European Inspired Luxury In Dallas At Hotel Swexan

Visitors to Dallas seeking a luxury hotel experience in a location that’s convenient to restaurants, shops, and entertainment, now have a place to hang their hat, the Hotel Swexan. Located in Dallas’ chic Harwood District, the Swexan blends tradition with playfulness and a return to classic hospitality,

At the Hotel Swexan, you’re within a stone’s throw of dozens of restaurants, nine museums (including the Dallas Museum of Art), and top entertainment and sports venues such as the American Airlines Center. Klyde Warren Park and the Katy walking trail are all within easy access. And let’s not forget La Rue Perdue, a European-inspired street with 14,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space only a five minute walk from the hotel.

The Swexan is part of the family-owned Harwood Hospitality empire. The name embodies the owner’s Texas and Swiss family heritage and stands for “Swiss hospitality meets Texan charm.” For their first hotel venture, the group tapped a favorite architect, the world-renowned Kengo Kuma who also designed the extraordinary Rolex Building, included in the Harwood development. 

The Harwood District is nineteen city blocks and the Hotel Swexan is the gem of the neighborhood.  For the leisure or business traveler, it offers old-world luxury with Texas-style hospitality. 

The Rooms

The Hotel Swexan has 134 rooms including four magnificent suites with over 1000 square feet of living space each. Evey suite reflects the family’s travels and passion for art and design.

My corner king suite felt like home, a room I could live in and even entertain friends. Soothing tones of soft grey, royal blue velvet chairs, and plush textiles, are part of the Swexan aesthetic, fresh but classic. Old soul but young at heart. 

I especially liked the oval writing desk with charging ports conveniently placed on the side but underneath the desk. Bedside lighting includes reading lights within easy reach. Charging ports are discreetly attached to the side of the table and blend in seamlessly. 

The five-fixture bathroom included a soaking tub and walk-in shower with double fixtures. All of the lights could be set for motion control with the option to turn that off if you prefer. The subtle floor lights activated by motion make the perfect night light.

Amenities

A well-stocked bar mini-bar, a nice selection of wines, and appropriate glassware and bar tools were just the right at-home touch. The plentiful light and big views afforded by two walls of floor-to-ceiling windows and ten-foot ceilings in both the bedroom and the bathroom enhanced the elegant and expansive feel of the room.

All 134 rooms have skyline views and include amenities such as Frette linens, Le Labo bath products, a mini-bar, a stocked fridge, glassware, barware, safe, an iron and ironing board, a Nespresso coffee maker, outlet adaptors, Smart TV, wifi, turn down service, bottled water, and in-room controlled airconditioning. 

The gorgeous rooftop pool and Pomelo poolside bar have sweeping views of the city and are open to all guests along with a 24-hour fitness center that includes a wet and dry sauna and a cold plunge pool. Outdoor yoga is also offered and in-room spa services can be booked.

Dining at the Swexan

The Swexan offers five unique food and drink venues plus in-room dining. 

Isabelle’s

At the lobby level is Isabelle’s, serving cocktails, breakfast, brunch, light bites and lunch, and high tea on weekends. Isabelle’s is reminiscent of a European cafe, especially if the weather allows sitting on the outdoor patio with red velvet settees and bistro tables. On a busy Friday night Isabelle’s was full so we sat in the cozy seating just outside the entrance and enjoyed excellent service. Isabelle’s is open to hotel guests and to the public. The bar is busy on weekends and reservations are needed

Léonie’s

Léonie’s is an airy plant-filled rooftop bistro with jaw-dropping downtown views. The feel is a bit like an art-deco garden room. Léonie’s serves breakfast, lunch, power lunch, and dinner, and is only open to hotel guests. I had the HWD steak with frites which I highly recommend. The beef was melt-in-your-mouth tender.

Pomelo is the hotel rooftop bar with a Mediterranean vibe and of course, the same fabulous views. Pomelo is for hotel guests only.  Book the gorgeous cabana (large enough for a small group) in advance. Pomelo serves drinks and bites from noon to 10:00 p.m. Tuck into one of the cozy corners and imagine you’re on holiday in your favorite European coastal city.

Stillwell’s

Stillwell’s is a steakhouse with an art deco western twist, dark and cozy with limited seating and a private dining room for events. The HWD beef is the feature here. Harwood’s HWD beef is farmed on the family’s ranch in Oklahoma.  Stillwell’s also has a fantastic wine list including old and rare bottles curated by Master Sommelier Barbara Werley. After dinner dance like no one is watching at Babou’s, the hotel’s new speakeasy-inspired bar with intimate spaces and a hidden library bar. Babou’s is open from 5:00 p.m. until 2:00 a.m.

Meetings and events at the Swexan

The entire sixth floor of the Swexan is devoted to events and meeting spaces. The 12,000 square feet of space includes two grand ballrooms and three dedicated meeting rooms. Design details include beautiful polished marble floors and hand-carved fireplaces. A full kitchen on the sixth floor is dedicated to catering events. Note that the same great views guarantee your event will be remembered for years to come.

Whether your trip to Dallas is for business or pleasure, a stay at the Hotel Swexan will be an unforgettable experience with details to recall and stories to tell, for years to come. 

The Hotel Swexan does allow pets up to thirty-five pounds for an additional fee. Valet parking only. Ask the hotel about Gem car for getting around the downtown Dallas area.  

Room rates begin at $600 per night and specialty suites over $1000 per night.  You can book directly with the hotel at this link. Check Expedia or your favorite booking site to see if you can find a better rate.

All photos are courtesy of Penny Sadler except where noted otherwise. My stay at the Swexan was hosted. All opinions are my own.