Dakota Newcastle & Khai Khai: A Perfect Sunday Escape

From the moment we arrived, Dakota delivered the polished and welcoming experience we’ve come to expect. The hotel’s sophisticated design creates an immediate sense of luxury, with stylish interiors, elegant furnishings and a calm atmosphere throughout.

Our room was exceptionally comfortable, providing the perfect place to unwind after an afternoon exploring Newcastle. As always, the staff were attentive, professional and genuinely courteous, helping to make the stay feel effortless from start to finish.

One of the things we appreciate most about Dakota is its consistency. Whether it’s the warm welcome, attention to detail or overall comfort, the experience always feels premium without being pretentious.

With the weather firmly on our side, we made the most of the sunshine with drinks at Quayside Garden on Newcastle’s famous waterfront.

The atmosphere was fantastic. The outdoor setting offered wonderful views of the River Tyne, while a live DJ provided a great soundtrack to a busy afternoon. It was one of those places where it’s easy to lose track of time while enjoying the music and soaking up the lively atmosphere.

The only slight downside was the price of the drinks, which were noticeably expensive. This was frustrating given the prices were quite literally double what they were on our recent trip to Puglia, Italy. That said, the combination of sunshine, music and location still made it a very enjoyable experience.

Over the years, Khai Khai has become our favourite restaurant for celebrating special occasions, and this visit once again reminded us why we keep returning. Located just a short distance from Dakota Newcastle, it was the perfect choice for an evening of exceptional food in stylish surroundings.

With so many great options on the menu, we started with the traditional poppadoms and pickles, followed by a Mango and Coconut Salad to share. Light, fresh and beautifully balanced, it was the perfect start to the meal.

For our main courses, we chose the Old Delhi Butter Chicken and the Kashmiri Lamb Roganjosh, accompanied by Butter Naan and Saffron Pulao Rice. Every dish was beautifully presented and packed with flavour, showcasing the creativity and attention to detail that Khai Khai is known for. The butter chicken was rich, comforting and perfectly spiced, while the saffron rice and naan complemented the dishes wonderfully.

The standout dish of the evening, however, was undoubtedly the Kashmiri Lamb Roganjosh. The lamb was incredibly tender, melting effortlessly with each bite and bursting with flavour. It was one of the finest lamb dishes we’ve enjoyed in a long time and a dish we’d happily return for on its own.

As always, the service was exceptional. The staff were welcoming, attentive and highly professional throughout the evening, helping to create a dining experience that felt every bit as special as the occasion itself.

Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, a special occasion or simply looking for one of the best dining experiences Newcastle has to offer, we couldn’t recommend Khai Khai highly enough. It remains one of our favourite restaurants anywhere in the UK and continues to set the standard every time we visit.

Even after a hugely satisfying meal at Khai Khai the night before, one of the highlights of the Sunday Night Sleepover package was breakfast in the Dakota Grill.

The selection was excellent, with a wide variety of hot and cold options, fresh pastries, fruit and everything else you could want to start the day properly. The quality matched the rest of the stay, and it was clear that a lot of thought had gone into both the ingredients and presentation.

Combined with the luxury of a late checkout, it allowed us to enjoy a slow and relaxed Monday morning before heading home.

Our stay at Dakota Newcastle was exactly what we were looking for: a sophisticated, comfortable and thoroughly relaxing city break. The stylish accommodation, excellent breakfast and outstanding service made the Sunday Night Sleepover package excellent value, while Newcastle itself provided the perfect backdrop for a memorable overnight stay.

What made this short break particularly enjoyable was how effortlessly everything fitted together. The combination of a luxury overnight stay at Dakota Newcastle, an outstanding meal at Khai Khai and drinks overlooking the Quayside created the perfect itinerary for a date night, or special occasion. It offered just the right balance of relaxation, great food and a touch of indulgence, all without having to travel far. Whether you’re celebrating something special or simply looking for an excuse to treat yourselves, it’s a combination we’d wholeheartedly recommend.

If you’re looking for a luxury overnight escape in Newcastle, we’d have no hesitation in recommending Dakota Newcastle. We’re already looking forward to our next visit.