grey and an amazing waterfront view of the Millennium Bridge, there was even a heat resistant slate pad built into the dresser for your hair straighteners – genius. Rooms at Dakota come with a giant TV which includes Apple TV and Sky Sports – a really nice addition to the average hotel room experience.
Prices start from just £105 per night via their website which is serious value for money for a hotel like this. They’ve also introduced Newcastle’s first cigar humidor and outdoor cigar terrace, with a large selection of cigars on offer. We loved the bar area which has been thoughtfully designed with lots of cosy private areas – perfect for a good gossip and a glass of wine with friends, or for that all important date night!
Dinner at The Grill was excellent. It’s a seductive space with dark wood, leather banquettes and atmospheric lighting – a guaranteed destination restaurant in its own right. Baked goat’s cheese in hot tomato sauce to dip our fresh bread was followed by chicken ravioli with pancetta, and king scallops with melt-in-the-mouth pork cheek and black pudding were delicious. Despite the strong flavoured meats, they complimented each other perfectly without being overpowering. Our Wagyu ribeye and fillet were each beautifully cooked and rested – juicy and flavourful, while the sides were equally de-lish – the mac came with plenty of cheese, a strong hit of truffle on the fries and a rich creamy peppercorn sauce that had us salivating.
While you might miss the greenery surrounding Dakota Newcastle in your haste to get inside, it wasn’t lost on us! Some serious landscaping has transformed its entrance, flanks and courtyard with planters full of rare plants, along with flowers, shrubs and herbs from J Paxman Landscapes – it really is a stunning hotel both in and out.
Dakota Newcastle brings understated luxury and cinematic design to the city, not forgetting the cool mascot rope sculpture Howie (Howay) the dog who’ll greet you on arrival. With curated hotel packages and specials, along with what we’ve heard is an excellent Sunday roast offering, Dakota is a brilliant addition to the Newcastle hotel scene at a time when the city is seeing plenty of investment and expansion.
Book your stay, check room rates and specials here.
