The Dakota Deluxe is a new boutique hotel the city centre of Leeds and it seems to be a hot topic at the moment. I don’t know about you, but its sultry interiors and dreamy design features have been all over my Instagram feed and I was really excited to hear that this new design hotel had opened its doors in Leeds. As part of my goal to blog about more stylish experiences closer to home, I decided to check in to the Dakota Deluxe Leeds for a staycation in my home city.
First Impressions
Located between Russell Street and the infamous Greek Street, The Dakota Deluxe is in the heart of Leeds’ buzzing bar and restaurant scene. Despite it’s amazing location, the main entrance on Russell Street feels tucked away from the hustle and bustle. The automatic double doors swung open and we went from broad daylight into a dark, cosy cocoon in about 3 seconds flat. A heavenly scent drifted up my nose and chilled-out music filled my ears.
A jolly doorman in a flat cap greeted me with a warm and familiar Yorkshire accent that reminded me that I wasn’t far from home. There is a cool hotel vibe that hits you as soon as you enter the building, and I was picking up what they were putting down.
The Room
Our Standard Room was small, but beautifully designed. The room was filled with high quality furnishings and interesting design features such as the collage of framed manuscripts around the bed. The plush bed had plump cushions and luxurious bed linen, which I couldn’t wait to dive in to. We also found some sweet treats and a hand-written note to welcome us to the hotel. This was a really thoughtful touch.
The bathroom was also compact but featured the most beautiful tiles (I like them so much that I’m trying to put something similar in my own bathroom at home). It didn't have a bath which didn’t bother me, although I know it’s an important feature for many. Instead we had a spacious rainforest shower.
Dinner and Drinks
Seeing as we were so close to Greek Street, my Sis and I headed out for a couple of early evening drinks before going for dinner at The Dakota Bar & Grill. Located below the ground-floor bar of the hotel, the restaurant is a large underground space with stylish dark wood interiors. I perused the red wines and my sister stuck to the sparkling water as she is expecting her first baby in May (very exciting!). For starters I opted for a heritage beetroot and goats cheese whilst Natalie went for the pan-fried scallops. We swapped plates for a taste of each others and both were incredibly delicious. The goats cheese was magically encased in crispy breadcrumbs and the scallops tasted tender and fresh.
For the main event we both opted for the fillet steak, which we both agreed was out-of-this-world. I ordered a side of chips, which were both crispy and fluffy along with creamed spinach. The combination was a perfect symphony and I’d go as far to put it in the top 3 steaks I’ve ever tasted. I asked for the steak to be cooked medium and it was spot on.
A Cosy Hotel Lock-In
After dinner we were left feeling incredibly full and satisfied. Maybe it’s the fact were both in our late 20’s now but the prospect of doing face masks in robes and slippers felt much more appealing than going out and braving the January chill. We wanted to make the most of our beautiful room and cloud-like bed, so that’s exactly what we did. We put on facemasks whilst we chatted, sipped peppermint tea and watched Keeping Up With The Kardashians. What more could 2 gals want?
The Verdict
Leeds has so much diversity in terms of shops, restaurants, bars and entertainment but until now, it has lacked a standout destination hotel that is a draw in its own right. I have a sneaky suspicion that The Dakota Deluxe is about to change all that and I am so glad to have this stylish hot spot right on my doorstep. With a fantastic team of staff who provide genuine service and incredible attention-to-detail, this hotel has style and substance. It’s safe to say I will be back for cocktails, fillet steak (and more cocktails).
Perfect for; girly shopping breaks or a romantic weekend away with your other half
Read more reviews of The Dakota Deluxe Leeds on Trip Advisor
Read more of my Yorkshire Blog Posts
What did you think of my experience at The Dakota Deluxe Leeds? Have you visited this hotel or are you thinking of booking a stay? If you enjoyed this post please leave me a comment in the form below. Jess x
The Dakota Deluxe Hotel
8 Russell Street, Leeds LS1 5RN, England
leeds.dakotahotels.co.uk
0113 320 2861
My stay at The Dakota Deluxe Leeds was provided complimentary in exchange for this blog post. All views remain my own.
Thankyou to all the staff for making our weekend away exceptional and for all those who gave that little bit more of extra hospitality and quality service.
A very enjoyable, comfortable and very relaxed atmospere for us both to experience making it a great memory.
My partner was very happy with her surprise to be staying at the hotel and even happier to be surprised to have an upgraded room to include a balcony. Many thanks and appreciation to the concierge Manager and for Dave at the front reception for making us feel very welcome.
We will definitely stay at the Dakota again when visiting Leeds and will certainly making friends and family aware of the Dakota Deluxe Hotel.
A big thankyou
Gavin & Sarah Harrop
Hi Gavin! So glad you also had a positive experience at The Dakota Deluxe in Leeds 🙂
Great post Jess! I know where I am going for my anniversary 🙂 x
Love this comment, thank you! So glad it’s come in useful for some anniversary planning. x
We stayed the other weekend and the standout was the food, one of the most delicious meals I have had in Leeds. The restaurant was quiet, such a shame as the food was amazing, more people should dine in! I’ll be back for the steak!
Hi Natalie. Thanks for your comment! So glad you also had a positive experience at The Dakota Deluxe. The food really is amazing. I can’t wait to go back with my boyfriend to have the steak again. I think in time the restaurant will become busier. I still think people don’t realise they can eat in hotel restaurants even if they’re not a guest x
Looks like a lovely hotel, I would definitely stay there. Love the design and the interiors x
Thanks Laura! It really is a stunning hotel and an asset for Leeds city centre x
I definitely see what you mean about the cool vibe – it looks really nice. Im a bit gutted actually because I just had to book a night in Leeds to keep hold of my reward points on hotels.com and ive gone for thorpe park spa. I would’ve gone for rudding park spa after your review but it wasn’t available- I hope it’s just as nice!
http://www.jettravels.co.uk
J.E.T
x
Thanks Jet! Oh that’s a shame about your booking but I have also been to Thorpe Park and it’s really lovely, it’s just quite a bit further out of the city centre. Let me know when you’re visiting Leeds as maybe we could meet up whilst you’re here! 🙂