Top 20 Cool and Unusual Hotels in Dallas 2023

‘The Big D’ as it’s sometimes known, is a shiny and modern metropolis in North Texas, and the commercial and cultural hub of the region too. Known for its popular cliches of wealthy, consumer-driven Texan cowboys, and its contribution to popular culture (the Dallas Cowboys and the world-famous soap from the 1980s).

Juxtaposed with the vast wealth on display, mostly in the form of an upscale dining and shopping scene and towering skyscrapers, is a surprising – and increasing – hip alternative scene. There’s a thriving art and creative scene and hipster-dwelling neighborhoods are cropping up all over the city.

This newly trendy spirit also ensures there are some equally cool places to stay, from cute boutiques to sleek and trendy high-rises, here are the best cool and unusual hotels in Dallas (in no particular order, they’re all awesome)…

1. The Joule Dallas – a sleek, stylish, and trendy modern Dallas hotel with an award-winning design and an incredible rooftop pool

Housed in a striking 1920s neo-Gothic landmark building in buzzing downtown Dallas, the 4-star exceptionally rated Joules Hotel offers fine designer interiors in the heart of Dallas’ central business district.

Marble floors and lavish furnishings complete the upscale feel of the Joule, while the beautifully appointed bedrooms come with plush ensuite bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, iPod docks, and flat-screen TVs.

Opt for an upgrade and find yourself with a lush private terrace, or go all out on a penthouse where you can expect a library, dining room, and kitchen. 

Dramatic art installations dominate the communal spaces, there’s a truly spectacular cantilevered pool complete with city views, great places to dine or snack, a spa and gym, a basement cocktail, and the funky Dallas hotel itself is well known as the cultural epicenter of Dallas.

Situated on the edge of the Dallas Arts District and next to the flagship Neiman Marcus store, The Joule is the ultimate in downtown Dallas cool lux accommodation! You won’t want to leave!

• To book, check prices or availability for The Joule Hotel Dallas

2. CANVAS Hotel Dallas – a cool, funky and Instagrammable boutique with trendy decor perfect for partying Millennials and Gen Z’s

A splash of color in the heart of Cedars district in downtown Dallas. CANVAS Hotel Dallas is a living, eclectic artwork with a big dollop of comfort. Created from the shell of an old brick warehouse, the hotel now has 76 loft-style rooms and suites – all brimming with art and creative design.

Industrial elements blend into art-filled, urban chic spaces. Smartly appointed guest rooms are kitted out in an eclectic mix of retro furnishings, hand-selected fixtures, and custom design details.

Added to this is the artwork; a rotating collection of pieces from up-and-coming local artists placed throughout the hotel.

If the rooms and art aren’t indulgent enough; head to the rooftop for an infinity pool, bar, and restaurant with simply stunning panoramic views of the Dallas skyline.

• To book, check prices or availability for CANVAS Hotel Dallas

3. Hotel ZaZa – one of the most unique and Instagrammable hotels in Dallas with a hip quirky-chic design

Make yourself at home in the cute, stylish and quirky 4-star exceptionally rated Hotel ZaZa in Uptown Dallas (near an M Line Trolley stop which takes you to the downtown).

Offering an inspiring mix of Mediterranean elegance and homely Texan chic, this unique Dallas abode is a little bit different in a truly fabulous way.

Rooms are themed and everyone is different to the next. In the concept suites choose to live like a rock star or transport yourself to another part of the world in rooms that have been cleverly conceived and are amazing to look at.

They also contain lots of mod cons such as ergonomic desks and minifridges.

Upgrades have kitchens and garden terraces or opt for a swish bungalow in the annexe which even has a free car service to the main hotel. An unforgettable upscale hotel, the ZaZa also offers fine dining at the Dragonfly restaurant with its dramatic interior and innovative menu, spa services, a gym, and a gorgeous outdoor pool.

Unusual and inspiring, but still utterly opulent, the ZaZa is a new direction for Dallas hotel accommodation!

• To book, check prices or availability for Hotel ZaZa Dallas

4. Virgin Hotels Dallas – a cool, hip and modern upscale Dallas hotel with a unique industrial-chic design

Located in the newly designated Dallas Design District, Virgin Hotels have really taken unusual to a new level with rooms reminiscent of upholstered spacecraft and public areas where you feel interior designers have just roared their hearts out.

