Wyndham Dallas Suites – Park Central

This handsome hotel was renovated in 2014, and public spaces remain fresh and inviting. While the vibe here is definitely that of a business hotel -- many guest are here primarily to attend meetings -- it's also a popular choice among families looking value-added amenities. The soaring, 10-story lobby atrium elicits a definite wow factor, with an impressive granite-and-marble fountain as the centerpiece and tropical plants throughout that add life and color. Clusters of comfortable seating are spread out throughout, and while a steady stream of travelers pass through during the day, the hotel never feels crowded. The lobby bar is a popular place when it opens every afternoon. 

The Wyndham is positioned between two other hotels in a busy urban area of north Dallas, near the intersection of the Interstate 635 (LBJ Expressway) beltway with the North Central Expressway (75). A few fast-food restaurants, pharmacy, and a Starbucks are within five minutes on foot, but most guests will want to drive to get anywhere. The Galleria Dallas mall is about a 10-minute drive, and downtown Dallas attractions such as the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center and American Airlines Center can be reached in about 15 to 20 minutes. Dallas Love Field airport is a 20-minute drive, while Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is approximately 25 minutes away by car. 

The all-Suite accommodations are done in a simple yet tasteful contemporary style, but nothing really stands out in the decor and as a result units feel lackluster and a touch clinical. Walls and linens are white, there's padded fabric headboards and dark neutral carpeting and drapes, and upholstery is a mix of drab earth tones. 

At 504 square feet, the Standard Suites (Kings and Double Queens) are quite spacious and include separate seating areas with sleeper sofas, armchairs, coffee tables, desks with office chairs, and additional flat-screen TVs (bedrooms also have TVs). Wet bars are located in the areas that connect the bedrooms and living rooms, and they include coffeemakers and mini-fridges. Safes and free Wi-Fi are standard, but microwaves aren't (they are available for a surcharge). Larger, premium Suites add microwaves. 

Bathrooms in Standard Suites are a bit cramped and narrow, and all have shower/tub combos with rainfall showerheads and wide, white ceramic vanities. Suites have larger bathrooms and some have separate tubs and walk-in showers. As for views, downtown Dallas can be seen from some Suites on higher floors, but most units overlook the immediate area. The Suites are generally quiet, but those on the lower floors sometimes can hear ambient noise coming from the atrium when it’s busy.

There's a full lineup of amenities at this hotel that are in line with other properties in its category. Features are geared toward business travelers, and the hotel often hosts events in its 12,000 square feet of meeting space that can accommodate groups of up to 480 people. Guests with business in the area will appreciate the free shuttle within a five-mile radius, plus the 24-hour business center in the lobby has two computers and a printer. 

For dining, Café Biarritz is located in the atrium area of the lobby and offers a extensive hot buffet for breakfast for an extra charge, and continental cuisine for lunch and dinner. Room service is available. In addition to a full menu of drinks, appetizers are served every evening in the lobby bar, and for quick snacks and drinks, there's a gift shop that also sells sundries and souvenirs.

Wellness is a highlight, as the large 24-hour fitness center has several pieces of LifeFitness cardio equipment, free weights, and a strength-training machine. There's also a heated indoor/outdoor pool that's is quite spacious when both sections are combined. Comfy loungers are available, and there's also a whirlpool. 

Plenty of free parking is available on the hotel’s surface lot, valet dry cleaning and laundry are among the concierge services, and the hotel has a guest laundry room. Wi-Fi is free throughout, and pets are welcome with a surcharge.