The brand was founded by Ken McCulloch and is owned by Evans Property Group.

The press have reported celebrities as staying at Dakota Hotels including Hugh Jackman,[3] Arnold Schwarzenegger, Katy Perry, Liam Gallagher, Stereophonics, The Stone Roses,[4] Glenn Close,[5] Melanie Brown,[6] Noel Gallagher, Christian Slater,[7] Gary Lineker,[8] and Andy Murray.

Dakota Eurocentral was opened in 2006[9] as a new build in Motherwell, off the M8 motorway in Lanarkshire, followed subsequently by another new build in South Queensferry close to Edinburgh Airport by the Queensferry Crossing in 2007.

[14] Dakota was created by Glasgow born hotelier Ken McCulloch.

[1] Dakota Hotels has established links with Queen Margaret University and Fife College to provide internships to hospitality students.