There’s the Commons Club full of vinyl, leopard print, and wacky comfort; the stunning rooftop pool with skyline views, sun loungers, cocktails, and live decks.

And, just when you think you’ve seen it all, the Funny Library where you can grab a coffee and tap out a few emails in a space which can only be described as Havana meets Dali in the USSR.

Every inch of this hotel is a cool cocktail of experiences with just a dash of Virgin red to remind you you’re still on planet Earth.

• To book, check prices or availability for the Virgin Hotels Dallas

5. Thompson Dallas – an elegant and minimalist upscale hotel curated by a team of award-winning designers

Matching the energy and style of the city, the 51-story Thompson Hotel in Dallas has panoramic views of the city skyline, a curated artwork collection, and clean, mid-century modern design. The rooms are spacious and restful, with neutral tones and walnut wood with brass touches, and comfortable leather seating.

You can make this your base for exploring or working downtown, and return in the evening for dinner and drinks at one of the four unique on-site restaurants – Nine at The National, the exquisite Catbird with its rooftop terrace, Monarch, and the cocktail and sake lounge Kessaku.

There’s a spa, fitness center and rooftop pool to keep you fit and energized through your stay.

• To book, check prices or availability for the Thompson Dallas

6. HALL Arts Hotel, Dallas, Curio Collection by Hilton – an upscale and sophisticated hotel that features creative and art-filled decor

Dallas has been an arts and culture destination and the Hall Arts Hotel in the Arts District puts you in right the middle to it all. Just across the street from the AT&T Performing Arts Center, it is close to the Winspear Opera House, Meyerson Symphony Center, Dallas Museum of Art, and Klyde Warren Park.

The light, airy interiors feature Lasvit chandeliers and curated art throughout the hotel and in the rooms, with splashes of color from flower arrangements.

The rooms are oases of luxury in shades of cream with art books, furnishings from the award-winning New York interior design firm Bentel & Bentel and views of Downtown Dallas or the Arts District.

Guests can work out in the well-equipped fitness studio, relax at the rooftop pool and dine at Ellie’s with your favorite foods reimagined.

• To book, check prices or availability for the HALL Arts Hotel, Dallas, Curio Collection by Hilton

7. The Kimpton Pittman Hotel – a fine creative hotel housed in a historic 1916 redbrick building which is one of the best boutique hotels in Dallas

The Kimpton Pittman Hotel is located in the downtown Dallas neighborhood of Deep Ellum, famous for the 1920s blues musicians who played here.

The Beaux Arts building with spacious glass and steel interiors and airy lighting fixtures recalls this past, as well as the wide open spaces for which the state of Texas is famous. Nearby you’ll find museums, theaters, shopping, street art and murals, cafes, craft breweries and live music.

The rooms with their clean lines and soft lighting, brightened with touches of color and abstract art prints, are made for comfort and relaxation, and there’s a state-of-the-art fitness center to keep your workouts on track.

The heated pool is a great place to relax with local craft beers, cocktails, and small bites from the poolside bar Deep End, and the Elm & Good restaurant serves up seasonal American tavern-inspired fare.

• To book, check prices or availability for The Kimpton Pittman Hotel

8. Renaissance Saint Elm Dallas Downtown Hotel – a fashionable, trendy and truly exquisite place to stay in Downtown Dallas

Located in a 1932 building in the heart of Downtown Dallas, Renaissance Hotel Saint Elm Dallas Downtown is close to the arts district, the Majestic Theatre, Dealey Plaza National Historic Landmark District, Old Red Museum, and Old City Park.

The rooms with local artwork are designed for comfort with style, and cater equally to business, arts and vacationing travelers. There are well-designed workstations, and opulent bathrooms with marble countertops recalling the luxury of bygone days.

Guests can work out at the fitness center and taste the fusion French-Vietnamese-new Orleans fare at Toussaint Downtown Brasserie. The Coffee Bar serves light breakfasts in the mornings.

