Having earned cult status via the hit 1980s soap drama of the same name, Dallas has long been an iconic destination. Known for its oil, cowboys and the very public assassination of President John F. Kennedy, it’s one of the most famous cities on earth. However, art and science are major draws here, with well-respected galleries and museums open to visitors. It’s also a pretty glitzy place, with plenty of high-end spots to explore. If you’re planning a trip to the Texan metropolis and want to do it in style, these are the best places to stay.
Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek
One of the most celebrated hotels in the city, this five-star establishment boasts architecture like a swish hacienda. Indeed this is a former mansion, as its name would suggest and dates back to the art deco era. Inside are custom made furnishings, marble floors, stained glass windows, and hand-carved fireplaces; sumptuous rooms come with the Rosewood chain’s own range of Natura Bissē bath products. There’s a fitness suite as well as the Mansion House Restaurant serving fine French-meets-American cuisine inside. While outside is a pool and the Terrace dining area.
Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas
Somewhat of an exclusive country club, this particular Four Seasons Resort is found a little away from the hub of activity. En route to Fort Worth, in a leafy suburb of Las Colinas, it places guests close to the lakeside and the locale’s fancy shops and eateries. But there are amenities galore onsite. Three pools (one with a pseudo beach, one that spans 25,000-square-feet), 12 tennis courts, a triple deck Sports Club, a kids club, an 18-hole golf course, two restaurants and a bar. 431 rooms are decorated in muted, earthy colours, with a classic, upscale style.
The Ritz Carlton Dallas
If you’re seeking a luxury base in the city centre, look no further than the Ritz. Spread over 21 storeys, the 14-year-old property close to the uptown, has over 200 bedrooms. Afternoon tea is a longstanding tradition at the international chain and in Dallas, it’s served in the lobby lounge. Guests can take the healing waters of the enormous spa, and book a treatment in one of its 12 therapy rooms, swim in the elevated outdoor pool, and dine in the superb Fearing’s Restaurant – one of the top culinary establishments in town. And pets are welcome to stay too.
W Dallas – Victory
The modern W brand attracts the young and trendy, and in Dallas, the hotel has taken on a ‘Cowboy Cool’ vibe. Located in the downtown area across from the American Airlines Center and next to Victory Park, it has a 24/7 FIT gym, the AWAY Spa, the rooftop WET® deck infinity pool area and a Living Room Bar. In recent weeks, it’s also added, Villa Azur, a chic and glamorous French Riviera-inspired restaurant. Each room comes with a 32-inch flat-screen TV, a minibar, a snack box and round the clock room service, with most offering city views. Like the Ritz-Carlton, this is a pet-friendly property.
Fairmont Dallas
At the heart of the Arts District, the Fairmont is a cosmopolitan 545 bedroom hotel. Inside is a Starbucks coffee shop and the Pyramid Restaurant. Many ingredients used in the latter, come from the hotel’s incredible rooftop garden. Here fresh herbs, spices, fruits and vegetables are grown and harvested onsite, ensuring a roof to table dining ethos! It’s the longest-running AAA / Four Diamond restaurant in the city, with a sophisticated and glamorous ambience. Also found on the rooftop, is a junior olympic sized pool surrounded by comfy lounge chairs, a kids’ pool, and a bar serving lighter meals.
Hotel Crescent Court
A real highlight of the Hotel Crescent Court is one of the the famed Nobu restaurants – a brand that’s pioneered the most innovative Japanese cuisine in the west. Along with Nobu’s signature dishes, you’ll find Texan influenced plates, like Scallops with Jalapeño Salsa and Ranchero Rib Eye Steak. There’s also The Conservatory for daytime dining, a cafe serving Starbucks branded coffee and The Crescent Club, an exclusive private dining venue open solely to residents. This 35 year old establishment in uptown Dallas also has over 200 bedrooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and Molton Brown toiletries, a pool and a 22,000 square foot wellness centre.