I recently visited Dallas for the first time and fell in love with the city. I had been to Texas many times previously, as my mom is from Houston and we still have family both there and in Austin. Dallas had been on my mind, and sparked my curiosity in the last year, probably in part due to the fact that many Californians have recently picked up and moved to Dallas for a variety of reasons. I did a fair amount of research prior to my trip, and kept stumbling across one hotel in particular that really stood out to me when reading up on it. This hotel, called The Joule, had a storied past and rave reviews, so I felt I had no choice but to stay there for my first time in Dallas!
I recently visited Dallas for the first time and fell in love with the city. I had been to Texas many times previously, as my mom is from Houston and we still have family both there and in Austin. Dallas had been on my mind, and sparked my curiosity in the last year, probably in part due to the fact that many Californians have recently picked up and moved to Dallas for a variety of reasons. I did a fair amount of research prior to my trip, and kept stumbling across one hotel in particular that really stood out to me when reading up on it. This hotel, called The Joule, had a storied past and rave reviews, so I felt I had no choice but to stay there for my first time in Dallas!
The Joule is located in the heart of downtown Dallas — an area that has been recently reinvigorated with energy and subsequent popularity. The hotel is adjacent to the flagship Neiman Marcus (next door being Traffic and across Forty Five Ten, which The Joule owns) and within walking distance of the Dallas Arts District and Central Business District. Nearby is the American Airlines Arena, Majestic Theatre, and Reunion Tower. The Joule Hotel is fittingly named for the international unit of energy and occupies a revitalized 1920’s Neo-Gothic landmark building, which was was originally the Dallas National Bank Building constructed in 1927. The Joule opened in 2008, and underwent a recent renovation in 2014, which seamlessly connected multiple historic buildings, the existing hotel and new structures to encompass nearly an entire city block. The hotel, from the outside in, is a visual masterpiece from award-winning designer Adam D. Tihany (who is also credited for leading the restoration of The Beverly Hills Hotel.) The Joule perfectly marries old world charm and contemporary design, radiating vibrant energy that immediately draws you in.
The Joule houses an enviable and eclectic collection of original artwork from the likes of Andy Warhol, Tony Cragg, Adam Fuss and Richard Phillips. Every corner, ceiling, and wall is adorned with art you cannot help but awe at from the moment you step foot into the hotel lobby, which features a giant steel wheel as the centerpiece and intricate mosaic tiling on the walls which had been preserved and restored from decades prior.
The Joule staff is highly-trained and personable, catering to the guest’s needs in true southern hospitality. The service is impeccably personal and high-touch, yet friendly, welcoming and thoughtful. For example, a stand out memory being the minute I arrived from DFW Airport and stepped out of the car, I was greeted with four smiling faces who knew my name, took my bags, and instantly handed me a glass of Prosecco to welcome me in.
The hotel boasts many other selling points and attractions, which almost makes it a destination in of itself. From the seventh-floor rooftop pool, which is cantilevered so that part of it hangs over Main Street with an epic view of the cityscape, a Taschen library of art books, to the 11,000-square-foot subterranean spa, which is an escape from the bustling downtown featuring European geothermal heat experiences, a relaxation pool, in addition to a full menu of treatments and facilities including a sauna, steam room, and spa boutique.
The Joule’s 160 guest rooms are thoughtfully designed with black wood floors, custom Italian woodwork, ivory calfskin leather headboards, original Bram Tihany black-and-white photography, down pillows and comforters, 300-thread-count sheets, and curated mini bars.
The Joule also has four penthouses, one which I had the pleasure of staying in during my time there. Each penthouse, ranging from 1,350 to 2,500 square feet, features a distinct layout and design. From a pool table in one to a glass staircase in another, each penthouse feels like a place to call home.
The Joule will never let you go hungry, with its unique food and beverage offerings. The hotel houses four different destinations to eat and drink — CBD Provisions, a modern Texas brasserie, Midnight Rambler, an underground craft cocktail salon, The Lobby Bar, an intimate bar with art installations, Weekend Coffee, a craft coffee shop, and Mirador, located just across Main Street on the fourth floor of the luxury boutique Forty Five Ten.
Between it’s beauty, service, amenities, and hospitality, The Joule certainly stands out not only in Dallas, but in the country as one of the best boutique hotels that has opened in the last 15 years. If you plan to Visit Dallas, or live in Dallas and are in need of a staycation, I highly recommend experiencing The Joule!