The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas

Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas

"How did it strike you on arrival?Driving up to the property in Las Colinas northwest of Dallas, I'm taken by the Spanish colonial-style architecture and the beautiful grounds. When you're in Dallas proper, it is easy to forget how lovely large stretches of impeccably maintained grass can be. Here that grass is part of two 18-hole golf courses—TPC Four Seasons Las Colinas and Cottonwood Valley. What’s the crowd like?Despite the Four Seasons label, this hotel feel laid back, so you'll find a great mix of people. While sitting in the lobby for any extended amount of time you are likely to see a guys golfing group, a wedding party, and a young family headed to the pool. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.I stayed in a premiere villa suite, which has quite a bit more going on than the entry level rooms, and it was well worth it. There was a lovely living area complete with a fireplace that was perfect for entertaining. There was a full bathroom in addition to a powder room and the large dining table was perfect for enjoying meals as a family. My favorite area was the wraparound terrace and its views of the TPC course. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that worth a mention?Don't underrate a good turndown service. Here it helped to keep the room clean and zen. What do they have for food?Lovers of locally sourced meats will go nuts for LAW, which stands for "Land, Air and Water." Executive chef Christof Syré serves up Akaushi beef from Beeman Ranch in Harwood and scrumptious redfish from Copper Shoals Farms in Port O’Connor. The quail and chicken are also locally sourced. LAW's master sommelier, James Tidwell, will help you select the perfect pairing for your dish of choice. In-room dining here is also an absolute luxury. My meal of choice? Breakfast! Start with a large pot of La Colombe coffee and ease into things with a Texas pecan twist or a piece of banana bread. For your main meal, I would suggest Huevos Las Colinas, with two eggs, tortilla, avocado, black beans, queso fresco, and ranchero sauce. So good (and so Texas). Staff: If you could award one a trophy, who gets it, and why?The driver of the mini shuttle who transported us from check-in at the main resort to our villa suite was helpful, personable, and offered us some tips and tricks to score the best seats at the two outdoor pools. Anything we forgot to ask about?Those who enjoy staying active on vacation will love this resort and its fitness facilities. Think jogging tracks, an indoor lap pool, group exercise studio (more than 40 classes a week), 12 tennis courts, and two golf courses. My favorite class? AntiGravity aerial yoga for the win. What's the bottom line?The Four Seasons feels like home, and to me, that is priceless. This hotel is warm and welcoming to the entire family. And the golf alone is enough to make it worth it for the athlete in your life." - Diana Oates