Hilton Dallas Park Cities

The Hilton Dallas Park Cities is a contemporary hotel catering both to business and leisure travelers. Although the gray exterior is rather generic, interiors were renovated in 2017-18 and have a fresh, modern feel that makes them more appealing than the average chain hotel. The lobby is airy and rather stylish, with several sitting areas outfitted with comfortable couches and armchairs -- including one with a fireplace -- two small, black-and-gray front desks, and dark lattice screens separating the reception area from the bar and restaurant. Throughout, Texas-inspired art, such as cowboy statuettes and large photos of cattle, along with high-backed armchairs and wood and leather accents give common spaces some local flavor. 

Overall, the atmosphere is welcoming and friendly, and the hotel ticks all the right boxes for a comfortable stay: quality beds, good food, and solid amenities. Its location off the toll road is convenient for those traveling by car, but guests looking to stay closer to local attractions may want to compare rates at the Magnolia Hotel Dallas – Park Cities, which is even closer to the George W. Bush Presidential Center and Southern Methodist University. In the same price range, Hotel Indigo Dallas Downtown is a great alternative in Downtown, featuring modern rooms with great bathrooms, good food, and free shuttle service within a three-mile radius. Travelers wanting a more boutique, upscale spot should consider Hotel ZaZa in Uptown, a trendy property with sophisticated rooms. 

The Hilton Dallas Park Cities is located on a small residential street off the Dallas North Tollway, in northern University Park. It's close to the affluent Highland Park neighborhood, and within a five-minute walk of Preston Center Plaza, where several upscale stores and casual restaurants such as Hopdoddy Burger Bar and DSW. However, there are no public transportation options anywhere near the hotel, just a couple of buses that take over an hour to get to anywhere in Downtown Dallas. Southern Methodist University and the George W. Bush Presidential Center are two of the biggest attractions in the area, and each can be reached in about 10 minutes by car. Downtown Dallas is a 15-minute drive away. The hotel also offers easy road access to Love Field Airport, located a 12-minute drive away, and to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, which is 20 minutes away. The hotel offers valet parking for a fee, but there is no self-parking on-site. 

The hotel’s 224 rooms underwent extensive renovations in 2017 and have a fresh, contemporary look. While elements such as striped carpets and earth-tone palettes give rooms a chain-like feel, all are spacious and have a few touches that make them more appealing than the average corporate hotel, including high-backed armchairs, several small lamps, and textured padded headboards. All rooms feature either a king bed, two queens, or two doubles, all consistently well-reviewed by past guests and topped with light duvets and four pillows each. Blackout curtains are also provided for a good night’s sleep. Standard in-room amenities include coffeemakers, flat-screen TVs with cable channels, mini-fridges, and big work desks with ergonomic chairs. Superior and Deluxe units are outfitted with sofa beds. 

Bathrooms were also updated in the mid-2010s and are clean and appealing, with textured off-white wallpaper, big shower/tub combos with curved curtain rods, lots of counter space, and macro images of Texas-inspired elements. Hairdryers and toiletries are provided.

Grain is a stylish all-day restaurant located off the lobby and serving up American cuisine with a Texas twist and fresh, local produce. The menu changes seasonally, and includes small bites such as cornmeal-dusted calamari with poblano sauce, hummus flatbread, and cilantro quesadillas, as well as bigger portions that range from pizzas and salads to burgers and sandwiches. Kids under 6 eat free. The bar has lots of comfortable seating, and there is some outdoor space offering direct access to the street. Room service is available 24/7 (though the menu is limited overnight), and there is a small grab-and-go area in the lobby with candy, drinks, chips, and basic pharmacy items.

One of the hotel’s top highlights is its pleasant rooftop pool, which is open year-round and features several loungers. Towels are provided free of charge. Located adjacent to the pool deck, the 24-hour fitness center is light and airy, and is outfitted with enough cardio and strength-training machines for a full workout. The hotel also offers 12,000 square feet of meeting space, including a large ballroom and nine meeting rooms, all featuring audiovisual equipment. Computers and printers are available at the business center, and catering services can be provided on request. Wi-Fi is only free for Hilton Honors members, but the rewards program is free to join.