The Suite Life Hotel Focus: Texas

In our endless mission to spread the word of luxury hotels that we believe are truly worthy of your attention, we’re starting a new feature on The Suite Life. Over the course of the next few months, we’re going to share some of the insight that we have gained by hand-picking only the best of the best hotels in various cities, states, and countries.

So the very first one: Texas

Some geographic information to start (thanks Wikipedia):

“With an area of 261,797 square miles (678,051 km²) and a population of 23.5 million in 254 counties, the state is second-largest in both area, behind Alaska, and population, behind California. About half the state’s population resides in either the Dallas–Fort Worth or Houston metropolitan areas.”

Perfect Escapes has included 45 hotels in Texas in our list of the Top 800 luxury hotels in the United States. Of those 45, here are the most popular among Perfect Escapes’ visitors:

Hotel Contessa, San Antonio

The Hotel Contessa is among San Antonio’s newest premier riverwalk hotels. This contemporary 12-story all-suite luxury hotel captures both the historic and cultural essence of San Antonio with its warmth created by its Mediterranean design as well as the overall comfortable elegance it provides.

Gaylord Texan Resort, Grapevine

Surrounded by rolling pastureland and overlooking Lake Grapevine, the Gaylord Texan pays tribute to everything Texas as only Texas can: on a grand scale. Guests of the resort stroll around the festive atmosphere of Riverwalk Atrium, marvel at Palo Duro Canyon in the Lone Star Atrium, or taste the Contemporary Southwestern creations of award-winning Texas chef Stephan Pyles at Ama Lur in the Hill Country Atrium.

Mansion on Turtle Creek, Dallas

Once the palatial home of a Texas cotton magnate, The Mansion on Turtle Creek, A Rosewood Hotel has received such honors as the top U.S. hotel by Zagat and the top hotel for service in the world and top U.S. hotel restaurant by Travel + Leisure. In addition, The Mansion has been rated Mobil Five-Star since 1991 and AAA Five-Diamond since 1992. Situated in Dallas’ most fashionable neighborhood, The Mansion retains the intimate ambience of a private residence while providing the highest levels of quality and service.

Hotel ICON, Houston

Named one of the Top 100 New Hotels in the World by Conde Nast Traveler, Hotel ICON is a luxurious downtown Houston hotel located at the heart of the city’s legal and business districts. Designed by renowned San Francisco design firm Candra Scott & Anderson, this $35 million historic reinvention of the landmark Union National Bank building, built in 1911, features 12 stories of custom-designed period furnishings, opulent décor and original artwork.

Watermark Hotel and Spa, San Antonio

Nestled along the city’s legendary Riverwalk, a testament to days gone by rises gracefully to meet the expansive Texas sky. Within the gracious interior of the historically significant 19th-century L. Frank Saddlery building, the Watermark exudes old world charm, Texas ranch hospitality, and 21st-century sophistication to delightful effect.

Hotel Palomar, Dallas

As guests arrive, the style of this Dallas boutique hotel is readily apparent. Passing through the entry, guests gaze upward, taking in the 26-foot windows encasing the first floor. Hotel Palomar’s open and airy lobby living room evokes the mood of a classic Texan landscape, boasting two-story ceilings, large wood floor panels underfoot and the grand fireplace, a Kimpton signature, as the room’s focal point. Complementing this expansiveness is the sense of Dallas’ urban environment – the rich, earth-toned color scheme and sophistication of modern architecture, strong lines in the furniture, repeating geometric forms, and luxurious finishes and fabrics throughout.

Have a favorite hotel in Texas and don’t see it here? Let us know about it!

Time at the W Hotel in the Big D

So many letters being thrown about in Texas but the W Dallas Victory is worth more than just one – too bad the brand name is so strong. Maybe that’s why they added the Victory to the end of it (I know, I know, it’s just the name of the street). What I love about Dallas is that the last few times I’ve been there, I’ve seen more Bentleys, Ferraris, and Porsches per square foot of a parking lot than anywhere else except some of the haunts in Los Angeles.

Adding to the growing downtown Dallas hotel scene (Hotel Zaza, Hotel Palomar), the W Dallas Victory brings some stellar refinement next door to the American Airlines Center. The pool on the 16th floor actually provides you a view of the AA Center, where they play clips from the games inside on the large screens outside. There is something fun about infinity pools that are outside and high up – can’t quite pinpoint what it is. They are less fun when the main view is of the train tracks and a construction crane, and when the list of rules of what can and can not be done in the pool take more than a short glance to understand. (No blowing of nose? Must wear rubber pants over diapers? What kind of party hotel is this?) But a quick turnaround from the pool and the view over downtown Dallas is stunning, especially at night.

What did I like about the W:

1) The rain showerhead in the bathroom. I love those.
2) The changing colors and decor of the The Living Room Bar on the lobby floor, and the ultra-swank Ghost Bar on the 33rd floor.
3) Bliss Spa shower and bath products in the room.
4) Love the design of the hotel and the artwork, including the hanging mini-cow curtain above the stairs in the lobby. (If you can describe it better, let me know).