• To book, check prices or availability for the Renaissance Saint Elm Dallas Downtown Hotel

9. SOVA Micro-Room & Social Hotel – a cool, funky and trendy hotel with industrial-chic decor located on the Main Street District district of Dallas

This boutique hotel was designed to be fun, and by the time you’ve downed your free drink at check in, done a morning jog or pub crawl with your fellow guests, and tried the 7 feet high monsoon showers, you’ll probably agree.

It also helps that SOVA is located in the lively and walkable Downtown near Deep Ellum, AT&T Discovery Plaza, Majestic Theater, Klyde Warren Park, and Farmers Market.

The interiors are designed for community, with small rooms and welcoming shared spaces to encourage guests to mingle. The rooms continue the fun theme with specially-made comfortable mattresses and blankets to snuggle into when watching Netflix.

Guests can get a drink at the reception bar or Kyoto-styled cocktails at Room 520, the Japanese speakeasy that is the hottest bar in Dallas currently.

• To book, check prices or availability for the SOVA Micro-Room & Social Hotel

11. Rosewood Mansion – a chic boutique hotel housed in a beautifully restored historic mansion overlooking Turtle Creek

Steeped in Dallas history, the 5-star exceptionally rated Rosewood Mansion – which overlooks Turtle Creek – promises a fine and elegant accommodation experience for guests who choose to enjoy its uptown location (1.3 miles from the Dallas Museum of Art).

Tucked away in an exclusive oasis, this former private residence turned stylish and trendy Dallas accommodation has been meticulously restored to offer first-class quarters.

Exquisite décor and authentic architectural details will transport you back in time to a Dallas of days gone by, whilst modern luxury touches such as 42-inch flat-screen TVs and minibars and patios/balconies make the Rosewood a truly charming place to stay.

Dine at the exclusive Mansion Restaurant or enjoy laid-back American cuisine at the Restaurant Terrace. Sip cocktails at the leather-paneled bar, take a dip in the beautiful outdoor pool, relax in the hot tub, work out in the hotel’s extensive fitness suite, complete with steam room and sauna or take a massage (for an extra fee). Oh and there’s also there’s a free local car service – just fabulous darling!

• To book, check prices or availability for Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek

12. The Highland Hotel – sophisticated, modern and stylish boutique hotel a 5-minute walk from Mockingbird Station shopping mall

An upscale hotel that borders the Highland Park, Park Cities, and Lakewood neighborhoods, the 4-star much loved Highland Dallas (which is part of the prestigious Curio Collection by Hilton) offers an elevated boutique hotel experience.

Situated adjacent to the Southern Methodist University campus near Uptown Dallas, there is a wealth of cool shops, restaurants, and nightlife right outside your door.

The chic Dallas hotel itself revels in both the historical side of the city and its contemporary touches and offers clean, sleek bedrooms with wonderful city views as well as HDTVs, Italian linens, sitting areas, and iPod docks. Opt for a suite and also expect lush whirlpool tubs.

The onsite restaurant, Knife, offers a Dallas-orientated menu, and the modern Exhale Spa will help you to relax after a day exploring the city.

Guests can also swim in the heated outdoor infinity pool, work out in the gym, go for treatments in the beauty salon or enjoy cocktails at the bar, while seated in a cabana – a gorgeous choice in Dallas!

• To book, check prices or availability for The Highland Dallas

13. HALL Arts Hotel – an upscale art-filled design hotel in Dallas a 5-minute walk from Nasher Sculpture Center 

The only hotel located in the Dallas Arts District, the ultra-modern HALL Arts Hotel is next to the Performing Arts Center, just a few pliés away from museums, theatres, restaurants, and parks.

The chic Dallas hotel has been built to celebrate performance and static art with the clever use of technology and curated artwork to enhance each space.

There are stunning views from the rooftop pool, a superb restaurant, and lounge, even a 2,900 sq. ft. fitness studio. But the uniqueness of HALL Arts Hotel is the ever-changing art itself, permeating guest rooms and public spaces alike with gallery sophistication.

• To book, check prices or availability for HALL Arts Hotel Dallas

14. Magnolia Hotel – a sleek and modern design hotel housed in a historic 29-story Beaux Arts-style hotel

Warm and welcoming, the 4-star very highly rated Magnolia Hotel – housed in a historic 29-story Beaux Arts-style hotel – offers tastefully designed upscale rooms and extended-stay suites.

