A luxury Manchester hotel has been named one of the best places to stay in the world after TripAdvisor revealed its 2023 list of top-rated hotel destinations.
Dakota Manchester on Ducie Street – which boasts a dedicated Champagne room, brandy and cigar garden, elegant private dining areas, and a stunning waterside brasserie – has been crowned the sixth-best hotel in the UK.
Appearing on a list of ‘the best places to stay in the world’, Dakota is representing the north west as the only hotel from the region to make the cut. It is also one of only three hotels in the top 10 not based in London.
Of Dakota Manchester’s 1,700 reviews, 1,557 are categorised as ‘excellent’ – with guests commenting on the hotel as being ‘outstanding’, ‘the best in Manchester’, and ‘absolutely unreal’.
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Reviews also note the hotel’s stylish decor, comfortable beds and excellent service.
Dakota boasts a range of luxurious bedrooms, and also lays claim to the title of Manchester’s largest and most extravagant suite: the ‘Grand Deluxe’.
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Image: Dakota
Image: Dakota
With 137 luxury bedrooms and 20 different luxury suits to choose from, it offers the largest range of premium bedrooms of any hotel in the city, as well as boasting its own glitzy cocktail bar, restaurant and waterside terrace.
Speaking on the award win, Matt Townley, Regional Operations Director at Dakota, commented: “It’s a real honour to have been recognised as one of the UK’s best hotels.
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“This accolade is testament to the hard work of our exceptional team, who deliver memorable experiences for every guest.
“Our people are our passion, and we are incredibly grateful for all the glowing feedback they receive from our valued guests.”
“To be the sole property in the North West named in the Top 10 is an incredible honour – we are delighted to fly the flag for outstanding service in the region!”
Featured image – Dakota
Manchester
New 44-storey skyscraper proposed that could change one of Manchester’s most famous views
Emily Sergeant
Plans for a massive new 44-storey residential skyscraper in the heart of the city centre have been revealed.
But does this mean it could change one Manchester‘s most famous views?
Located on what has been referred to as a “prominent site” adjacent to Deansgate train station and Deansgate-Castlefield tram stop at Whitworth Street West, these dramatic proposals would see the development of 364 apartments set over 44 storeys – with more 7,750 sq ft of active space on the ground, first, and second floor levels.
Developers Glenbrook say the building has been designed to “respond to the city’s heritage”, most-notably through its three-storey arched terracotta colonnade at street level.
Well-lit new green spaces, the enhancing of existing pedestrian routes, and seamless integration with the surrounding communities, all form part of the landscaping proposals for the bold new project.
“As a Manchester-based developer, we are excited about the prospect of embarking on a landmark development in the heart of our city, admitted Daniel Roberts, who is the Development Director at Glenbrook, as the proposals were unveiled this week.
“Whitworth Street West is undergoing a period of revitalisation, and Glenbrook are incredibly proud to be playing such an integral part in its future.”
A CGI of a proposed skyscraper on Whitworth Street West in Manchester / Credit: Glenbrook
A public consultation on the plans has now been launched, and will be live up until 28 October, as well as a dedicated in-person event, where representatives from Glenbrook and the design team will be on hand to answer questions and gather feedback, scheduled to take place at HOME MCR on First Street from 3:30-7:30pm on 15 October.
Residents, businesses, and interested stakeholders will have the opportunity to view the plans in detail, and provide their thoughts on the proposals.
The view of what Whitworth Street West currently looks like in October 2024 / Credit: The Manc Group
According to developers, the feedback gathered during the consultation will play a key role in shaping the final planning application – which will be submitted to the Manchester City Council in the coming months, and ultimately ensure the development meets the needs of the community.
But if you’d consider yourself to be a pro pumpkin carver, and reckon you’ve got what it takes to beat the Manchester masses, then you might want to get yourself down to GRUB to put those bold claims to the test.
There’s a big pumpkin carving competition happening in Manchester this Halloween / Credit: GRUB | Concetta Huffa (via Unpslash)
With both adults-only and family-friendly competitions, the popular Manchester venue – which is based down at the Red Bank Project, just outside the city centre – is inviting everyone to pick your pumpkin from the pile, and compete with other carvers across a range of different categories.
Awards will be handed out for the spookiest face, the most original design, best all-rounder, and so much more.
Tickets for both the adults-only event, which is happening on Friday 25 October at 7:30pm, and the family-friendly event on Sunday 27 October at 2pm, are now on sale and will set you back just £5 per person.
A pumpkin, and everything you need for carving is included in the ticket price.
There’s a chance to take home some fantastic prizes if you win too, including cinema tickets, free food and drink at GRUB, Halloween-themed cocktails, and tickets to an event of your choice.
Georgina Pellant -
29th May 2023 
