Review of The Joule, Dallas

PHOTO: Exterior of The Joule courtesy of The Joule

Since Downtown Dallas began its current resurgence into a competitive, must-see destination for the modern jet-set, several fresh storefront openings have helped Dallas become alluring including the pre-eminent boutique emporium Forty Five Ten. Yet whatever cultural advances fashion and the arts have made in Dallas, the hotel scene has remained less than par with the glowing changes along the cities of the coasts, such as Washington, D.C., San Francisco and even habitually rising Charleston, South Carolina. Stars such as the Four Seasons Las Colinas have cast a long-shadow on the standard of pre-eminence required to be a top hotel in demanding Big D.

But one entry into the hospitality scene in Dallas has made a strong mark. The Joule in Downtown Dallas has opened to the kind of nationwide hotel acclaim Britney Spears would want for a new album and from recent experience the reputation has been well-earned.

Named for the international unit of energy, The Joule is housed in a revitalized 1920’s neo-gothic Dallas landmark designed by award-winning designer Adam D. Tihany. Both the exterior as well as the interior of the hotel (including staff) is exactly my style. The concierge service has a friendly southern bent with the excessive greeting one expects of a hotel charging more than $200 a night for an entry-level room.

PHOTO: Lobby of The Joule (c) Sery Kim

Once when you walk in, the evolved modern interior is flush with museum quality artwork including Andy Warhol and Tony Tasset. Each is worthy enough to stop and take a photo but of particular note is an enormous, churning wheel which would be right at home inside a watch and the bright splashes of color throughout.

Upstairs in the 161 guestrooms, The Joule continues the artful theme with Sferra linens and a darkly sexy interior design. I particularly like the rainfall shower built for two, as well as the giant flat-screen televisions. Be careful to not get a room facing the main street as, much like New York City, the sounds of trash bins being emptied are quite loud, however unlike New York City, the windows are not double-panned. It definitely woke me up at 5:00 am in the morning.

PHOTO: A bedroom suite at The Joule courtesy of The Joule (c) Sery Kim

The Joule also has a 8,000 square-foot spa, which I didn’t have a chance to try, as well as a fitness center (also did not try), a pool with a rooftop bar (again did not try), a restaurant AMERICANO and a downstairs bar called MIDNIGHT RAMBLER. The craft cocktails offered at MIDNIGHT RAMBLER is quite tasty, while the little bites from CBD Provisions good as well. I think the overall food-and-beverage program is worth a try but the prices are little bit higher than one would expect for Dallas.

Overall a nice entry into the Dallas hotel scene. I will definitely go back to try The Joule again!