Trendy and stylish bedrooms come with high ceilings, soft cotton sheets, and unusually, all come with soaking tubs. The sleek, contemporary interiors offer a quiet retreat from the busy streets of the city, and opt for a suite and you’ll also find kitchens and living rooms.

The modern fitness center will take care of your wellbeing requirements during your stay and the on-site bar offers an extended Happy Hour featuring local favorites and inventive drinks.

The Magnolias’ Commerce Street location means it is perfectly placed for exploring the wonderful shops, eateries, bars, and attractions that can be found downtown – a very cool stay in Dallas indeed!

• To book, check prices or availability for The Magnolia Hotel

15. Omni Dallas Hotel – swish and chic designer boutique accommodation with a sleek glass facade and a swimming pool

Connected by a sky bridge to the Dallas Convention Centre, the 4-star exceptionally popular Omni Dallas Hotel is a modern building in the heart of downtown.

Close to a wide array of popular restaurants, shops, and the fab Dallas Arts District, the central location is a real winner for this unique and ultra-modern Dallas hotel.

Local history is showcased throughout the property with pieces from local Dallas artists on display, and the terrace pool deck with seriously impressive views is a real draw.

Bedrooms are modern and comfortable and feature floor-to-ceiling windows with city views and sensory floor lighting and guests can dine at a number of great restaurants (seven to be precise!), relax in the contemporary onsite spa or enjoy drinks at the Uptown Terrace next to the sublime heated rooftop infinity swimming pool. A great choice for a hip and cool hotel in Dallas!

• To book, check prices or availability for Omni Hotel Dallas

16. The Adolphus – a chic 1912 hotel with an ornate beaux-arts exterior is a premier destination for authentic elegance in Downtown Dallas

A historic icon located in downtown Dallas, the 4-star very highly rated Adolphus Hotel (part of the prestigious Autograph Collection) offers award-winning accommodation in truly luxurious surroundings.

Dark wood paneling and vintage leather and velvet add splendor to the lobby and communal areas, while the bedrooms are resplendent with antique accents and soft white linens. Expansive and exquisite, the trendsetting Dallas hotel offers opulence in a traditional, French colonial style.

Guests can dine in the revered French Room or enjoy a more relaxed dining experience at the City Hall Bistro or the Rodeo Bar and Grill.

The rooftop pool offers its very own lively bar that is well suited to the young and affluent city crowd, and the chic hotel’s prestigious fitness suite and spa are great for relaxation and wellbeing.

Located within easy distance of all the attractions downtown Dallas has to offer, the Adolphus is a real taste of upscale Dallas living.

• To book, check prices or availability for Adolphus Hotel Dallas

17. Hotel Crescent Court – a polished landmark hotel with impressive interiors set in the Uptown Dallas district

The grey châteauesque exterior of this Uptown hotel belies the truly contemporary chic interior designed to meld Dallas sophistication and heritage while retaining landmark Southern style.

The rooms and suites are exquisitely designed, custom-scented Molton Brown heaven with contemporary blush, cream and grey color schemes. There are art and sculptures in abundance, including a 2,000-year-old marble sculpture of a Greek god.

You will find more than a dozen restaurants and bars, including the Beau Nash, which offers more than 30 types of bubbly, and an enormous 22,000-square-foot spa with a rooftop pool. Everything about Hotel Crescent Court oozes class.

The absolute essential experience of any stay here has got to be dinner in the 17th-floor deco-saloon-styled Crescent Club; this is full glamour, Dallas-style, lavish fine dining.

• To book, check prices or availability for Hotel Crescent Court Dallas

18. The Beeman Hotel – a modern and stylish boutique hotel located in the upscale Dallas Park Cities neighborhood

The Beeman Hotel is a fresh, stylish, cool and comfortable place to stay near the universities, parks and trails of central Dallas.

It is designed to be young and casual, with well thought-out spaces yet plenty of scope for more than a nod to Mondrian-type art and quirkiness.

