If you travel for work, you know that logistics can make or break your trip. The difference between a productive day and a chaotic one often comes down to where you stay, where you meet, and even where you grab that first coffee before your meeting.
For nearly two decades, our team at Dakota has been on the road, meeting allocators, hosting dinners, attending conferences, and building relationships across the U.S. and beyond. Along the way, we discovered that one thing consistently sets great business trips apart: the right environment.
That’s why we built Dakota Recommends: a travel toolkit created by fundraisers, for fundraisers, designed to make business travel easier, smarter, and more efficient.
To explore more with Dakota Recommends, book a demo here.
Below are the ten reasons why Dakota Recommends has become the go-to resource for professionals who want to make every trip count.
1. Over 950 Curated Spots (and Counting)
From power breakfasts in New York to investor dinners in London, Dakota Recommends now features more than 950 handpicked restaurants, hotels, coffee shops, and event spaces across 25 U.S. cities plus London, Paris, and beyond — all curated by the Dakota team.
2. Built for Business, Not Tourism
Unlike traditional travel guides, Dakota Recommends is designed for investment professionals, dealmakers, and executives who need reliable, impressive venues for meetings — not tourist traps.
3. The Dakota Standard of Curation
Every recommendation is vetted by the same team behind Dakota Marketplace, trusted by thousands of investment firms. Expect clean, classy, and convenient options — no random crowdsourcing, ever.
4. Seamless City Navigation
Each city guide organizes spots by purpose — whether you need a quiet coffee meeting, a dinner with clients, or a post-conference cocktail — so you can plan your day in minutes.
5. Across the Street From Opportunity
Our lists don’t just highlight great venues; they’re mapped to where business happens — near financial districts, conference centers, and the offices of key allocators and investment firms.
6. Perfect for Team Travel and Events
From offsites to LP meetings, Dakota Recommends helps teams book smarter, not harder, with vetted options that make everyone look good.
7. A Living, Breathing Guide
We’re adding new recommendations weekly, capturing emerging hotspots and under-the-radar gems in every major city.
8. Curated by People Who Actually Travel
Our team spends the year on the road meeting with investors and sponsors. Every Dakota Recommends pick reflects real-world business travel experience.
9. Expanding Globally
London and Paris are just the beginning. New guides are on the way for Frankfurt, Singapore, Toronto, and Hong Kong, helping you stay connected wherever deals happen.
10. Trusted by the Dakota Community
When you use Dakota Recommends, you’re part of a community that values taste, efficiency, and authenticity — the same principles that power Dakota Marketplace.
Why Use Dakota Recommends
In today’s world, business travel is more than logistics, it’s about connection. Where you meet matters. The right coffee shop can spark a partnership; the right dinner spot can close a deal.
Dakota Recommends takes the guesswork out of planning your trip. It’s not built for tourists. it’s built for professionals who travel to build relationships, raise capital, and create meaningful results.
- Save time – Skip the search. Every venue is pre-vetted by a team that’s been doing business travel for nearly 20 years.
- Travel smarter – Get quick access to quality hotels, restaurants, and event spaces close to where business actually happens.
- Deliver better meetings – Impress clients and colleagues with curated, high-quality venues that match your professionalism.
Next time you’re planning a trip for meetings or conferences, explore Dakota Recommends inside Dakota Marketplace. You’ll find our favorite hotels, coffee shops, and event venues. The same ones that have helped us deliver great meetings for nearly two decades.
To explore more with Dakota Recommends, book a demo here.
