THE LOBBY

Parīlio The Hoxton The Dive Motel & Swim Club New Openings... Paros Southwark Nashville Sleeper’s pick of Perched between Paros’ tranquil Occupying a 14-storey newbuild in South Having reinterpreted the traditional new openings Kolympithres Beach and the whitewashed London, the 192-key Hoxton Southwark bed and breakfast as dynamic boutique fishing village of Naoussa, the 33-suite marks the eighth hotel in the brand’s concepts in Nashville and Brooklyn, Urban Parīlio guesthouse echoes the aesthetic portfolio and its third in the UK capital. Cowboy’s Lyon Porter and Jersey Banks of the Greek island’s distinctive block- With Ennismore Design Studio overseeing have launched a new creation; The Dive white architecture, layering spaces with industrial chic interiors, the factory- Motel & Swim Club – a 23-key property natural stone materials and a soothing inspired scheme has been elevated by occupying a renovated 1956 Nashville colour palette of neutral white, grey, British-made furniture and lush greenery motor inn. Designed, operated and ochre, ivory and sienna. Devised by providing an airy counterpoint. The owned by the duo, the motel features a native designer Stamos Hondrodimos, the property features the brand’s signature 60-foot swimming pool, interiors layered hotel features a spa, a fully equipped gym communal spaces, a rooftop seafood with vintage ‘70s wallpaper and, true to and Mr. E. Here – an on-site restaurant restaurant and the second outpost of its name, an on-site dive bar serving as both headed up by chef Alexandros Tsiotinis. new co-working concept, Working From_. restaurant and check-in desk.

034 n 1936, the Douglas DC-3 aircraft made its has been masterminded by KPP Dakota maiden flight from New York to Chicago and Architects in the hotel group’s trademark black Iwent on to revolutionise the aviation industry. brick style, while interiors by Amanda Rosa, MANCHESTER Designated the Dakota in British Royal Air Force McCulloch’s wife, bring a touch of old-school service, the aircraft changed the face of air travel Mayfair to the Cottonopolis. On entering the by making stylish design and luxury service imposing building, guests are greeted by a series Dakota Hotels launches its fifth more accessible to the masses. Established with of sleek public areas featuring a dark colour property in the UK, bringing a the aim of applying that same pioneering spirit palette, rich fabrics and atmospheric lighting, touch of Mayfair to Manchester’s to hospitality, Dakota Hotels began its journey with venetian blinds between the reception Northern Quarter. in Scotland, debuting at Eurocentral just outside area and bar, wooden screened booths in the of in 2006, before taking up residency restaurant and the abundant use of candlelight in the suburb of South Queensferry, likening the ground floor spaces to a film close to Edinburgh Airport, a year later. The noir set. Adding character to the scheme are Words: Ben Thomas Photography: Courtesy of Dakota Hotels brainchild of British hotelier Ken McCulloch – a collection of movie posters on the corridor founder of the brand – Dakota has walls, together with playful touches such as a since expanded throughout the UK, moving into textile dog named Chester – who can be seen city centre locations in Glasgow and . Now, climbing on a table in the lobby. marking the most significant venture in its 13- “Our first objective is to ensure the guest is year history, the brand has brought its distinct comfortable and relaxed. We try to make the concept to Manchester, launching a new £30 interiors look and feel natural,” says McCulloch. million property in the city’s Northern Quarter. “For this project, the main influence was to look Situated on Ducie Street close to Piccadilly back rather than forward, taking inspiration Station and the Rochdale Canal, Dakota from the honesty and integrity of classic hotels.”

093 094 The hotel’s crowning glory is the Grand Deluxe Suite with a wraparound rooftop terrace overlooking the Northern Quarter and nearby Ancoats neighbourhood

The hotel’s 137 guestrooms and 20 suites creations, as well as a carefully curated wine follow a similarly elegant colour palette, with list. Accompanying the bar is The Champagne dusky purple mohair throws harking back to Room, a semi-private space decked in dark Dakota’s roots in Scotland. Every guestroom tones and marble, which can be used for canapé is equipped with rainfall showers, Chelsom receptions or whisky tasting experiences. lighting and a smart TV with a full Sky package, “The Dakota Grill and cocktail bar are the while the Garden King rooms include private heart and soul of the whole operation,” says garden terraces, and Signature and Executive McCulloch, noting that guests often visit Dakota Suites provide super king-size beds and two hotels for their restaurants alone. “Over the separate en-suites. years, Dakota has created its own success by The crowning glory however is the Grand the standard of its restaurants and the dining Deluxe Suite, a penthouse located on the eighth experience we deliver time and time again.” level of the building. Billed as the largest in the Another unique addition is The Cigar Garden, city, the standout suite features its own private a purpose-built terrace warmed by gas fires, entrance, lounge, dining area, two bedrooms, where guests can pair their favourite Cuban walk-in wardrobe, fireplace, en-suite from the hotel’s dedicated humidor with a bathrooms with steam showers and a two-metre fine collection of premium cognac and whisky. sunken tub – not to mention a complimentary The waterside terrace is available for al fresco mini fridge stocked with local brands like drinking and dining when the weather permits, Manchester Gin and Brightside Brewery. In catering to a maximum of 80 covers, while a addition, a wraparound rooftop terrace provides second heated terrace close by can host open- panoramic views over the Northern Quarter and air events for up to 50 people. nearby Ancoats neighbourhood. From its heritage as an industrial powerhouse “The most important thing for me is a to its musical and artistic pedigree, Manchester hotel that makes you feel special,” McCulloch has frequently led the way up north, and the continues. “It’s the finer details that make all launch of Dakota’s fifth property only goes to the difference; the simple things done brilliantly. strengthen that. As the new flagship, the hotel Amanda understands that and is aware of what has paved the way for further openings, with needs to be created. There is longevity to her destinations such as London, Birmingham and design, and it truly has a character of its own.” Cardiff all under consideration. At the heart of the F&B programme, the For McCulloch however, the focus for now 104-cover Dakota Grill serves a classically- is building on what has already been created: inspired menu rich with seasonal ingredients, “As I’ve always said, we should try to make while a private dining space can also our hotels a little bit better every day, which host exclusive parties for 20 guests. The doesn’t sound much, but multiply that by 365, neighbourhood brasserie, with waterside vistas that’s quite a lot! There’s no place like home, of Piccadilly Basin, plates up signature dishes but we’re working on it.” like grass-fed, 35-day-aged steak cooked over hot coals, as well as seafood dishes ranging EXPRESS CHECKOUT from classic poached haddock to a flavoursome Owner: Evans Property Group monkfish curry. Operator: Dakota Hotels KPP Architects For those after something a little stronger, a Architecture: Interior Design: Amanda Rosa Interiors chic cocktail lounge offers an impressive drinks Main Contractor: GMI Construction list combining classics with bespoke in-house www.dakotahotels.co.uk

095 Mercure Brighton Seafront Hotel. Designer: Helen Hooper Interiors. chelsom.co.uk

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