Dallas, the third most populated city in the State, is a tremendous travel destination. As a diverse and bustling city, it easily draws visitors to its cultural attractions and parks. Not to mention, it’s home to countless neighborhoods and districts, each with its own distinct vibe. But if you consider yourself a history buff, you should look for hotels with old-world grandeur! Thankfully, the historic hotels Dallas, TX, offers are nothing short of impressive. That’s also the reason why we’re here to help you pick the best Dallas historic hotel. Since there are plenty of options to choose from, you might have trouble picking the right one. Today, we’re going to show you some of the city’s most historic hotels that’ll take you back in time!
Table of contents
- Fairmont Dallas
- Warwick Melrose Hotel
- Hotel Indigo Dallas Downtown
- Hyatt Regency Dallas
- Hotel Crescent Court
- Hotel Magnolia Hotel Downtown Dallas
- The Joule
- Aloft Dallas Downtown
- Le Meridien Dallas, The Stoneleigh
- The Statler Dallas, Curio Collection By Hilton
- The Adolphus, Autograph Collection
- Recommended Bars/Restaurants in Dallas
- Recommended Things To Do in Dallas
Fairmont Dallas
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Though Fairmont Dallas isn’t over a century old, it still has plenty of history to tell. This historic Dallas hotel first opened in 1969, and the luxury hotel quickly became the go-to destination for those looking for lush accommodations. At that time, the hotel was a dramatic addition to the city skyline and was named one of Dallas’ finest hotels.
However, before it began to operate, this hotel experienced some troubles. The construction began in 1961 and was covered by the press and local critics. But when financial troubles halted the construction, the hotel sat vacant for three years. Thankfully, Fairmont Hotel Corporation Chairman Richard Swig entered the picture. He wanted to build the hotel as the most luxurious hotel in Dallas. The result? Individually-styled guestrooms, in-house bakery, countless modern kitchens, and more. Today, the hotel continues to prosper and remains one of the city’s greatest hotels.
Warwick Melrose Hotel
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The next Dallas historic hotel on this list is the Warwick Melrose Hotel. The building was first established in 1924 and was called the Warwick Dallas at that time. It was built atop farmland, which was deemed too valuable for agriculture after the 1900s with the city’s expansion. The hotel’s transformation has given itself the character and reputation it’s known for today.
Throughout the years, this historic hotel has attracted plenty of famous names, including Arthur Miller, Elizabeth Taylor, and many more. Following the hotel’s reopening, the 184-room Warwick Dallas was named a Premier Luxury Hotel. Then, in 2007, Warwick Hotels and Resorts purchased the hotel. Today, it continues to showcase its Texas heritage with a local flair.
Hotel Indigo Dallas Downtown
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Downtown Dallas is packed with historic hotels, and Hotel Indigo Dallas Downtown is one of them. Originally named Dallas Hilton, it was the first hotel to carry Conrad Hilton’s name. The hotel opened in the year 1925, and it maximized all available space for vending services. Inside, guests could find a men’s shop, barber shop, beauty shop, coffee shop, tailor, dining room, and many more, which showed the hotel’s emphasis on service.
Since it first began receiving guests, the hotel has been renovated many times. In 1985, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Then, in 2006 InterContinental Hotels Group converted the hotel into the hotel we all know today. With plenty of space and 169 cozy and modern guestrooms, it’s the perfect base for those who want to be in the downtown area.
Hyatt Regency Dallas
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First opened in 1978, the Hyatt Regency Dallas is another great addition to this list. This Dallas historic hotel is a 28-story hotel that’s set in the Reunion District. Throughout the years, the hotel has undergone several renovations. In 1998, this Dallas hotel added a 32,000-square-foot low-rise ballroom. Then, in 2008, a fine-dining restaurant and bar were added.
In 2012, it was renovated again. This time, the renovation was massive, which resulted in the newly redone guestrooms, bathrooms, and corridors. Fun fact: this hotel was featured in the opening credits of “Dallas” TV series for the show’s 13-year run, which was from 1978 to 1991! Pretty iconic, isn’t it?
Hotel Crescent Court
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Hotel Crescent Court has been a top Dallas hotel for over 30 years. This 226-room lavish hotel is a top choice for those who love to pamper themselves with top-notch hotel amenities. This is all possible because the hotel underwent a massive renovation in 1028, which transformed the lobby, spa, and Crescent Club.
Now, this Dallas historic hotel proudly boasts a year-round outdoor pool, a premium spa center with pampering services, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. Though modern, some parts of the hotel still have that vintage charm. The grand lobby has high ceilings and earth tone color palette, and the garden makes you feel like you’re in the ’80s.
Hotel Magnolia Hotel Downtown Dallas
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Situated at the heart of Dallas is Magnolia Hotel Downtown Dallas, one of the city’s most admired structures. With Pegasus, the Flying Red Horse, as its icon, this hotel, which is formerly the Magnolia Petroleum Company Building, is seen by many as one of the most historic hotels Dallas, TX, has to offer. Built in 1922, this 29-story building was the first high-rise in the US to have air conditioning.
