Where to stay in Dallas: your ultimate district guide

Dallas – aka the ‘Big D’ – often tops lists of the most-visited cities in the US. And for good reason, since it truly offers something for everyone. It’s often seen as a glitzy metropolis, with a variety of world-class entertainment, culture, nightlife, fine dining and shopping. But there’s also a more low-key side to explore, with breezy city parks, vintage emporiums and artisanal boutiques, incredible authentic Texan BBQ and street tacos.

In this guide, we give you an outline of the city’s most popular neighbourhoods and their appeal, offering a selection of stays in each to choose from. From the palpable history and poignant JFK memorials in Dallas’ West End, to the creative, eclectic atmosphere of the Deep Ellum neighbourhood – find out where to stay in Dallas. It’s time to get ready for your dream Texan trip.

Where work meets play

Downtown Dallas is the city’s bustling heart, characterised by twinkling skyscrapers and lots to see and do. Encompassing a few smaller neighbourhoods like the West End and the Arts District, it offers cultural attractions alongside great places to eat and drink. You’ll find plenty of shopping options, including the daily Dallas Farmer’s Market. Not to mention, there are various dynamic urban green spaces like Klyde Warren Park. Built over a highway and featuring a calendar of diverse events such as stargazing and live music to creative activities for children, this is the perfect spot to keep busy.

Proximity to landmarks

Another reason to base yourself in Downtown is the abundance of must-see landmarks on your doorstep. Stay here and you’ll be well-placed to visit Reunion Tower’s observation deck for its unbeatable view of the Dallas skyline, the vast Nasher Sculpture Center, Dallas World Aquarium, the Dallas Museum of Art and more.

Where to stay

Magnolia Hotel Dallas Downtown

Just 700 metres from both the JFK Memorial and the Dallas World Aquarium, Magnolia Hotel Dallas Downtown is a convenient stay for both sightseers and business travellers.

Hyatt Regency Dallas

Stay at the Hyatt Regency Dallas for its super location, which is situated literally next door to Reunion Tower.

Aloft Dallas Downtown

For a central location and a stylish stay, book a few nights at Aloft Dallas Downtown.

Discover Dallas’ rich cultural offering

Visitors to Dallas ought to devote a chunk of their time to exploring the colourful Dallas Arts District. This neighbourhood, found within the larger Downtown area, is the largest urban arts district in the US. 

Here, you can find world-class concert venues, art galleries, performing arts spaces and restaurants. Highlights include the Nasher Sculpture Center, the Dallas Museum of Art’s impressive collection and the Norman Foster-designed Winspear Opera House. Even without going inside these cultural venues – just strolling the streets is enough to be wowed by the district’s award-winning architecture.

Stay in the heart of the city

The Dallas Arts District also happens to be located right in the city centre, making it a convenient place to stay. Expect excellent walkability between its many cultural venues, cafés, restaurants and parks. The area also offers handy public transport connections for exploring the rest of the city.

Where to stay

The Adolphus, Autograph Collection

The Adolphus boasts an eye-catching rooftop pool and bar area and interior design, as well as proximity to the highlights of the Dallas Arts District.

HALL Arts Hotel Dallas, Curio Collection by Hilton

Just a couple of blocks from the Dallas Museum of Art, the HALL Arts Hotel is perfectly located for those keen to explore the neighbourhood’s cultural attractions.

Hôtel Swexan

Though technically in Uptown (just next to the Dallas Arts District), the phenomenal Hôtel Swexan was designed by Japanese architect, Kengo Kuma. It features eye-catching interior design and a rooftop pool that’s bound to impress those with an artistic eye.

Aesthetic attractions

The pedestrian-friendly Dallas Design District does what it says on the tin – serving as a hub for high-end design with a huge range of fashionable furniture showrooms and avant-garde galleries. You’ll also find antique furnishings and decor depots, filled from top to bottom with retro treasures. Or visit vintage bazaar, Lula B's Design District, to explore its selection of everything from cowboy boots and clothes to pottery and mid-century mirrors.

