For the romantic
HOTEL ST. GERMAINE
Vibe: European elegance
Who stays: Royalty and people celebrating milestones
Indulgences: Proprietor Claire Heymann will do just about anything for her guests—from helping a nervous young man propose to his girlfriend in Spanish to tracking down Quercus-branded bath products, which she fell in love with while staying at Hôtel Le Meurice in Paris. For the ultimate in luxury, rent out the entire hotel.
What to do around the hotel: Although it will be hard to pull yourself out of the canopy-covered beds made up with Frette 400-threadcount linens, do it anyway. Within a half mile, you have options aplenty for exploring Uptown’s art galleries. There’s the Afterimage Gallery (2800 Routh St., Ste. 141, 214-871-9140), David Dike Fine Art (2613 Fairmount St., 214-720-4044), and Wisby-Smith Fine Art (500 Crescent Ct., 214-397-0808). Afterward, catch a show at Theatre 3 (2800 Routh St., 214-871-3300). Then get back under those covers.
Best room: Suite No. 6, which Town & Country named “The
Most Romantic Hotel Suite.”
Price range: $290 to $650
Dining options: For the ultimate French dining experience, stay in. Chef Chad Martin, who serves Martha Stewart’s favorite macaroons, offers a prix-fixe dinner for $85. Although the food is elegant, what it’s served on—19th-century crystal and flatware—takes it to the next level.
History of the hotel: In 1906, John Patrick Murphy built the house for his daughter (who married into the Locke family) as a wedding present. This started a family home that the Lockes lived in until 1977. The house morphed into various things—a computer school, a haunted-house-themed bar—before Claire Heymann bought it in 1991. Heymann brought in antiques from Paris (where her grandmother owned an antiques store) and New Orleans (where her mother owned an antiques store).
Did you know? One of just a few American hotels listed on the hotel-industry’s prestigious Relais & Chateaux list, Hotel St. Germain attracts royalty and stars alike, including Prince Albert of Monaco, Oscar de la Renta, Jeff Bridges, and Martha Stewart.
For the nostalgic
LE MÉRIDIEN DALLAS, THE STONELEIGH
Vibe: The Grand Dame
Who stays: Historians, or those who’d like to be historians
Indulgences: Spend some time at the spa, dine in the 11th floor “Tiffany blue room,” or just go back to your room and enjoy Hermès bathroom amenities.
What to do around the hotel: Surrounded by 35- to 70-year-old oak trees, The Stoneleigh is the ultimate retreat in the middle of the city. Walk to historic Reverchon Park and meander onto the Katy Trail.
Best room: The 1,508-square-foot penthouse with an outdoor terrace overlooking the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge
Price range: $239 to $1,500
Dining options: Spend some time at T/X, the on-site restaurant. Or dine in your room. There’s really nothing better than enjoying a burger in a robe.
History of the hotel: In 1934, Texas entrepreneur Colonel Stuart purchased Stoneleigh Court. A lavish entertainer, he hired Dorothy Draper out of New York to redo the hotel and add a penthouse, which became his residence. When the hotel remodeled in 2008, it hired Draper’s protégé, Carleton Varney.
Did you know? Although most hotels can boast about the guests who have spent a night or two, The Stoneleigh has housed some as residents for years—Elvis Presley (suite 710), Judy Garland (suite 410), and playwright Margo Jones (suite 610), just to name a few.
For the golf fanatic
FOUR SEASONS RESORT AND CLUB DALLAS AT LAS COLINAS
Vibe: A world away
Who stays: Locals looking to get away
Indulgences: Enjoy the Bvlgari bath products; Egyptian cotton, 300-threadcount sheets (which feel like butter); and lavender-scented, cooled towels handed to you after a round of golf
What to do around the hotel: Don’t leave. Spend time at the spa, play a few rounds of golf, eat, and drink. You’ll need the whole weekend to explore all that Four Seasons has to offer.
Best room: Byron Nelson Suite or the Payne Stewart Suite, both of which have memorabilia from the famous golfers and incredible views of the course
Price range: $280 to $4,200
Dining options: Head down to the Cafe on the Green (at one point it was actually on the green). Pay attention to the herbs on top of your dishes. They come from the little herb garden right outside, which the chef uses daily.
History of the hotel: The sports club was built first in 1983 in anticipation of hosting the Byron Nelson Championship. Three years later, the rest of the resort was added. This was the first Four Seasons to add a spa to its property.
Did you know? The Four Seasons’ golf course is world-renowned. It was named among the Top 100 American Golf Resorts by Golf Magazine, Top 25 Resort Pro Shops in the U.S. by Golf Business Magazine, and one of its instructors, Tim Cusick, was named a Top 25 Instructor in Texas by Golf Digest. But one of the most impressive parts of the grounds is the Hall of Champions, which showcases Byron Nelson’s memorabilia, including the medals from his 11 consecutive PGA tour championships.
Stylist: Stephanie Quadri
Hair and Makeup: Al Tidwell, Lisa Williams
Stylist Assistant: Elizabeth Farrell
Photo Assistant: Michael Clouser