What I could have done without (or less of):

1) I’m not sure how I feel about the open floor plan of modern hotels these days where there is no barrier between the bathroom and the bedroom. Didn’t really matter since I was alone (although I did bang my head on the glass wall between the shower and the sink).
2) Pay for Internet Access – just make it free already. Especially since a wireless card worked anyway.
3) Running into OJ Simpson in the bar. That was weird. Much less fun than other Dallas run-ins, such as Jessica Simpson at Hotel Zaza a few years ago, or running into Tony Parker and Eva Longoria at a spa last year.
4) Upbeat dance music is fun at night, but not so fun at 8am in the morning in the elevator.

Related articles:

Hotel Zaza Uptown in Dallas
Ever Choose A Hotel Based on a Bathroom?

Top 10 Most Romantic U.S. Luxury Hotels on Perfect Escapes

Top 10 Most Romantic U.S. Luxury Hotels on Perfect Escapes

We can’t believe that January is almost over and that means that Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. But beyond Valentine’s Day, in the world of luxury hotels, there are nice hotels and then there are spectacular hotels. Most luxury hotels will provide all the accoutrements to make your visit even more romantic, including champagne in your room, chocolate-covered strawberries, five-star restaurants, world-class spas, and a complete retreat for you and your special one.

We’ve compiled a list of the Top 10 Most Romantic U.S. Luxury Hotels on Perfect Escapes. In our research, we’ve gone all across the country including luxury hotels from the beautiful Calfornia Coast to Mid-town New York City to the rural calm of Wyoming to a beach oasis in Miami.

So here we go, in no particular order:

1. Bacara Resort and Spa – Santa Barbara, California

Like an intimate Mediterranean village, Bacara sprawls over 78 pristine beachfront acres nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains.

2. Shutters on the Beach – Los Angeles, California

Shutters on the Beach recalls both the traditional architecture of America’s historic beach resorts and inviting cottages of the Southern California coast during the 1920s and 1930s.

3. Four Seasons Waileia – Maui, Hawaii

Hawaii + Four Seasons. About says it all.

4. Mansion on Turtle Creek – Dallas, Texas

The only 5-star hotel in all of Texas, the Mansion on Turtle Creek continuously wins awards – Best U.S. Hotel by Zagat; Top Hotel Restaurant by Travel + Leisure; and is rated 5-star by Mobil and 5-diamond by AAA.

5. Soho Grand – New York, New York
The Soho Grand oozes urban hipster with fantastic views of Tribeca and the surrounding city. Perfect for being the middle of everything and then for getting away from it all as well.

6. The Equinox – Manchester Village, Vermont

For a true New England getaway, the Equinox is the epitome of old-world, East Coast charm and elegance. The classic architecture and the panoramic views over the golf course and nestled forests make it hard for guests to ever leave the grounds.

7. Post Ranch Inn – Big Sur, California

A luxury, 30-room architectural tribute comprised of Ocean, Coast, Mountain, Tree, and Butterfly Houses. The Post Ranch is not only one of the most luxurious and reclusive retreats in California but it is also environmentally sensitive keeps in complete harmony with its natural and tranquil setting.

8. Amangani – Jackson Hole, Wyoming

This 40-suite resort sits on a bluff 700 feet above sea level and overlooks the Grand Tetons and the stunning landscape of Wyoming, including Jackson Hole Ski Resort and the Elk Refuge.

9. Enchantment and Mii Amo Spa – Sedona, Arizona

Voted Best Spa in America by Travel +Leisure Readers, 2006, Mii Amo Spa combines modern design, a world-class spa, and the spiritual beauty of Sedona into an unforgettable experience of relaxation. Enchantment Resort has been architecturally designed to blend in with the surrounding red rocks of the desert that you may even lose yourself.

10. The Setai – Miami, Florida

When we first heard that the Dempsey was going to be rebuilt as a replicated art deco landmark with an Asian theme, we were a bit concerned. But the end result is stunning and an incredible addition to the Miami luxury hotel scene.

Agree? Disagree? Got other choices? Let us know.

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Hotel Zaza, Uptown in Dallas

A stay at Hotel Zaza is not just a stay at a nice, upscale hotel but it’s a bit of New York dropped in the middle of Texas. It’s not a shock to rub shoulders or have a cocktail in the outdoor pool bar area with the likes of Jessica Simpson, Liz Phair, a rock band in town on tour, or any visiting NBA player in town for a game just across the way against the Mavericks.

That’s not enough? How about a parking lot filled with Bentleys, Ferraris, and Porsches? How about a restaurant with over 150 bottles of wine in its arsenal, and if you have the goods, a roped off VIP section of the pool bar just for you and your friends. How about a Bloody Mary menu, with 6 different kinds? Still not enough to convince you? They will bring you a gourmet hamburger to your chaise lounge next to the pool at 1am – talk about keeping the party going. Need more? How about the $30k Millionaire Martini – only $200 a pop with Louis XIII (that’s Remy Cognac) and Grand Marnier 150. Ouch.

Even if the party scene is not your style, Hotel Zaza’s rooms, restaurant, and spa cater to everything you need. Even the hallways have that hushed air of elegance and suaveness that a confident hotel has when it knows it has style.

Tip: If you like your quiet on the weekends, ask for a room not overlooking the pool.

Tip #2: Do not swim (or fall) into the pool fully clothed. The nice hotel security will personally give you a tour of the parking lot, very quickly.

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