Apart from that, this Dallas historic hotel is also the city’s first skyscraper! This upscale downtown hotel is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, this hotel is the go-to place for travelers who want to experience the luxury of impeccable hospitality near the top things to do in Dallas.
The Joule
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While there are many historic hotels Dallas, TX, has to offer, The Joule is without a doubt one of the best. The building was originally built in the 1920s as the Dallas National Bank. This neo-Gothic landmark once dominated the downtown skyline. While downtown Dallas flourished through the ’80s, things started to go down as the 20th century drew to a close.
After a decade of massive renovations, the then-vacant bank building was transformed into a four-star boutique hotel that attracts everyone. The Joule opened in 2008, and since then, it has become a cultural and shopping destination. While there are plenty of awesome downtown hotels, The Joule is easily a favorite among travelers and locals alike. Speaking of which, did you know that this Dallas historic hotel is also one of the top gay-friendly hotels in Dallas?
Aloft Dallas Downtown
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No matter where you are, staying at an Aloft hotel is always a good call. And if you’re looking for historic hotels Dallas, TX, has to offer, the Aloft Dallas Downtown is a nice option! This Dallas historic hotel occupies an eight-story gem that was built in 1924 and housed the historic Santa Fe Railroad Terminal. Thanks to this, the hotel has a special historic charm while offering all the modern conveniences travelers need.
In this upscale hotel, you’ll find 193 spacious and modern guestrooms, and half of them are suites. As the name suggests, the hotel is set in downtown Dallas, Texas. This means it’s only steps away from City Hall, the Dallas Convention Center, and other top attractions the city is known for.
Le Meridien Dallas, The Stoneleigh
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The next Dallas historic hotel that you should be on your radar is Le Meridien Dallas, The Stoneleigh. Originally opened in the 1920s, this hotel recently underwent a massive renovation to restore its historic grandiosity. Apart from that, there’s also an addition of a new personality and energetic vibe. It was redesigned to offer expansive accommodations that are rich in history with some modern touches.
Apart from that, this hotel was once said to be the tallest hotel west of the Mississippi River when it first opened. Today, it’s one of the most popular hotels in the city. One of the many reasons why many love this hotel is because of its location. It’s set in the middle of Uptown, meaning upscale restaurants, bars, and meeting spots are walkable from the hotel.
The Statler Dallas, Curio Collection By Hilton
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Another great addition to the list of historic hotels Dallas, TX has to offer is The Statler Dallas Curio Collection By Hilton. A member of Historic Hotels of America since 2018, this property has been named America’s first modern hotel. Opened in 1956, this hotel boasted many firsts for the industry. For instance, it featured the first elevator music and custom 21-inch Westinghouse TVs in every guestroom. Apart from that, it was one of the first hotels to feature a ballroom and conference rooms on lower floors.
Furthermore, this Dallas historic hotel catered to business while offering entertainment at the same time. Throughout the years, the hotel has been renovated several times. Now, it houses 159 modern guestrooms on the first five floors and 219 apartments on the upper eleven floors. For guests’ convenience, it also boasts meeting facilities, a cozy lounge, and four restaurants.
The Adolphus, Autograph Collection
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The number one Dallas historic hotel on this list is The Adolphus Autograph Collection. The building was built in the early 20th century by European craftsmen. In 1912, the hotel debuted as Dallas’ first true luxury hotel. In addition to that, for the next decade, the 22-story building remained the State’s tallest building. Pretty impressive, right?
Ever since its opening, this Beaux-Arts hotel has accommodated many guests, including iconic names like presidents Jimmy Carter, George HW Bush, Ronald Reagan, and British royalty, including Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. Following a huge renovation, the hotel is now inviting cultured travelers who appreciate the city’s history and contemporary touches.
Recommended Bars/Restaurants in Dallas
- El Fenix – Opened in 1918, this is the oldest restaurant in Dallas. Now, over 100 years later, the restaurant still continues to satisfy locals and travelers alike. While everything here is yummy, you must order the El Jefe platter!
- Campisi’s Egyptian Restaurant – As the first restaurant to bring the first pizzeria to Texas, this eaterie is a must-visit. Many love the Classic Lasagna, but our favorite is the Grilled Chicken Marsala.
- Burger House – This burger restaurant has been serving juicy, thick burgers since 1951. The burgers and buns are delivered fresh six days a week, and you can also find other fast food.
Recommended Things To Do in Dallas
- Dallas: Sunset Fat Tire E-Scooter Guided Tour – Along with your guide, have fun touring Dallas during golden hour on an electric scooter. You’ll get to see the magnificent buildings in the Arts District and AT&T Discovery District as night takes over the city.
- Dallas: JFK Assassination and Sixth Floor Museum Tour – Want to learn more about the story of the assassination of John F. Kennedy? Then you should join this tour! You’ll also visit the Dealey Plaza Sixth Floor Museum and see Oswald’s home to learn more about this infamous event’s conspiracies.
- Dallas: Electric Cruiser Open-Air Tour – Discover everything downtown Dallas has to offer in an eco-friendly way! You’ll ride around the city with a licensed guide in an electric cruiser.