There’s something distinctly glamorous about Dallas that sets itself apart from all the other big cities of the south. A haven for upscale dining, designer shopping, world-class performing arts, elegant gardens, and, of course, some of the most luxurious hotels stateside. Mention luxury and every Dallasite will direct you to Hotel Crescent Court; it’s a renaissance painting come to life, a ‘Pride of Dallas’ that splashes European glamour with Texan charm. LLM checks in to uncover its finest corners.
Hotel
A lobby always plays a key indicator for what’s to come, and Hotel Crescent Court’s towering white columns and ancient Roman marble Aesculapius statue accented with natural light sure sets grand from the get-go. At every turn, you’ll witness architectural matrimony intricately décor-ed, some of its furnishings and artefacts from icon and founder Caroline Hunt’s personal collection.
That’s not to use the word ‘ancient’. Like London’s Lanesborough this is a classic, upgraded. Hotel Crescent Court completed a $30 million restoration as recently as 2018, embracing the past but at the same time elevating a greater level of style and service for its discerning clientele. Whether you’re stepping in for an overnight experience, a spa day, or an important rendezvous at the exclusive, members-only Crescent Club, expect to be impressed.
Suite
Hotel Crescent Court encompasses 226 guestrooms and suites, all of which carry thoughtful amenities, neutral tones and opulent touches. I checked into a Metropolitan Suite, at the corner of the building. Guests enter a spacious living area with a guest bathroom, 55” smart TV, Nespresso facilities (tea included), pull-out sofa, coffee table, work desk and wet bar. It’s the perfect place to step in and enjoy a beverage in front of a show.
Through another door sat a plush bedroom, with floor-to-ceiling windows, a gorgeous accent sofa under an overhead lamp, and a double closet stocked with robes and slippers. Then finally, through the final door lay an oversized marble bathroom, with lighted vanity, walk-in shower and delicious Molton Brown pamper products. It’s incredible that such a classic hotel could be so modern in tech, from CubieBlue alarm clock with USB hubs to the lighting such as motion-activated floor lights beside the bed. This is modern luxury defined.
Food and drink
When it comes to a good meal, being in Dallas means there is never really a need to venture far, and that stands especially true in Hotel Crescent Court. The property boasts a staggering 13 restaurants and lounges of varying cuisines, experiences and price points.
The ultra-exclusive The Crescent Club is a notable VIP comfort zone situated on the 17th floor of the Crescent Complex’s centre office tower. Think Annabel’s prestige with Musée d’Orsay curves, deep wood panelling and rich carpets. Then you have the city trends like Nobu and Moxies. I spent some time at their lobby bar upon arrival; Beau Nash. This swanky champagne bar and cocktail lounge was designed to reanimate remnants of its namesake restaurant, and what’s great is that it perfectly blends upscale Dallas glitz with Texan charm (who can resist the sports on the screens). The crowd is diverse, ranging from city professionals to fashionistas, and they also have a big selection of food and shareable desserts too.
You’re not in America if you haven’t factored in ample time for a burger, and the hotel even has a Shake Shack, situated outside under a canopy of trees, minutes from Kylde Warren Park. These aren’t just your average burgers; these are top-quality, all-natural, antibiotic-free, and everything is lovingly made in-house. Yes, there are more than 125 locations for the brand, but the one in Dallas has southern hospitality like no other, not to mention the greatest shakes. Vegans, there’s no packaged Beyond meats here. Like everything else, Shake Shack creates its own Veggie Shack patty, packed with real greens, grains and herbs, then topped with avocado and vegan lemon aioli.
Finally, a walk across the street will lead you to Dallas darling, Truluck’s. The swanky restaurant is committed to serving the freshest seafood available, set across two levels with dining upstairs and a gorgeous, laminated bar lounge on the ground floor. Start with the fresh Florida stone crab claws, served pre-cracked for your convenience along with the house mustard sauce; then main with miso-glazed seabass, which comes with their signature crab fried rice; and end with the carrot cake, a Texas-sized rich yet moist cake with fresh carrots, crushed pineapple, pecans and layers of sweet cream cheese icing. Absolutely divine.
Amenities
The spa is a destination in its own right; a 22,000 square foot wellness wonder. You’ll enter an urban oasis of calm among natural art patterns that pull your thoughts towards silence. Inside there are 16 treatment rooms, women’s and men’s lounges, relaxation rooms, a couple’s suite, a whirlpool with a hot and cold dip, dry sauna, a nail salon offering multiple manicure stations and pedicure thrones, as well as a spa lounge, complete with freshly squeezed organic juice and champagne.
Choose from services such as massages, facials, body treatments, skincare essentials, nail care and waxing. For those undecideds, I recommend the Joy of Beauty facial, a power-packed treatment that provides age protection, hydration and purification.
Outside of the spa, the fitness centre is large and comprehensive. Here are all the staples that many a fitness fanatic will welcome while on the road, treadmills, cross-trainers, stair climbers and more, with no wait time, not during my visit anyway. Trainers are also on hand for personal workouts and instructions in dance, aerobics and yoga. Finally, if just reading all that breaks a sweat, then a fine way to take advantage of Texas’ near year-round warm weather is out on the second-floor pool. This is kept at a constant temperature, with fabulous lounge recliners and food and beverage services available.
To do
Being in the heart of Uptown Dallas, Hotel Crescent Court is within a short drive or walking distance of all the top tourist attractions. Discover the life, assassination and legacy of US President John F. Kennedy at the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, wander the stunning Dallas Arboretum gardens, or hit the shops with a spree at the nearby flagship Neiman Marcus. Other notable things to do include a football game at the AT&T stadium, the Dallas Reunion Tower observation deck, and of course, afternoon tea back at Hotel Crescent Court – just to see how the Americans do it. For more information head to Visit Dallas.
Getting there
The hotel is a 20-minute drive from DFW International Airport serving the majority of major commercial airline carriers. Those arriving via private jet or JSX will land at Dallas Executive Airport (24 minutes) or Dallas Love Field Airport (11 minutes).
Factbox
Address: 400 Crescent Court, Dallas, TX 75201, USA
Phone: 00 1 214 871 3200
Website: crescentcourt.com
Images courtesy of Hotel Crescent Court