Food and drink

The Dallas Design District also boasts lots of fine-dining restaurants, bars and cool breweries like the Peticolas Brewing Company Taproom and the Texas Ale Project. For anyone who’s interested, tours and tastings are available. Or if you’re less into breweries and more of a food enthusiast, don’t miss the Design District’s culinary scene where restaurants serve up sensational seasonal cuisine. Try The Charles, where Italian design and cuisine are interpreted through a Texas lens.

Where to stay

DoubleTree by Hilton Dallas Market Center

The DoubleTree by Hilton offers spacious suites and an outdoor pool area, just a stone’s throw from sights like the World Trade Center and World Aquarium.

Virgin Hotels Dallas

Stay at Virgin Hotels Dallas for its outstanding outdoor pool area, eclectic modern interiors and location in the middle of the creative Design District.

Hilton Anatole

Check into the Hilton Anatole, an urban resort in the heart of the Design District with an impressive outdoor pool complex and seemingly endless amenities.

Historic Dallas

Another neighbourhood within Downtown, Dallas’ West End is one for the history buffs. Home to Dealey Plaza in Dallas’ West End – where JFK was assassinated – this is one of the most historically significant sites in the US. For those interested in JFK and the historical tragedy, there are a number of local sites worth checking out – including Dealey Plaza itself, the Grassy Knoll and The Sixth Floor Museum. There are also several memorials in the area, most notably the John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza.

Shopping and family-friendly entertainment

In addition to being one of the oldest and most historic parts of town, Dallas’ West End has plenty to offer in terms of family-friendly entertainment, from immersive museum exhibitions to the Dallas World Aquarium. It’s also home to shopping centres and pedestrianised streets featuring boutiques and eateries.

Where to stay

Hampton Inn & Suites Dallas Downtown

Check into Hampton Inn & Suites Dallas Downtown for upscale rooms and convenient access to West End attractions.

Sheraton Dallas Hotel

Set amid sparkling skyscrapers, Sheraton Dallas Hotel boasts a stellar location and views of Downtown, especially from its sleek outdoor pool. 

Fairfield Inn & Suites Dallas Downtown

Stay at the Fairfield Inn & Suites Dallas Downtown to be within walking distance of Dallas’ key attractions, including the Dallas Farmers’ Market.

Live music and nightlife

Deep Ellum was once a hub for jazz and blues in the 1920s. These days, visitors can expect to find some choice live music venues here. Check out concert halls, such as the Bomb Factory and Trees, which both host big bands and artists from a variety of genres. The neighbourhood also has a thriving cocktail bar scene, with the option of sipping on specialist craft cocktails somewhere stylish like Trick Pony. Or you can enjoy sunset drinks on a Deep Ellum roof terrace bar.

Creative atmosphere

Deep Ellum is also known as Dallas’ most creative neighbourhood, with a bounty of murals dotted around its streets to give you a taste of the artistic vibe. As a hive for artists, musicians and creatives, it offers a cultural experience away from your typical tourist trail. Expect vintage clothes shops, book shops and artisan delis alongside eateries offering everything from Texan BBQ to tacos. 

Where to stay

Kimpton – Pittman Hotel by IHG

For those with a taste for on-trend interiors, a stay at the cool and modern Kimpton – Pittman Hotel by IHG will be just the ticket.

The Westin Dallas Downtown

The Westin Dallas Downtown combines comfort and elegance, with easy access to Deep Ellum and downtown.

SOVA Micro-Room & Social Hotel

For great value-for-money and a location perfect to explore Deep Ellum’s nightlife and arts scene, book a stay at the SOVA Micro-Room & Social Hotel.

When it comes to choosing where to stay in Dallas, you really will be spoiled for choice. Whether you’re after glamorous restaurants, a relaxed, family-friendly Texan holiday or a cultural experience exploring the city’s galleries – there’s no shortage of things to do in the city. There’s also no shortage of varied places to stay in Dallas, with a neighbourhood for every type of traveller. Not that you need to pick only one – opt for different stays over several days in a couple of areas and you’ll get lots of tastes of this vibrant city. 

Ready to explore? Book your ideal Dallas stay and dive into the heart of this dynamic Texan city.