Premier Hospitality

Dakota Deluxe Hotel Manchester

Written by Roma Publications

Dakota Deluxe Hotel

A new site for Dakota Deluxe hotel, the Manchester venue opened earlier this month.

Dakota Manchester is a £30m development and marks the latest addition to the brands’ expanding portfolio. Located on Ducie Street, close to Piccadilly Station, Dakota Manchester boasts 137 bedrooms, including 27 suites. The penthouse suite, named the Grand Deluxe, is the largest and most elegant suite in the city.

With luxurious elegance in every detail, the creative team is headed by internationally acclaimed designer Amanda Rosa.

Premier Hospitality magazine spoke to Amanda who works alongside her husband, Ken McCulloch, Founder, Creator & Operator of the Dakota Deluxe Hotels. They have been working together for the last 30 years, 12 years on these hotels.

She said:

“It has been a partnership on both sides for 12 years. The design and what we wanted to achieve has moved on since we first started, but if anything, now we’re trying to get it back to what we call the original Dakota hotel style. The location & site can often limit us, so when we get a new build, which Manchester is, we can revert back to our original thinking.”

Manchester is the fifth hotel in the group. The ‘original’ hotels are located at Forth Bridge, Edinburgh and Eurocentral – a modern business estate between Glasgow and Edinburgh. Future sites are in the pipeline as the group continues to expand to key cities in the UK.
Amanda continued:

“The Manchester site was about two years in the making. Design wise, it is quite a contrast in interior to exterior. The exterior is very dark and exciting, whereas the interior is much softer and warmer. The public spaces are double height with fabulous big windows. We have brought the black brick of the exterior inside and exposed the services in many areas. There are full height glass screens to separate the public areas and a feature metal clad fireplace in reception, which may sound very hard and cold, but we’ve juxtaposed this with soft, comfortable furniture in neutral tones and warm, atmospheric lighting.

We have tried to make it seem as though it’s not designed at all which can be more difficult than trying to make it look purposely designed. Hopefully we are wise enough now to know what makes a hotel work. The interior of the bedrooms is stylish, soft and very relaxing. We get great feedback from the guests as to the comfortable beds and the great shower. Ergonomically, everything works and is easily accessible, which makes a real difference. Nobody wants to spend half an hour trying to work out how the shower works!”

The name Dakota was inspired by the aircraft, which transformed the face of air travel by offering style and impeccable service. The Dakota Hotel brand has applied this ethos to its hotels, providing guests with style, sincere hospitality and service based on timeless, classic values, to deliver an unforgettable experience.
Amanda finished:

“I would like to think that we can continue to grow as a brand. When a new hotel opens, everyone thinks that’s the job finished but really that’s actually just the start. The easiest bit is getting it there, then you’ve got to grow the business, but we have a very good following of clientele. We see it that you are never really finished.

Every day we try to make the hotel a little bit better – otherwise you would just stand still.”

For more information or to make a reservation, visit: http://manchester.dakotahotels.co.uk/

Dakota

Elite Contract Furniture

Elite Contract Furniture specialises in contract furniture solutions from design through to installation. The company works closely with customers to deliver the best possible service and product possible.

Elite Contract Furniture is currently celebrating its 65th anniversary, having been first established in May 1954. In this time the business has worked on a number of high profile projects for a wide range of clients. Recent clients include Macdonald Hotels, RAD Group, Lochs and Glens, Hilton Dunkeld Lodges, Smiths Hotel and Costley and Costley.

Elite Contract Furniture played a pivotal role in the manufacture, supply and installation of all soft furnishings, beds and headboards at the Dakota Deluxe Manchester.

Greg Winston, Director, commented:

“We love to see initial concept being turned into reality and hearing the positive feedback from the guests. Working on the Dakota Hotel Manchester has been an enjoyable challenge, ensuring everything is manufactured to the highest standard within the timescales they require.”

He added:

“As a company we take great pride in our excellent customer service. It’s what has kept us in business for the last 65 years.”

Dakota

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Roma Publications