Dakota Manchester Airport

Dakota Hotels has planted its flagship at the gates of Manchester Airport, a £55 million, 154-room property built as the centerpiece of the Mix Manchester regeneration scheme. Billed as the UK's first luxury airport hotel, it swaps the category's usual anonymity for a cigar terrace, private dining rooms and a dedicated shuttle to the terminals.

The place

Within the three-acre Mix Manchester regeneration scheme beside the airport terminals, with a dedicated shuttle to and from the gates.

The concept

Positioned as the UK's first true luxury airport hotel, the £55m property pairs 154 rooms with clubby set-pieces — a cigar terrace and humidor, a dedicated Champagne Room, private dining — aimed at business travellers who would rather not feel like they're passing through a transit hotel.

Dining & wellness

The Grill offers all-day brasserie-style dining alongside a signature bar, an al fresco cigar terrace and humidor, private dining rooms and a dedicated Champagne Room.