Boutique hotel group Dakota Hotels has been named one of the ‘Best Places to Work’ in The Sunday Times workplace survey.
The annual survey spotlights businesses that have ‘unfailingly high levels of employee satisfaction and wellbeing’.
Dakota Hotels was recognised within the Top 10 ‘Big’ organisations category for 2024; additionally, the group won the ‘Best Places to Work for LGBTQIA+ Employees’ accolade.
To feature in the list, workplaces are ranked on criteria such as employee satisfaction, workplace culture, benefits, opportunities for growth, and overall employee experience.
Dakota Hotels said that it prioritises ‘fostering a culture of respect, appreciation, and support’ amongst its team.
The company’s head of engagement, learning and development, Katie Forrest, said: “Dakota Hotels is more than just a place of employment; it’s a family, a community, and a home away from home for our guests and team members alike.
“We are deeply honoured to be listed as a Best Place to Work. We firmly believe that our unwavering commitment to our employees sets us apart as a truly exceptional organisation in the hospitality industry.”
In its listing, The Sunday Times wrote of Dakota: “This boutique hotel group offers top-quality service to customers and top-quality career prospects to its 585 staff.
“Many of the team have been with Dakota since it was established in 2005, with a number of the senior team working their way up through the ranks.”
Of the LGBTQIA+ award, it added: “One of the values at this Manchester-based hotel chain is to ‘be your best self’. The firm scores 93% engagement among its 54 LGBTQIA+ survey respondents.”
With five properties across England and Scotland – Manchester, Leeds, Glasgow, Motherwell and Edinburgh – the Dakota Hotels group is expanding in Spring 2025, opening its first North East hotel on Newcastle’s Quayside.
