TIME is ticking in the countdown to Dakota’s lift-off at Manchester Airport. Just ‘Fine Tuning June’ to get through before what is being billed as Europe’s finest airport hotel opens its doors on July 1 – at a cost of £54m. The team have officially taken possession of the imposing seven storey property and it’s all systems go.

Already it has the feel of the luxury bolthole you’d expect from a Dakota hotel with no limit to your horizons. In the foyer you’ll be greeted by this trio of clocks spanning the world’s time zones on your behalf.

Dakota Clocks — **Manchester-Dubai-New York – the time is** Confidentials

Dakota Boac Map — **The world is your oyster** Confidentials

The aim is to provide the best possible send-off wherever you are bound. What ebullient Group Operations Director Matt Townley describes as “the destination before the destination”.

You might even step, fully refreshed into one of their round-the clock shuttle fleet and regret you couldn’t stay a little longer. Maybe drop in on the way back?

Dakota Manchester Airport is a one-off for the UK brand, which started in Scotland 20 years ago. Their now seven-strong roster may be named after a famous military aircraft repositioned in 1936 for commercial air travel in the States, but this is and will remain its only hotel at an airport.

Dakota Transport — **The shuttle fleet is on constant call** Dakota

Dakota Tub With A View — **A tub with a view** Confidentials

As it is, it stands proudly apart from the cluster of its lesser rivals, while oddly being closer to Terminal 2 than many of them. There is a footpath across the MIX MANCHESTER campus and a bridge linking the hotel to the airport as an alternative to the chauffeur service to both terminals. This is in addition to the only hotel-operated valet parking service at a UK airport hotel, offering complete peace of mind that every detail – including the safe care of your vehicle – is in expert hands.

Dakota Standard Bedroom — **The bedrooms marry smart and cosy** Confidentials

Dakota Bedroom — **All rooms are surprisingly spacious** Dakota

Such perfectionism was evident across our advance show-round. The look of the 154 elegant bedrooms and suites all harks back to the template set by acclaimed interior designer Amanda Rosa, wife of Dakota creator and serial hotel opener Ken McCulloch. Her long-time collaborator, Greg Brooks is paying special attention to this unashamedly luxurious project.

Dakota Grill — **The Grill is the centrepiece of the project** Dakota

Dakota Booth — **Settle down in a booth with a drink from the impressive bar** Dakota

As with all Dakotas, at the heart of it all is The Grill – an atmospheric, art deco-inspired space built around a striking central bar, with leather booths and rich dark-wood finishes made for long lunches and late evenings. The dark-wood-panelled private dining spaces and al fresco Cigar Terrace and Humidor will help make this a destination extending beyond airport travellers.

Dakota Steak — **The website claims it offers the best steaks in South Manchester** Confidentials

Dakota Venetian — **Start your meal the Venetian way** Confidentials

A substantial sum has been lavished on a high end Charvet kitchen. Dakota’s trademark premium steaks remain the focus and, of course, it wouldn’t be a Dakota without its complimentary appetiser, the Venetian Dip. You get a molten bowl of rich tomato sauce with a slice of lightly grilled goat’s cheese and on the side a crunchy warm roll for dipping. Soul food for any intrepid traveller.

• Bookings for Dakota Manchester Airport are now open and can be made here.

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