The HALL Arts Hotel: A Masterpiece of Luxury and Art in the Dallas Arts District

The grand opening of the HALL Arts Hotel marked a pivotal moment for Dallas, especially for its vibrant Arts District. “This is the end of a long journey,” declared Craig Hall on a Tuesday morning, as he ceremonially cut a red ribbon across the magnificent free-standing lobby staircase of his latest endeavor. He emphasized the hotel’s distinct character, stating, “It’s got a lot of soul. A lot of hotels are bland and not unique: we have 28 different room types!” This sentiment encapsulates the philosophy behind a property that transcends typical luxury, offering an experience deeply rooted in art and individuality.

A Visionary Development by Craig and Kathryn Hall

More than just a hotel, the HALL Arts Hotel represents the newest masterpiece from the prolific Dallas-based developer, Craig Hall, and his wife, Kathryn. This landmark establishment is the very first luxury hotel to grace the internationally acclaimed Dallas Arts District, strategically positioned at the bustling intersection of Ross Avenue and Leonard Street. Its prime location places guests directly across from architectural marvels designed by Pritzker Prize winners and world-renowned arts venues. This means that from every window, including those in select bathtubs, guests are treated to inspiring views of exceptional architecture and the dynamic cityscape.

The hotel is just the inaugural phase of an ambitious $250 million development. This expansive project is set to redefine luxury living in Dallas, with the highly anticipated HALL Arts Residences – a luxury high-rise condo tower – slated to open in spring 2020. The prospect of living within this sparkling glass jewelry box, brimming with breathtaking art, creates an irresistible desire for more. The Halls’ profound passion for art is intricately woven into the very DNA of the property, curating a diverse collection of impactful, thought-provoking works that celebrate both established masters and exciting emerging talents.

An Unparalleled Art Collection: The Soul of the HALL Arts Hotel

As Craig Hall previously articulated, the art integrated into this architecturally stunning hotel is nothing short of fantastic. The HALL Arts Hotel distinguishes itself not merely as another well-crafted luxury boutique hotel, but as a vibrant showplace for the incredible collection promised by the Halls. As avid modern art collectors themselves, Craig and Kathryn personally approved each piece, ensuring that the collection reflects their discerning taste and deep appreciation for contemporary art.

To ensure the art remains the undeniable focal point, HKS Architects meticulously designed the hotel’s interiors with soft, neutral backgrounds—from the walls to the furnishings. Where natural light permits, expansive floor-to-ceiling glass walls embrace the vibrant external environment, further enhancing the artistic ambiance. The collection itself was curated through a collaborative effort with Virginia Shore, former chief curator of the U.S. Department of State’s ‘Arts in Embassies’ Program, and Dallas’ esteemed art advocate and HALL Group private curator, Patricia Meadows, who oversaw the selection of commissioned pieces, some of which are still to be unveiled.

Highlights of the Curated Collection

• Lava Thomas’s “Resistance Reverb: Movements 1 & 2”: Immediately upon entering the hotel, guests are greeted by a vibrant overhead sculpture of ruby-hued tambourines suspended over the entrance and seating area. These vivid red instruments are not seasonal decorations but a powerful nod to the historical use of tambourines by protestors and advocates during periods of activism, including the Women’s Marches. This piece sets a dynamic and thought-provoking tone from the moment of arrival.
• Spencer Finch’s “Asteroid” in Ellie’s Restaurant: In the dining room, named Ellie’s after Craig Hall’s late mother, an ethereal and delicate light installation by Spencer Finch, titled “Asteroid,” is said to visualize Finch’s unique experience of nature. This mesmerizing artwork complements the restaurant’s serene atmosphere, drawing inspiration from Napa Valley, where the Halls own their renowned winery.
• Najla El Zein’s “6302 Spoons, 2012”: Near the elevators, an intriguing sculpture crafted from metal spoons, forming a nasal-like shape, invites closer inspection. This tactile and playful piece adds another layer of artistic discovery within the hotel’s public spaces.
• Clare Woods’ “The Right Kind of Boy”: The Grand Ballroom, a spacious 2,500 square foot venue capable of accommodating up to 250 guests, features a vivid, soft floral wall of art by Clare Woods. This large-scale piece creates a stunning backdrop, making any event hosted there truly memorable.

