Lux Hotel & Spa, Trademark Collection by Wyndham

Though it’s an independent hotel, the Blue Cypress’s sprawling cream and pink exteriors (framed by lovely cypress trees) can be likened to those of a standard chain hotel. Inside, efforts have been made to update the older property, but although the spaces are clean and have been given a fresh coat of paint, furniture and silk drapes in the lobby, plus carpeting in the hallways and meeting rooms, still have a dated feel. Several common areas also seem inadequately lit. Some guests complain of noise from the karaoke bar at night. The hotel frequently hosts business conferences, groups of football fans, and school sports teams, but families and tourists are still the most common guests. 

Located on an outer road just off a highway, the hotel can seem somewhat secluded by its immediate surroundings, but it’s a quick drive to several of the area’s popular attractions. The AT&T Stadium, Ranger’s Ball Park, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, Six Flags Over Texas, and Arlington Convention Center are all within an eight-minute drive. The hotel provides a shuttle to the stadium for fees. Downtown Arlington is also under 10 minutes away by car. Downtown Dallas and Fort Worth are about 20 minutes away by car. Dallas Fort Worth International Airport is about a 15- to 20-minute drive away.

Rooms are updated, clean, and for the most part, quiet. Patterned carpets, bed runners, and wall paint -- all in various shades of orange and light blue -- indicate that attention has been paid to keeping the decor pleasant. However, the furnishings are generic, with black work desks and blocky TV units that aren’t particularly stylish. Rooms are well-appointed with air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, safes, and Wi-Fi that’s free but has problematic connectivity. Microwaves, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and ironing equipment are also provided. Suites have larger seating areas, plus kitchen areas with bigger refrigerators and sinks; however, their TVs can be strangely positioned on the walls, making it difficult to watch them at a comfortable angle. There’s enough space in King Rooms for sofa beds. Family Suites come with separate bedrooms with bunk beds. Aside from the Jacuzzi Suites, which come with large bathrooms that include hot tubs, bathrooms in other rooms are cramped, but clean. All have small shower/tub combos with fixed showerheads. Suites have additional walk-in showers with fixed showerheads. Hairdryers and toiletries are provided.

Freebies and recreational activities round out the features here. Free breakfast is served in a spacious room off the lobby. The spread itself doesn’t have much variety, consisting of a simple continental selection of cereals, pastries, fruit, and yogurt. There’s also free coffee available 24/7 in the lobby. The Zuri Restaurant and Lounge gets mixed reviews. It’s a decent place to mingle, there’s regular live entertainment, and the typical bar food is tasty enough, but the frequent crowds and nighttime karaoke can be overly loud. Room service is available.There are both an outdoor and indoor pool on-site, although neither comes with many frills. The outdoor pool is pleasant though, with seating, cabanas, and a bar provided by Zuri. In contrast, the indoor lap pool is poorly ventilated, and guests note a mildew-like smell in the area. The gym is surprisingly spacious, with plentiful cardio equipment. The hotel has a board room and a banquet hall, but dated carpeting and poor lighting don’t make them the most appealing. A small business center has two computers. A gift shop by the lobby sells souvenirs, toiletries, snacks, and other convenience items. Multiple vending machines on the ground floor also dispense drinks and munchies. There's abundant parking at the free outdoor lot. Wi-Fi throughout the property is free, but similar to in-room Wi-Fi, the signal is unreliable. The hotel allows small pets for an extra fee.