Homewood Suites by Hilton Dallas Downtown

Given its central downtown location, spacious suites, and impressive array of amenities, this hotel attracts a mix of business and leisure travelers. The lobby isn’t expansive, but it's large enough for a small sitting area set with a contemporary sofa and armchairs next to the reception desk. Given all there is to do in the hotel and see throughout downtown, however, guests don’t tend to linger here. The lounge and breakfast area have various seating arrangements and hosts guests that mingle during morning breakfasts and evening receptions. A sofa in front of a flat-screen TV shows sporting events and is a popular place during the evening receptions, as is a billiards table tucked into an adjacent side area. A video gaming room, basketball court, and indoor pool make this hotel quite family-friendly, too. This is a casual and friendly place where guests are encouraged to interact both before and after a day of exploring the Big D.

This hotel is located in the heart of downtown Dallas, with many restaurants, shops, and attractions within a brief walk. The Dallas World Aquarium is a five-minute walk, and the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza is an eight-minute walk. The Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center is a 10-minute walk, while an 11- to 12-minute walk can reach both the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Dallas Art Museum. The hotel is connected to the Dallas Underground Pedestrian Network, which provides convenient connections to many attractions downtown. The hotel also offers a free shuttle service throughout downtown, and the city’s DART train system stops in front of the hotel, making the American Airlines Center a 10-minute train ride away. Dallas Love Field Airport is a 15-minute drive (28 minutes by train), and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is 25 to 30 minutes by car or 60 to 70 minutes by train. Southern Methodist University is approximately 10 minutes by car, as is the Cotton Bowl Stadium and Texas State Fairgrounds. The AT&T Stadium and Six Flags Arlington are 25 to 30 minutes away by car. While considered generally safe, the immediate area surrounding the hotel does have a visible homeless population. 

The all-suites hotel has pleasant and tastefully decorated rooms, though the decor is unsurprising and reflects its chain-hotel status. And copious use of brown makes the spaces feel dark, despite off-white walls. Drapes in dark-brown-and-green stripes echo the kelly green accent walls. Chocolate-brown wood floors in the kitchen area and two-tone tan-and-brown carpeting adds to the unified look. Matching espresso-hued furniture includes desks, nightstands, side tables, and dressers holding flat-screen TVs. Categories include studio, one-, and two-bedroom suites. Studios feature an open layout in one large room, with some units dividing the kitchen area by a partial wall. Sofas in the suites are full-size sleepers, and beds feature Serta Suite Dreams bedding. Larger suites also have second flat-screen TVs. All suites are clean and spacious, and have full kitchens with full-size fridges, sinks, microwaves, coffeemakers, two-burner cooktops, dishwashers, dishes, and utensils. Business travelers can make use of the work desks with media plug-ins paired with ergonomic office chairs, and there are two phones with voice mail. Free Wi-Fi is offered in each suite, as are free daily newspapers on weekdays. 

Tan granite vanity sinks are placed immediately outside the bathrooms, decorated with beige tile floors and walk-in showers, some of which have glass doors while others have a fabric curtain. Windows overlook city streets and high-rise office buildings. Past guests have reported that noise from traffic and the nearby DART train can be heard in some rooms, especially those on lower levels. 

Features at this Homewood Suites are fun and convenient. Included in room rates are a full hot breakfast daily and evening reception Monday through Thursday with a light dinner buffet and beverages including beer and wine. The 24-hour convenience store in the lobby sells sundries, snacks, and beverages, as well as ready-to-microwave soups and frozen entrees. The hotel also offers a free grocery-shopping service (the groceries themselves cost extra), and there is free coffee/tea in the lobby. The fitness center has several Precor cardio and weight-training machines and free weights, as well as a half basketball court and a golf simulation game. The workout room overlooks a heated indoor pool area that includes lounge chairs, tables, and a large mural of the Dallas skyline. There is a video gaming room with an Xbox, and a billiards table occupies a side area off the lobby. A media room with large screen, projector, and theater-style seating can be reserved by guests for movies and other activities. There are eight meeting rooms and a business center that includes two computer stations with Internet access, printer, and table and chairs for a small meeting. Free Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the property. There is an ATM in the lobby. The only on-site parking option is valet and it’s rather expensive. A self-park facility across the street is about half the valet rate. The hotel operates a free shuttle service throughout downtown.