There is a beautiful indoor pool with relaxed seating and clever outdoor courtyard space, a decent-sized well-equipped fitness centre and good traditional Texan fare at the Seely’s Mill restaurant. This is modern Texan charm in a neat box.

• To book, check prices or availability for The Beeman Hotel Dallas

19. Aloft Dallas Downtown – a trendy and stylish mid-range hotel perfect for partying Millennials and Gen Zs 

Directly next to the City Hall and the Dallas Convention Center, with easy access to the Arts District, the highly-rated Aloft Dallas can be found in a historic building, in the midst of Downtown Dallas.

With an original buff brick exterior, large windows, and high ceilings, this hip Dallas hotel offers a good standard of mid-range accommodation with an industrial twist.

Exposed brickwork, retro furnishings, and uber-cool artwork is everywhere, and the hotel is rightly proud of its eco-friendly credentials.

Guests can eat at the Re:fuel cafe or enjoy drinks in the WXYZ® bar: which has regular DJs and party nights. Another Aloft group hotel that finds the perfect balance of affordable accommodation that doesn’t compromise on style.

• To book, check prices or availability for Aloft Dallas Downtown

20. Lumen Hotel – a popular upmarket hotel with a midcentury-modern vibe located in the heart of the Park Cities

This Dallas boutique hotel is situated directly across from the Southern Methodist University and has been transformed from a downbeat 1960s motel into a charming mid-century retreat.

In a tree-lined avenue in the Highland Park neighborhood, the hotel offers an outdoor heated pool, a fitness room, and the Front Room Tavern restaurant and cocktail bar.

The interiors at the highly-rated Lumen Hotel have been cleverly designed to reflect the age of the building and it now offers plenty of stylish retro touches along with spacious and very chic bedrooms.

In-room amenities include flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, yoga mats, and upgrades offer balconies, sitting areas, soaking tubs, and/or kitchenettes.

Communal amenities include a heated outdoor pool surrounded by private cabanas, a trendy eatery, a gym, complimentary wine socials, and loaner bikes. Within a short drive of downtown, this funky Dallas gem is a great place to stay for those on a mid-range budget.

• To book, check prices or availability for Lumen Hotel Dallas

21. Hotel Indigo Downtown – a bright, fun and colorful boutique hotel located in a great central location

Located in a historic downtown building that was once the site of the Dallas Opera House, the highly-rated Indigo Hotel is an intimate boutique hotel located in the heart of the Main Street district.

Very much in touch with its musical history, the colorful and funky Dallas hotel has plenty of fantastic artwork on display and offers cleverly crafted interiors throughout.

Deco-style interiors are updated with a touch of luxe and the bedrooms are bright but stylish and feature floor-to-ceiling windows. Upgrades offer superb city views.

The 1933 Bar and Bistro serves seasonal produce and local fare and there’s also a sleek rooftop restaurant/bar. With easy access to local shops, eateries, bars, and nightlife, the Indigo is a great place to stay and explore the vibrant city of Dallas.

• To book, check prices or availability for Hotel Indigo Downtown Dallas

We also have posts on… 

• Cool Austin hotels
• Cool Boutique hotels in Houston
• Cool Boutique hotels in Miami
• Cool Boutique hotels in Atlanta
• Cool Boutique hotels in Pittsburgh
• Best hotels in Orlando
• Cool boutique hotels in New Orleans
• Cool Boutique hotels in Minneapolis
• Cool Boutique hotels in San Antonio
• Cool Boutique hotels in St.Louis
• Cool Boutique hotels in Omaha
• Cool Boutique hotels in Kansas City
• Cool Boutique hotels in Memphis
• Cool Boutique hotels in Oklahoma City
• Cool Boutique hotels in Tulsa
• Cool boutique hotels in Branson
• Cool Boutique hotels in Natchez
• Cool and Unusual Hotels in Amarillo
• Cool and Unique Hotels in Lubbock
• Cool and Unusual hotels in Hot Springs
• Cool and Unusual hotels in Fort Worth
• Cool and Unusual hotels in Corpus Christi
• Cool and Unusual hotels in South Padre Island
• Cool and Unusual hotels in Galveston
• Cool boutique hotels in Lincoln
• Cool and Unusual hotels in Little Rock AR