If there’s any place in the American South where all those cowboy cliches fall away, it’s the glamorous urban hub of Dallas Fort Worth. It’s the most populous metropolitan area in both Texas and the whole of the Southern United States, with 11 counties radiating out from the two core cities after which it’s named.
Today, the metroplex has developed as an epicentre of culture, trade and entertainment, so naturally, it boasts a spectrum of top accommodations. Whether your priority is a suite escape, a hip hangout, or a quiet place to work, we’ve got you covered. Here are eight tried and tested Dallas Fort Worth hotels that tick all the right boxes – and can be booked through Cathay Holidays.
Credit: Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek
Credit: Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek
Credit: Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek
One to excite Rosewood loyalists: The Mansion is the brand’s first-ever property. When it opened in 1979, it provided the basic blueprint for all the hotels and resorts to come. It’s quietly tucked away in Uptown Dallas' leafiest area and retains some charming motifs from the palatial 1920s private estate it was built upon: many of the 142 rooms and suites have Juliet balconies overlooking the hotel’s Mediterranean-style pool, and some have private patios with garden seating. The Mansion Restaurant serves modern American fare and the adjacent bar strums regular live jazz.
Since opening in the ’80s, Hotel Crescent Court has become one of Dallas’ most respected establishments. Its proximity to the city’s financial district makes it an excellent choice for executives jetting into The Big D – and the 17th-floor Crescent Club is an ideal spot to close a big deal. A 2018 renovation breathed new life into this ol’ boy, drawing a younger demographic into its multitude of F&B hangouts, from renowned sushi knockout Nobu to daytime teahouse The Conservatory. There’s also an impressive 22,000-square-foot spa and fitness facility.
Previously a Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton’s second DFW address opened in 2024 – and just a 20-minute drive from the city centre, The Ritz-Carlton Dallas offers a chance to get away from it all without falling completely off the grid. Take full advantage of its 160 hectares of bountiful land, where you can enjoy a range of amenities including two 18-hole championship golf courses, a giant spa facility, indoor and outdoor pools, and multiple bars and restaurants dotted throughout the luxury resort.
If you’re in town to mingle, go gaga at ZaZa, a boutique hotel within walking distance of Uptown’s favourite bars, restaurants and clubs. Keeping the social on-site is an option too, as ground-floor restaurant Dragonfly buzzes every evening. Or get a head start at ZaZa’s rooftop pool, where patrons park to enjoy Texas-sized cocktails. The 169 guestrooms are outfitted in bold prints and vintage Hollywood photography, offering the perfect backdrop for that after-party photoshoot.
Situated in the heart of the city, The Joule is an art aficionado’s dream. A neo-Gothic landmark on the outside, the building’s internal spaces pop with pieces from proprietor Tim Headington’s eclectic art collection – including rescued mosaics and works by Andy Warhol, Mungo Thomson and Ellsworth Kelly. The dramatic outdoor cantilevered pool is literally a sight for sore eyes: it overlooks a giant optic eye sculpture designed by artist Tony Tasset. The hotel features 160 rooms and suites, two dining concepts (an Italian and a Texas brasserie), and a speakeasy-esque underground bar.
Credit: Kimpton Harper Hotel
Credit: Kimpton Harper Hotel
Credit: Kimpton Harper Hotel
For travellers seeking a slower pace, casual vibe, and a taste of cow-themed entertainment, check in to the Kimpton Harper Hotel. Based in Fort Worth, it’s just a trot from the Stockyards National Historic District, Billy Bob’s Texas and the Cowtown Coliseum – and it's perfectly acceptable to keep those boots on at the top floor Refinery 714 bar or Italian restaurant Il Modo. Guestrooms feature a rustic charm, with handcrafted furnishings and local art pieces.
On the surface, Fairmont Dallas may seem a little dated among the shinier builds of the Dallas Arts District, but Accor points flexors won’t be disappointed. Its convenient location, just steps from all the big museums and the business district, make it a convenient base for those travelling without a car. Floor-to-ceiling windows let visitors soak up the energy of the city, and rooms have a chic modern design wired up with all the tech you might need. For an elevated experience, upgrade to Fairmont Gold for private lounge access and VIP service.
Richard Branson’s Dallas outpost is continuously voted as one of the city’s best hotels, and it’s easy to see why. Based in the heart of the Dallas Design District, this high-rise property marries holiday playfulness with business functionality. Signature dining concepts Commons Club and Funny Library will add a spark to the dryest networking meet, while The Pool Club screams Miami more than Texas. Rooms are elegant and well-equipped, each carrying a Smeg fridge of street-priced snacks, outrageously comfy king beds, smart tech-controlled lights and fast Wi-Fi.