Ellie’s Restaurant + Lounge: A Culinary Destination

Ellie’s Restaurant + Lounge, perched elegantly on the second floor, is the hotel’s premier dining facility, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It offers a sophisticated yet inviting ambiance, complete with a grand black piano on a platform providing live music and entertainment five nights a week. The menu is a delightful blend of coastal dishes and farm-fresh ingredients, drawing inspiration from the Hall family’s Napa Valley winery, promising a fresh and exquisite culinary journey for guests and locals alike.

Sophisticated Spaces for Meetings and Events

Beyond its artistic and culinary offerings, the HALL Arts Hotel provides more than 6,000 square feet of versatile meeting and events space. This includes two multi-purpose salon areas, the distinguished HALL Arts Boardroom—featuring intricately etched glass on its doors—the impressive Grand Ballroom, and the unique outdoor Urban Garden adorned with a sweeping wall mosaic. These spaces are meticulously designed to host a variety of events, from intimate corporate gatherings to grand celebrations, all within an inspiring artistic environment.

Luxury Accommodations: 28 Unique Room Types

The hotel boasts 28 distinct room types, each thoughtfully inspired by the Dallas Arts District. Designed by HKS Architects with interiors by Bentel & Bentel, the rooms exude sophistication and luxury. Guests will find padded leather headboards that elegantly extend behind the side tables, soft ambient tones, fully equipped beverage centers, and expansive showers. Larger suites feature indulgent vessel tubs, complemented by plush towels nestled beneath dual master sinks. The lavish king beds are dressed in exquisite Frette linens, and bath products are provided by Natura Bissé by La Bottega, ensuring a pampered experience. Even the keyless entry system is designed with a unique and artistic flair, reflecting the hotel’s commitment to aesthetic excellence in every detail.

Celebrating Local Art and Community

The guest rooms and hallways serve as an additional gallery, featuring captivating local photographs that showcase vibrant scenes of the Dallas Arts District. These images were compiled by Patricia Meadows following the ‘Through the Lens’ photography competition held by the Arts District. The selected photographs were curated into a beautiful coffee table book titled “Through the Lens: Dallas Arts District.” All proceeds from the book’s sales are dedicated to the Dallas Arts District Foundation’s grants fund, which provides vital support to local arts organizations for programming throughout the district.

The book, released on November 11, 2019, is available for purchase at www.dallasartsdistrict.org and at various museum stores within the neighborhood. A copy is also thoughtfully placed in each hotel guest room and available for purchase at the hotel itself, serving as a welcoming and educational way to acquaint guests with the rich cultural tapestry of the surrounding area.

Architectural Ingenuity: A Museum You Can Stay In

Dustin Siegrist, an architect with HKS, notes that the building’s design was profoundly influenced by its esteemed neighbors, almost embodying the aesthetic of a museum that you can inhabit. The hotel is characterized by what is termed “four front doors,” where essentially every side of the building presents itself as a welcoming glass entrance, fostering an open and inviting connection with the urban environment. This innovative design contributes significantly to the revitalization of the Dallas Arts District.

For years, as observers like Jon Anderson have lamented, the Dallas Arts District—despite being billed as the nation’s largest contiguous arts district—often felt bereft of consistent life and pedestrian activity outside of specific event times.

It’s a district bereft of life – without a ticket, there’s no reason to be there. Besides theater traffic, the only activation comes from the occasional outdoor event or wayward food truck from Klyde Warren Park.

However, with the arrival of the HALL Arts Hotel, this narrative is rapidly changing. The constant influx of hotel guests, the compelling allure of its diverse art collection, and the lively ambiance of Ellie’s Restaurant + Lounge, filled with chatter and music, collectively infuse the district with a much-needed pulse of activity and vibrancy. The hotel truly acts as a catalyst, transforming the district into a dynamic hub of culture and community.

Exceptional Management and Global Recognition

The HALL Arts Hotel is expertly operated by Crescent Hotels and Resorts, an award-winning, nationally recognized top-tier operator managing over 100 hotels, resorts, and conference centers across the US and Canada. Crescent also oversees a curated collection of independent lifestyle hotels under its Latitudes Collection umbrella. Even during its soft opening, HALL wines from St. Helena and Rutherford were already being poured at the reception, signaling the commitment to an elevated guest experience.

Notably, the HALL Arts Hotel holds the distinction of being the only Dallas hotel qualified to be a member of Leading Hotels of the World. This prestigious portfolio comprises highly curated luxury hotels renowned for pampering guests with unparalleled amenities and services, united not by uniformity, but by the unique details that make each property distinctly different. This membership underscores the HALL Arts Hotel’s commitment to delivering an extraordinary and memorable stay, solidifying its status as a premier luxury destination in Dallas and beyond.