The Westin Galleria Dallas

The classy and contemporary lobby of this upscale hotel sits in hushed contrast to the hustle and bustle of the attached Dallas Galleria. Decor features include rich wood paneling and polished marble floors in cream tones, all softly illuminated by several large and distinctive oval chandeliers. There are a few semi-sequestered seating areas with modern chairs and sofas in teal, butterscotch, and tropical plants in huge ceramic pots add life to the space. All in all, this hotel is a tasteful Westin outpost with broad appeal. Most visitors are business travelers, though its also a reasonable option for tourists who want to be near the adjacent Galleria mall. 

The Westin is located north of downtown Dallas and attached to the massive Dallas Galleria mall, which features over 200 shops and restaurants plus a skating rink. It’s a busy area near the intersection of the Dallas Parkway and Interstate 635/LBJ Freeway that circles Dallas. The Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center, the American Airlines Center, and other downtown Dallas attractions can be reached in approximately 25 minutes, depending on traffic. Southern Methodist University, Dallas Love Field Airport, and the Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas are all about 20 minutes driving. AT&T Stadium and Six Flags Arlington are 35 minutes by car, and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is a half-hour drive away.

Rooms at The Westin have modern and stylish decor that’s upscale, but subtle -- there's no splashy artwork or trendy designer armchairs. Instead, rooms sport handsome light-wood paneling and matching furniture including headboards with attached nightstands and long, wall-mounted desks with flat-screen TVs. The same paneling is used for the padded window seats and attached cabinets that hold safes, coffeemakers, and minibars. Cocoa-brown carpets make the rooms feel a bit dark, but the all-white bedding and light-beige walls keep them from being gloomy. Bathrooms are brighter and feature tan granite vanities and either shower/tub combos or walk-in showers with clear-glass doors, tan tiling, and rainfall showerheads. Suites have two bathrooms with separate soaking tubs and walk-in showers. Robes are provided.Traditional (standard) Rooms offer king and two-queen options, all with Westin Heavenly Beds that guests praise for their comfort. Club Rooms on the higher floors include access to the Club Lounge, with a free hot breakfast buffet and refreshments throughout the day. Rooms are generally quiet, but those on lower floors can get some noise from the road and the mall. 

This Westin outpost meets -- and in many cases exceeds -- the expectations of the upscale brand. This property has two elegant restaurants: Oceanaire Seafood Room, which serves dinner, and The Second Floor by Scott Gottlich which serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. Private dining is also available. Guests can also order food directly to their lounge chair or cabana at the small, basic outdoor heated pool on the fourth floor. Room service is available around the clock as well. The fitness center is large and well equipped with an array of LifeFitness cardio and weight-training machines and free weights. There's no spa, but in-room treatments are available. The Westin also offers around 54,000 square feet of meeting space, plus a business center with multiple PCs and internet access. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel for members of Starwood's loyalty program, but joining is free and available to all guests. Self-parking is free, and while valet parking is available, it’s expensive. Concierge services include valet dry cleaning and laundry. Pets are welcome for a fee.