The Joule Hotel Dallas, When Luxury Exceeds Expectations
Story by: Sol tucker
Photos by: Sol tucker
Dallas, TX--
There
aren’t many hotels that fit into the category Uber Luxury that are right in the
middle of a Downtown Upbeat Neighborhood, but in
SPG’s Luxury Collection, The Joule Hotel’s
Main Street address in downtown Dallas is about as right in the thick of things
as you will get.
One thing we must say,
the Joule has spared no expense to make it one of the best if not best places
to stay in Dallas.
Constructed in 1927, the Dallas National Bank Building stands as
one of the finest and last remaining examples of gothic revival high-rise
buildings in Dallas, heralded by local newspapers as a major milestone in the
architectural development of the city's skyline. By 1950, however, extensive
remodeling had destroyed much of the building’s facade and the interior gothic
ornamentation was completely lost.
In 2007, the Dallas National Bank Building underwent extensive restoration and
renovation.
Today with a new façade and
excellent mood lighting outside make this a landmark that can’t be missed.
When you
arrive at the Joule you will have to carefully pay attention to all of the
detail the lobby has to offer. Before you get to the check in desk you won’t
miss the two gigantic cogs turning, which according to the designer are meant
to represent Texas and oil rigs. Funny, I think it's a little too new era for
that; say more like Salvador Dali does Dallas. Perhaps it was the stack of
books in front of it that made it a bit more intriguing or was it that portrait
of an eye on the wall you see through the cogs that really made us take a
double take at this lobby.
The
colors of brown and mauve couches complete the middle common area and Euro
Style leather chairs in the Library Portion and alcove of the side of the middle
of the room. There is no shortage of detail in this property. It gives a new
medium to premium.
Okay so
here is where the fun begins at the Joule… The Room Selection! This place is
the candy store for travelers. If you happen to be the lucky one with pockets
for the Penthouse, you will not want to leave; Britney Spears didn’t on a
recent trip and even offered to buy it she was so overwhelmed with its
ammenities.
The best
room to be had for any traveler from their 129 rooms and suites
is the 465-square-foot Joule Suite. This room just roars
with sophistication. Is there anything in this room that isn’t basic?
Black Merbau wood floors line the entryway and
Bram Tihany’s timeless photography of Downtown Dallas pops against the beige
patterned wall cover, which works its way through the glossy suite.
In the bedroom, sleek Italian woodwork with self-closing drawers in a white oak
high-gloss finish works well with the plush king bed. Adorned with
300-thread-count sheets, the bed’s ivory calfskin leather headboard includes
recessed lighting for total convenience and a sultry feel. A 42” television is
cleverly hidden behind sheets of smoked glass.
The separate living room is elegant and modern, tastefully appointed with a
sofa bed, a second 42”
plasma television,
a spacious desk, and a deep soaking bath.
The private bathroom includes a blue glass counter with a clear glass oval
sink. White cabinets in high-gloss finish pick up the polished chrome legs and
faucet of the contemporary designs by Colber, Italy. The bathtub, equipped with
a bathtub caddy, bath pillow, and a full assortment of Gilchrist & Soames
amenities, is the perfect spot to soak it all in.
Only problem we could find with this suite
was that you will not want to leave.
For those on a romantic adventure or just a one-nighter, the Demi
Joule, sets a mood that you are not likely to find anywhere in Dallas. Walls of
shirr gray curtains and a wall of mirrors become the stage for highlights of
jewel-tone colors and sleek surfaces: from the round bed with red leather
headboard and zebra-print area rug, to the imported custom Italian woodwork
with self-closing drawers presented in white oak with a high-gloss finish the
only thing you will find missing is the mirror on the ceiling. According to the
staff of the hotel, the thought was originally there and don’t be surprised if
it shows up over the life of the hotel.
So the winner in this hotel is the Penthouse. Very few places come
close to this adult playground. There are some rooms in Vegas that would fail
to match the quality of the Joule’s Gem.
The
Penthouse has floor to ceiling window and two outdoor patios with amazing views
of Dallas. Everything is dark espresso-stained, chrome, and neutrals. Take note
of the gigantic chess pieces flanking a marble chess board (as if anyone's
going to play chess, but - you never know). It gives way to a table with
zebra covered cushions. There are two bedrooms, one with a telescope, and one
with not. There are also two bathrooms, one with glass enclosed dual shower
heads, and one with not.
In the larger
bedroom, the shower is built into the wall, and does not have a shade, screen,
frosted glass, or anything that would conceal you from all of Dallas. All the
better, if office Peeping Tom’s are around, throw a party, with “entertainment”
and show them what a voyeurs dream on the 19th floor is really meant
for.
The master bathroom has
screens that are electronic to
create privacy.
If you
stay at the property in the Spring, you can’t miss out on their Infinity Pool
which is located on the 10th floor and a portion of the pool is
built over the Main Street front of the hotel. A great way to take in the city.
Cozy chairs and loungers surround the pool and a bar has what you need to get
the job done in the alcohol department. A modern gym with everything your gym
may not have is also an option if you want to leave these amazing rooms.
Charlie
Palmers offers an amazing dining experience and we will bring that to our
readers in a separate review along with PM Lounge located in the basement of
the hotel.
Overall
the Joule rates a definite 9.5 out of 10 when it comes to what you need.
I would say that the valet is a bit pricy for
those who are getting a great deal on the hotel. The $27 a night is a bit
steep,
but several properties in the
area along the lines of the Joule had lower rates, but were not located in the
Downtown Corridor.
The best
room to be had for any traveler from their 129 rooms and suites
For those on a romantic adventure or just a one-nighter, the Demi
Joule, sets a mood that you are not likely to find anywhere in Dallas. Walls of
shirr gray curtains and a wall of mirrors become the stage for highlights of
jewel-tone colors and sleek surfaces: from the round bed with red leather
headboard and zebra-print area rug, to the imported custom Italian woodwork
with self-closing drawers presented in white oak with a high-gloss finish the
only thing you will find missing is the mirror on the ceiling. According to the
staff of the hotel, the thought was originally there and don’t be surprised if
it shows up over the life of the hotel.
The
Penthouse has floor to ceiling window and two outdoor patios with amazing views
of Dallas. Everything is dark espresso-stained, chrome, and neutrals. Take note
of the gigantic chess pieces flanking a marble chess board (as if anyone's
going to play chess, but - you never know). It gives way to a table with
zebra covered cushions. There are two bedrooms, one with a telescope, and one
with not. There are also two bathrooms, one with glass enclosed dual shower
heads, and one with not.
