Dakota Manchester

We celebrated a birthday with a suite, and it was more than we’d hoped for. The room felt luxurious, with lovely little touches the staff had gone out of their way to arrange. Dinner at The Grill was excellent, and breakfast the next morning was just as enjoyable. We’ve stayed here many times and have never been disappointed. The welcome is always warm, and this time a friendly, helpful receptionist checked us in and arranged for our bags to be taken up. We relaxed in the champagne bar afterwards, where the staff promptly took our order and brought our drinks. Thanks to everyone at Dakota. We’re already looking forward to coming back.

Our room on the 6th floor was spacious, spotless and warm, with a stunning view across the city skyline. The decor and furnishings were up to the standard we’ve come to expect from this hotel group. Dinner at The Grill was superb, and breakfast the next morning was too. We arrived on Sunday evening after a short walk from the train station. The hotel felt warm, modern and discreet, and the receptionist greeted us with a smile. Check-in was quick and easy, and she arranged for our bags to go to the room without us having to ask. Before heading up, we had a drink in the cosy champagne lounge. It was comfortable, and a waitress came over promptly to take our order. This was a birthday treat weekend, and I felt special from the moment we arrived until we left. They even put a personalised card in the room. A wonderful stay, and I hope to return.

The room was freezing, and the TV had no programmes or other facilities. We paid extra for a filled fridge, which turned out to be a pack of biscuits, a few beers and Coke. When I asked for more water and Coke because we don’t drink alcohol, they clearly weren’t pleased. The hotel looks beautiful and is very pleasing to the eye. I’d wanted to visit for ages after seeing the social media hype, but the stay didn’t meet expectations. We tried calling room service repeatedly, but the calls kept being cut off. Eventually reception had to take our order. For such an expensive hotel, I expected better parking and a more reasonable checkout time. We checked in at 3 and had to leave by 11; staying until 1 cost extra. Paying more for just two extra hours felt ridiculous, especially when the 3-11 schedule is so tight. We were there for Valentine’s Day and our anniversary, but staff seemed to look down their noses at us and repeatedly looked us up and down as we came and went. It made me uncomfortable. Unfortunately, I wouldn’t stay again.

Getting around was easy, with Manchester Piccadilly Station only about a six minute walk away. Our room was spacious, spotless and comfortable, with tasteful decor and high quality finishes. The hotel’s decor throughout was stunning, elegant and modern, giving it a calm, sophisticated feel. The staff were warm, welcoming and glad to help, and we felt valued. Food and drinks were outstanding, full of flavour and beautifully presented. We especially enjoyed relaxing in the bar, with its impressive cocktail selection and refined atmosphere. Dakota Hotel Manchester gave us a true five star stay from start to finish. We couldn’t have asked for better and would absolutely return.