The Stoneleigh Hotel in Dallas is one grand lady with more than just a face lift. Reopened in March, the 85-year-old hotel north of downtown has returned to the elegance it was famous for.
In an April 2005 column, I wrote that even though I enjoyed my stay at the Stoneleigh, it was a bit threadbare and had lost some of its luster. A $36 million renovation was supposed to revive the onetime Uptown hot spot.
"It will be interesting to return in a couple of years to see if the old hotel has lost its character," I said in conclusion three years ago.
When it opened as the Stoneleigh Court Hotel in 1923, the 11-story, concrete, fireproof building was touted as the most modern building in Dallas and the tallest hotel west of the Mississippi.
Not only did it rent rooms by the night, but the apartments on the upper floors were occupied by wealthy Dallasites. Guests and residents were treated with air-conditioning, maid service, a parking garage and the hotel's own radio station.
Over the years, the property went through a series of owners and remodels. By 1985, the number of suites had gone from 135 to 158 as the apartments were divided. My room in 2005 was one of the last to have a separate bedroom, living room and kitchen.
In this renovation, the number of rooms increased to 170. My old room lost its kitchen and the mismatched furniture. It still has space to spread out and the furnishings are modern and stylish, with just a hint of the Art Deco era. I love the way the tall windows can flood the room with light.
In addition to the guest rooms upgraded with flat screen TVs, wireless Internet and spacious bathrooms, the first floor received a makeover that maintained the charm of an F. Scott Fitzgerald novel. In the evenings, the lobby becomes a part of the bar. The dining room has become a high-end Italian food restaurant. The owners have also added a variety of services in the basement spa.
The new Stoneleigh Hotel has been repositioned into a boutique hotel competing with others in the neighborhood, such as Hotel ZaZa, W Dallas and the Ritz-Carlton. Even with the high level of service and comfort, the Stoneleigh's rates begin at $245 compared to $300 or more at the nearby alternatives.
The Stoneleigh Hotel and Spa is at 2927 Maple Ave., a block from Turtle Creek and the Katy Trail hike-and-bike path. Room rates range from $245 to $600, with special spa and vacation packages available. For more information, call 1-800-921-8489 or go online to www.stoneleighhotel.com.
Gerald E. McLeod's Day Trips, Vol. 2 is available for $8.95, plus $3.05 for shipping, handling and tax. Mail to: Day Trips, P.O. Box 33284, South Austin, Texas 78704.
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