Dakota Hotels has announced the appointment of Mark Spanton as the General Manager of its Newcastle property, set to open in Spring 2025.

Mark Spanton has been a key member of the Dakota team since 2020, initially joining as Deputy General Manager at the boutique hotel group’s Manchester location. He was later promoted to General Manager of the Leeds property in 2022.

Under his leadership, Dakota Leeds has earned numerous industry accolades, including awards for Best Restaurant and Best Chef at the Oliver Awards, as well as the distinguished Michelin Plate.

Before joining Dakota, Spanton held senior roles at Principal Hotel in York, Radisson Blu in Liverpool, and Mottram Hall in Cheshire. With nearly two decades of experience in the hospitality industry, he also serves on the committee for the Institute of Hospitality North and is the Vice Chair of the Leeds Hotels and Venues Association.

In November 2024, Mark received the esteemed Master Innholders scholarship, an award granted by The Worshipful Company of Innholders, the Lord Forte Foundation, the Master Innholders Charitable Trust, and the Savoy Educational Trust.

This prestigious scholarship enables Spanton to participate in the General Managers Program at Cornell University, a course highly regarded in the industry for its outstanding instruction and distinguished alumni of top hoteliers.

Spanton said: “It’s an honour to lead the opening of Dakota Newcastle – I’m delighted to bring our synonymous old-school hospitality to such a vibrant and bustling city. Newcastle is renowned for its warm and welcoming atmosphere, just like Dakota!”

“It’s a privilege to be awarded the Master Innholders Scholarship, and the learnings from Cornell’s General Managers Programme will prove invaluable for this opening.”

He added: “I look forward to connecting with our peers and neighbours in the industry ahead of our opening, and building a superb internal team passionate about guest experience.

The newest addition to the Dakota Hotels group, Dakota Newcastle, will bring waterfront luxury to the city with some of the largest hotel rooms and suites available. Located on St. Ann’s Wharf and overlooking the riverside promenade, this sophisticated hotel will feature 118 elegantly designed bedrooms, a destination Bar & Grill, an al fresco terrace, and chic spaces for meetings and events.

The Newcastle hotel is expected to create over 120 jobs for the local community, contributing to the city’s ongoing regeneration efforts. Set to open in Spring 2025, Newcastle will become the sixth hotel in the Dakota portfolio—and the third in England.