Boutique Hotels in Dallas

The Joule

Sitting amid downtown, The Joule is one of the best hotels in Dallas. This 5-star luxury hotel is situated directly on Main Street in a 1920 remodeled building, and oozes luxury from the start. Showcasing an original collection of artwork from the likes of Andy Warhol, Tony Cragg and Richard Phillips and located next door to the original Neiman Marcus flagship store there is no better place to take in downtown Dallas' elegance than The Joule. An engineering feat within itself, The Joule offers the best view from the edge of its overhang pool above Dallas' Main Street, providing a one-of-a-kind view to the surrounding metropolis and a photo opportunity. The award winning spa is one of Dallas' best offering variations on Asian focused techniques and a mixed use central pool with waterfalls encased in gold for the ultimate luxe retreat. The onsite restaurants are electric, with CBD offering a full boars head carnitas for order that brings even the biggest foodies to their knees, while the modern Italian restaurant, Sassetta has a mix of curated cocktails and the best fried olives this side of Rome. The rooms are nicely appointed with varying views of downtown and luxe amenities including a locally showcased minibar, soft luxe linens and a marble-enclosed bathroom. Rooms range from singles to single suites, to the lavish multi story penthouse. Across the street you'll find one of Dallas' modern art installations 'The Eye'- so named and aptly put on the lot by a developer who was told it was an eyesore. Cocktails are always sweeter with a view, so the rightly appointed pool deck makes the most of the landscape.

The Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek

If ever there was a hidden luxury oasis in Dallas- The Rosewood Mansion on the banks of Turtle Creek would be it. A wonderfully restored mansion nestled among live oaks in one of Dallas' most exclusive neighborhoods. The Mansion, as it's called, revives a time of elegance and sophistication to the city's surroundings. The terracotta stucco exterior lays way for elegance and unsurpassed service that is facilitated by the Rosewood. It's 1920s pristine pool is perfect for cooling down in the Texas heat. The Mansion bar and restaurant are local haunts for celebrities and the well-heeled Highland Park personas. Even better is the notoriously outstanding tortilla soup from the Mansion restaurant, a city favorite for decades. Guests can enjoy all the Rosewood amenities and luxe offerings from superior linens and bedding, high end bath products and an onsite concierge ready to make your lone star travel dreams a reality.

Hotel Zaza

Located in the heart of Dallas' Uptown district, Hotel Zaza has been the standard for all boutique hotels in Dallas for the past decade. Still reigning supreme, Hotel Zaza fulfills travelers' delights with a whimsical and historic modern approach. While Dallas and Uptown's McKinney Avenue have grown over the years, Hotel Zaza keeps a secluded vibe in the middle of the vibrant surroundings. Featuring a Gatsby-themed pool area surrounded by the coveted onsite restaurant, Zaza plays host to vacationers and staycationers alike. The eccentric décor, ornate furniture and art pieces sprinkled through the hallways and rooms Zazas eclectic nature nurtures those in the city to a far away respite. Guests are pampered with onsite amenities including a luxe minibar, supple bedding and access to Zaza VIP transportation in the logoed Escalades. Outside the secluded getaway lies McKinney Avenue, known for the hottest eateries and night spots in this upscale area. No request is too much for the 24/7 concierge always going out of the way for sought after guest request- including Dallas Cowboy tickets on a recent visit. Zaza is a wonderland in the middle of an ever-growing Uptown, but sure to be one of our favorite boutique hotels.

Virgin Hotel

Ultra-stylish, ultra-cool, ultra-new, ultra-Texan. One of the newest ventures from the Virgin brand is Virgin Hotels Dallas. It has quickly become one of the most sought after and best hotels in the area, thanks to upscale amenities and onsite entertainment in the blooming design district of Dallas. Every suite is equipped with a luxury rain shower head, a more than posh bath vanity, and two closet spaces for guests. Guests can also enjoy Mr. Branson's newest amenities of full sliding glass doors, included wi-fi and a mini SMEG fridge stocked with goodies (that are reasonably priced). The pool deck is where action seems to be focused and offers landscape views of the Dallas area but most importantly offers beautiful cabanas and the swankiest pool bar this side of the Atlantic. Known for a good time, the occasional drag show brunch opens up for both guests and paying patrons. The Design District is one of Dallas' newest enclaves and with the Virgin opening it up, this one is likely to be a must stay.

Hotel Swexan

This hotel is new, modern and in a word it's sexy or maybe Swexy as is the embodiment of Swiss architecture and Texan rough-around-the edges sophistication. This boutique hotel offers a euro sexy swag with amenities to the sky. Hotel Swexan is where you want to be in every new Instagram post this year. Part of the Harwood District, the 22 story tower by architect Kengo Kuma, Hotel Swexan is primed for a luxe lifestyle. With an onsite concierge service available 24/7 and access to the Harwood restaurants VIP, Swexan is making a name for itself. The pool deck offers some of my favorite views of the Dallas landscape. Brand new room accommodations offer  Swiss Euro Sophiticate style mixed with luxe comfort unsurpassed in the area. Swexan is new, notable and worthy of one of the top boutique hotel stays in Dallas.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Texas. In need of further inspiration? Check out Christina Trotter's guide, A Perfect Weekend in Dallas as Curated by a Local.