Dakota prepares to open hotel at Manchester airport

Dakota hotels has submitted a planning application to Manchester City Council to develop a 154-bedroom hotel at Manchester airport.

The group has built its portfolio to five hotels from two initial properties, Dakota Hotel Edinburgh near Edinburgh airport and Dakota Hotel Glasgow near Glasgow airport.

The Manchester airport hotel has been scheduled to open in 2026, seven years after Dakota hotels launched its first site in the city in 2019.

Dakota hotel’s second Manchester property will join other hotels located near the airport, including Radisson Blu, Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, Doubletree by Hilton, Clayton and Ibis Budget.

The project is being advised by Asteer Planning and has been designed by KPP Architects.

Once complete, it will form a part of the Mix Manchester development and feature a bar, brasserie-style grill and 130 parking spaces.

It is expected to generate 150 jobs and £12m per year for the local economy.

Andrew Ovenstone, managing director of Dakota Hotels, said: “This is a significant moment for Dakota Hotels, and this airport expansion marks an exciting time for our team and guests alike.

“We are looking forward to being part of the journey for the 28 million travellers that come through the airport’s doors – bringing our unique brand of luxury hospitality to the airport hotel market.”

The announcement comes soon after the hotel group revealed it will be opening its first property in the north east in Newcastle in spring 2025.