The Pittman Hotel
By June Naylor
Photos by Cris Molina
Where History And Contemporary Design Cohabitate
This Deep Ellum hotel on the edge of downtown Dallas, which opened last August, is steeped in history. A Kimpton boutique property, The Pittman hotel was named for Black architect William Sidney Pittman, who designed the 1916 landmark, originally a Knights of Pythias Temple, and the first building in Dallas built for and by African Americans. Behind the Beaux Arts facade, The Pittman’s interior combines restored vintage details and contemporary design elements, the result of collaboration among the Dallas Historical Society, Busta Studio designers and Perkins + Will architects. In 165 rooms and suites, white walls are hung with local artwork and original vintage photos sourced from the Dallas Public Library; rugs, furniture and detail accents add a splash of color. Among public spaces, the immediate standout is Elm & Good, the modern American restaurant and bar showcasing food by Graham Dodds, whose work rose to fame at the late Bolsa in nearby Bishop Arts. Adjacent to Elm & Good, a new pool and pool deck with fire pits, lounge seating, a live music venue, and a tavern called Deep End opens by summer. Guests have access to in-room yoga mats, a fitness center, loaner bicycles and a hosted happy hour, too. Rates start from about $150 a night. — June Naylor
2551 Elm St., Dallas, 469-498-2500, pittmanhoteldallas.com
The lobby, above, with both indoor and outdoor seating, is designed as a place to enjoy coffee or a cocktail.
Punches of color break up the neutral palette in the rooms and suites (below). A platform bed (or two) with a custom mattress are among the amenities in every room; book a suite and enjoy a spa bathroom with soaking tub. Photo by Laure Joliet
The Beeman Hotel
By June Naylor
The Beeman’s contemporary lobby sets the tone for the rest of the renovated hotel.
Seely’s Mill, the in-house bar/restaurant, offers barbecue along with local beers, tequila flights and cocktails. Photos courtesy of The Beeman Hotel
Location, Location, Location
Perched on the west side of Dallas’ Park Cities neighborhoods — in walking distance of the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum — The Beeman Hotel recently opened to give clientele a stylish stay close to NorthPark Center. Formerly The Magnolia Hotel, this lodging in a 1960s building holds 296 guest rooms with wood floors, contemporary lines and bursts of color on walls and room decor. Studio 11 Design’s interiors include murals and mixed-media art installations; look for the big, bold painting of Dallas native Erykah Badu in the lobby. The restaurant, Seely’s Mill, specializes in its own smokehouse menu, along with a solid tequila selection and local brews. There’s a heated indoor-outdoor pool, and the hotel provides discounts for guests at a nearby Woodhouse Day Spa, a gym and boutiques. Rooms start from $123. — June Naylor
6070 N. Central Expressway, Dallas, 214-750-6060, thebeemanhotel.com