Dallas is a buzzing metropolis, affording visitors and residents alike fine dining opportunities, world-class museums and shopping and excellent hotels. Located in the Central Business District is one such outstanding hotel: The Joule. The boutique luxury hotel is walking distance to much of what Dallas has to offer, so whether staying in or heading out, this Forbes four-star property has something for everyone.
Resurrected from a historic bank building, the first thing I noticed when approaching the hotel was the bespoke grandeur. Neo-Gothic architecture from the 1920s stands out in the neighborhood skyline and the lobby is speckled with unique museum-quality artwork curated by hotel founder and proprietor Tim Headington. 70 pieces of reclaimed mosaic work by mid-Century artist Millard Sheets can be enjoyed throughout the property, the large-scale mosaic works saved by Headington from demolition of the Mercantile Building in 2012.
A bright hallway off the lobby leads guests to the spa, a subterranean design by Adam T Tihany with a stunning vitality pool at the heart of the experience. Complete with a crystal steam room, ice fountain, sauna and air-loungers, the boutique experience books up fast, so reservations are definitely encouraged.
Rooms at The Joule are comfortable and well-designed, utilizing space well within the footprint of the building and affording alcoves for desks, large closets and lush bathrooms with rain showers. Several Penthouse options are available with sprawling 2,500 square foot floorplans and distinctive décor, giving each one a singular character and experience.
Upon entering CBD Provisions for dinner, my mouth starts to water as I smell sizzling steaks on the grill. Named for the Central Business District location in which it’s found, CBD Provisions is open all day every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The welcoming environment is warm and contemporary, with reclaimed wood and amber lighting making the surfaces glow in the Texas Brasserie. I opt for the Avocado Dip with queso fresco, salsa macha, cilantro and chili-lime chips as a starter, as well as the Shrimp Ceviche with leche de tigre, ceviche onion, Fresno pepper and fried plantains. Known for their Crispy Pig’s Head Carnitas, served family-style, the specialty dish is limited and must be reserved 24 hours in advance, so I order the Roasted Half Chicken with creamed greens, dumplings, parsley and paprikash instead—it’s divine.
After dinner, we head downstairs following a neon “cocktails” sign off the main lobby. Midnight Rambler is a delight; from the speakeasy-esque vibe to the incredible cocktails by award-winning bartender Gabe Sanchez. We belly up to the bar and enjoy a dizzying show of cocktails being prepared by knowledgeable bartenders, soak in the laughter and music of the room, and sip our specialty drinks.
Just when you think you’d discovered the entire hotel, you find more. Beyond the check-in desk the next morning I visit the coffee shop and adjacent Hotel Shop, where curated unique gifts and sundries can be found. A lounge area and another bar are located nearby and more artwork is on display to admire. For your next coffee table book to take home with you, a visit to the Taschen Library is a must for a wide variety of subject matters.
Another unique architectural feature of the hotel is the seasonal hotel pool, cantilevered over the edge of the hotel. The lounge area and bar are a perfect place to unwind on summer months, both on the sun deck and hanging out near the glass wall jutting out over the street below. A well-appointed gym is also found on the same floor to break a sweat while staying on property.
Whether lounging in your room enjoying a Taschen published book, relaxing in the spa, enjoying the curated art collection of the hotel, or walking the eclectic city of Dallas, The Joule is a luxury stay well worth experiencing. For rates and reservations, visit www.thejouledallas.com
Multi-level Penthouse Suite space.
