What it is

An art-stocked retreat in the Design District with a cabana-flanked rooftop pool, humming bar scene and an all-suite lineup of thoughtfully designed guest rooms.

What it isn't

Poorly caffeinated. A charming coffee shop, Funny Library, awaits just-off the lobby and serves indie favorite La Colombe coffee in all requisite hipster combinations, from cortado to pour over.

What we think

Anyone who has ever flown Virgin Atlantic knows that Sir Richard Branson does things a little differently. Here, he and the Virgin Hotels crew did away with standard issue guest rooms, and designed rooms that can all be considered suites: each one has sliding doors that instantly make a two room abode, if and when a need for “me time” calls. (Other perks: sculptural furniture, mini bars priced like a local store—i.e., not exorbitant—and zippy free WiFi). For even roomier digs, we love the Grand Chamber King Suite, which has a living room with rounded floor to ceiling glass walls that peer over the Dallas skyline and a wraparound patio, natch. The 15th floor Penthouse King Suite is also a major thrill, thanks to a 1,400 square foot floor plan with 360 degree panoramas of the city. Call it Virgin Intergalactic.

You're here because

The 4th floor rooftop pool has its own Pool Club complete with spinning DJs and Instagrammable cocktails (like the aptly named Purple Rain, with St. Germain and Bombay Sapphire).

The Moment

Of course brunch would be bigger in Texas…everything is. But you weren’t expecting just how phenomenal the weekend offerings at The Commons Club would be—including jalapeno cheddar waffles with buttermilk fried chicken and hot chili honey that makes you feel like you own the state—or at least a few oil fields.

Restaurants & Bars

The Commons Club - Dallas restaurant that serves unbound inspiration and creative culinary on every plate.

The Pool Club - From umbrella drinks and coconut suntan lotion by day to the sound of chilled beats at night, The Pool Club is exactly where you want to be.

The Funny Library - Come take a seat in this communal work space, pop open your laptop or grab a book off the shelf. Cozy up and fill your belly with some delicious coffee, pastry, or some fresh and healthy lite bites.

Location

In the pulsing heart of the Design District, just two miles from the Dallas Museum of Art—stocked with some 25,000 pieces, and free to visit.