W Dallas - Victory

The upscale W Hotel Dallas Victory Park is a bright, bold property that's popular with tourists, convention goers, business travelers, celebrities, and sports fans planning to attend events at the adjacent American Airlines arena. The vibe is energetic and a touch brash, with mod Texas flair, from the strings of cowboy and cow figurine curtains lining the stairways to the chic stone slab tables in the business center and the oversized leather furniture found throughout the busy common areas. The hotel is fun, with tongue-in-cheek cowboy decor that includes lasso sculptures, neon buffalo skulls, and the occasional armadillo-skin accent. All of this adds up to a social vibe, and there are plenty of spaces for making new friends -- from the poolside bar to the trendy restaurant that draws locals and hotel guests alike. Guests seeking a peaceful retreat can find it in the on-site Bliss Spa, but the W is in the center of things, and it is best suited to guests who like to feel that way.

The W Hotel Dallas Victory Park is located in the center of Dallas' Victory Park entertainment district, across the street from the American Airlines Center, which makes this hotel a particularly convenient pick for guests traveling to attend a game or concert. There is a lot to do in the immediate area, with high-end shopping and plenty of well-known restaurants like Hard Rock Cafe and the House of Blues. The city's historic West End is around 10 to 15 minutes away on foot, or five minutes by taxi, while the Dallas World Aquarium and the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza -- dedicated to President John F. Kennedy -- are both within a 15-minute walk. The Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, Dallas Symphony, and Perot Museum are all within a 10-minute drive of the hotel. Expect a 30-minute drive to Dallas-Fort Worth Airport.

Rooms at the W Hotel Dallas Victory Park are large and spotless, with lots of sunlight and spectacular skyline views. The decor is unmistakably Texas, with bandana-patterned blankets, rhinestone drawer pulls, and touches of cowboy chic. However, the W manages to rein in the look and keep things tasteful, a feat accomplished by the muted gray, white, and blue color palette. The pillow-top beds are big and comfy -- they sit under gray alligator-leather headboards and come with a pillow menu. Most rooms have great skyline views, and even entry-level Wonderful Rooms offer charming window-side banquettes for taking in the panorama. Furniture comes in white lacquer, wood, and polished chrome, and has sharp, sleek lines. Higher-category rooms have more exuberant, shimmery decor, and fun additions like foosball tables and massive living areas. Amenities include flat-screen TVs with premium channels, pay movies, and DVD players; iPod docks; and minibars. There is a fee for Wi-Fi, except for SPG members. Bathrooms are striking and modern, with walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads and cool subway tiling, plus a white and gray scheme that blends seamlessly with the look of the room. Bliss toiletries are provided, though there is limited counter space around the sinks in some lower-category rooms. Fixtures are all contemporary, and higher-category rooms have separate showers and tubs. Many bathrooms are partially open, with curtain dividers, which may make some guests uncomfortable. Connecting rooms are available upon request. Pets are welcome, and the W offers in-room pet amenities including dog beds and FIDO magazines. 

The W Hotel Dallas Victory Park features a gorgeous outdoor infinity pool, 16 floors up and overlooking the city. The pool is small, but there is a lap lane for serious swimmers, and the deck is furnished with day beds and lounge chairs. There is also a poolside bar. Further wellness options include a Bliss Spa outpost offering a decadent spa menu that ranges from massages to beauty treatments, all done with Bliss' signature products. There's also a sauna for pre- or post-treatment relaxation. The W's fitness center is enormous, with walls of windows offering beautiful city views while working out. There are plenty of cardio machines and weight equipment, as well as flat-screen TVs. Dining options include Cook Hall, serving an American gastropub style menu and handcrafted cocktails in a modern dining room featuring hanging Edison bulbs. It draws a mix of hotel guests, tourists, and Dallas locals, but breakfast will not be included with standard room rates. The Living Room Bar, in the lobby, serves a lighter menu. Its happy hour, featuring signature cocktails and a live DJ, is popular with guests and locals, who congregate on the comfortable oversized sofas or out on the terrace. There is a dedicated indoor/outdoor event space and wedding venue on the 33rd floor looking over downtown Dallas. Wi-Fi is available throughout, but is only free for SPG members.