The Highland Dallas, Curio Collection by Hilton

"Located on the edge of the upscale Park Cities neighborhood, the 198-room Highland, formerly the Palomar, oozes subdued sophistication, from its restored crystal chandeliers to its polished walnut floors. Well-designed rooms have plenty of lounge space (and a funky zebra-striped robe to lounge around in), bathrooms stocked with Etro products, free Wi-Fi, and outlets galore. While there’s really no reason to venture far from the hotel—due to such amenities as an Exhale Spa, where guests can sign up for a massage or a yoga class, and Central 214, which serves standout regional fare—those wishing to explore the environs will have to drive to pay extra for transportation."

"Centrally located just outside of the Park Cities—across the highway from Southern Methodist University and adjacent to Mockingbird Station—the hotel is a prime spot for business travelers and university parents. It checks all the boxes at a price point that is a lot more approachable than many of the downtown options, and its pet and family-friendly policies make it a solid choice for a variety of types of travelers. The in-hotel restaurant, Knife, is one of Dallas's finest steakhouses, thanks to chef John Tesar's mastery of dry-aged meats." - Diana Oates

"How did it strike you on arrival?Although this hotel is right off the exit of one of Dallas's major highways, its elegant entrance makes up for the potentially traffic-jammed location. Located just outside of the Park Cities, it is located across the highway from Southern Methodist University and across the street from Mockingbird Station making it an attractive choice for many visitors who are here for both work and pleasure. What’s the crowd like?It's a business casual clique. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.The King Superior Suite is comfortable for a family of three at 800-square feet. The decor was updated and I really appreciated the fact that the desk area came outfitted with an ergonomic chair. As a sufferer of severe tech neck, it is really nice to be able to work on my laptop without getting a terrible headache. The soaking tub was also a great way to unwind after a long day. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that worth a mention?I love a hotel that chooses Molton Brown for their bathroom products. They smell so heavenly. The room had a fully stocked honor bar, however, I was saving my appetite for dinner and drinks downstairs. What do they have for dinner and drinks then?This hotel is home of one of Dallas's finest steakhouses. Knife is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and serves quality cuisine in a cozy atmosphere. And while chef John Tesar is known for his dry-aged meats, I have yet to find anything on the menu that I didn't devour within minutes. Knife's bar is always bustling and a great place to meet up with someone for a cocktail while you are in town but don't have time for a full meal. And if you aren't in the mood to put on pants, you can also, thankfully, order Knife via room service. Anything stand out about other services and features?The Highland's infinity pool is very Vegas glam and transports you far from central Dallas. I also like that you are able to eat dinner or get a massage poolside. The Exhale Spa offers treatments and workout classes that make for a lovely day. I recommend starting your morning with an Exhale HIT class and then heading up to the spa for a massage. If you have time, book a blowout next door at Salon Pompeo. Bottom line: worth it?So worth it. This is a centrally located hotel that checks all of the boxes at an affordable price point. It is also kid- and pet-friendly which scores major points in my book." - Diana Oates

"One of the first properties to join Hilton’s Curio Collection, The Highland received a multimillion-dollar renovation in 2016, giving spaces a warm, sophisticated vibe with lots of wood and stone and splashes of Texas chic (think fur in the elevators, longhorn motifs in the bathrooms, and carpets emblazoned with abstract maps of downtown Dallas). The 198 rooms vary in size and shape, but all feature a clubby aesthetic, custom-designed headboards, plasma TVs, gourmet minibars, and city views. Owing to its locationnear the upscale Mockingbird Station retail and restaurant complex and Southern Methodist University’s lush campus, the hotel attractsa mix of corporate clients during the week and leisure travelers on the weekends and is outfitted with meeting rooms, a small gym with Peloton bikes, and a heated pool with hot tubs, cabanas, and a weekend bar. (Note that the pool is shared with residents from the adjacent apartment tower.) The lobby often hosts a live jazz trio, while noted chef John Tesar’s upscale Knife steakhouse has earned raves for its Texas-raised meat, extensive charcuterie menu, and garden lounge. Guests also have access to—and receive discounts for—the Exhale spa and fitness studio, setnear the hotel’s front doors."