Recently opened Newcastle hotels named as two of the UK's 50 best places to stay
A pair of Newcastle hotels have been named as some of the UK’s top places to spend a night by The Times.
The publisher recently released their list of the best places to stay in the UK with two Tyneside spots named.
Both spots opened last year, with the Dakota Hotel on the Quayside opening in the first half of 2025.
The second location, Hotel Gotham, opened towards the end of the year on Pilgrim Street. The spot was part of the development of the street which includes a new Stack site and the new HMRC offices.
The Times described Hotel Gotham as a “gorgeous grade II listed baroque revival building in the centre of Newcastle” which “has always had drama.”
The review continues: “For 100 years or so it served as the city’s main fire station. Then, in October 2025, it transformed into a 57-room boutique hotel that is swiftly becoming a siren in its own right.
“Alongside Gatsby-style decor and Twenties glamour are playful touches that point to its past: the lights in reception are made from giant red hoses, ornate gold helmets shine in the restaurant and bottles of wine are served in lipstick-red fire buckets at the buzzy — if predictably named — Fire bar.
“Another 30 rooms will open this autumn in the adjacent building, a former police station. No prizes for guessing what the theme of those will be.”
Down on the banks of the Tyne, talking about the Dakota Hotel, The Times says: “The people of Newcastle have been waiting decades for two things: silverware for their football club and a luxurious but affordable hotel. In 2025 they scored both within the space of a few weeks.
“Newcastle United won the Carabao Cup and Dakota Newcastle opened in a prime spot on the Quayside. The U-shaped red-brick building, formerly a solicitors’ office, is now a far from forgettable hotspot on the riverbank: at least a third of the 118 bedrooms have knockout views of the Tyne and the Millennium Bridge.
“At its heart is the restaurant, Dakota Grill, a swanky, low-lit steakhouse. And low-lit is the vibe throughout: the hotel is part of a six-strong chain known for dark and moody decor.
“The brand’s best staff have relocated from its various outposts to guarantee service with genuine warmth.”