News Summary
Graduate Dallas, the first hotel of the Graduate Hotels brand in Texas, has opened in Highland Park. Featuring 93 rooms, a signature restaurant, and modern amenities, it caters to leisure and business travelers alike. The hotel’s design reflects local culture, with elements inspired by Texas ranch life and collegiate heritage. This opening supports Hilton’s strategy to expand its lifestyle hotels globally, with plans for further development in Austin, Texas. Graduate Dallas aims to foster community and attract both tourists and locals.
Dallas
The Graduate Dallas, the first Texas location of the Graduate Hotels brand, has officially opened its doors in Highland Park, directly across from Southern Methodist University (SMU). This new hotel property comprises 93 rooms and is located in the former site of the Hotel Lumen.
Graduate Dallas is designed to cater to both leisure and business travelers, featuring a signature restaurant, an outdoor pool, a terrace, and flexible event spaces for meetings and gatherings. The design and development of the hotel were spearheaded by AJ Capital Partners, the firm behind the Graduate brand, which highlights a focus on local culture and collegiate life.
Hotel Features and Design
The hotel’s aesthetic incorporates elements that reflect Texas ranch life and acknowledges the collegiate heritage of SMU. Public spaces reveal a unique design that includes cowhide ottomans, tanned leather seating, shearling accents, and handwoven textiles, all contributing to a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Moreover, the architectural design preserves the original mid-century geometric style of the building while revitalizing it with modern amenities. The lobby features a lively lounge that serves as a social hub for guests and the surrounding community, further enhanced by local design accents such as a reception desk that showcases carved galloping mustangs and a large vintage postcard mural depicting Exall Lake.
Culinary Offerings
On-site dining is offered at Los Charros Tex-Mex Smokehouse, which pays homage to Texas barbecue and Mexican culinary traditions. The restaurant’s interior is designed with reclaimed wood, corrugated steel, saddle stools, and a ceiling mural inspired by traditional handwoven rugs. Its menu promises to embrace the rich tapestry of flavors that characterize Texas and Mexican cuisines.
Guestroom Amenities
The guest rooms are crafted with an Americana flair, showcasing a red, white, and blue color palette complemented by grass cloth walls and navy-striped beds. Additional amenities include embroidered pillows referencing SMU, bluebonnet-upholstered chairs, and trendy ceramic lamps. The updated bathrooms retain their original tiled charm while integrating bold blue accents and custom horse-print wallpaper for a contemporary touch.
Significance of the Opening
The opening of Graduate Dallas expands the Graduate Hotels portfolio, with Hilton having acquired the brand in 2024 for $210 million. This addition to Dallas supports Hilton’s strategy to broaden its lifestyle hotel offerings, with an aim to double its lifestyle hotels to 700 locations worldwide.
Furthermore, AJ Capital Partners is actively developing a second Graduate hotel in Austin, Texas, indicating a commitment to strengthening the Graduate brand in the Lone Star State. Since its inception, the Graduate Hotels brand has opened several locations, with recent openings in Boulder, Colorado; Princeton, New Jersey; and Auburn, Alabama.
Conclusion
With its engaging blend of local culture, quality hospitality, and unique design, Graduate Dallas aims to attract both tourists and residents alike, fostering a vibrant community space across from one of Texas’ prominent universities.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Hospitality Design
- Wikipedia: Graduate Hotels
- Hotel Dive
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hotel
- Travel Pulse
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
DALLAS STAFF WRITER The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
