Hotel News

Boutique hotel opening ritzes up Dallas Love Field neighborhood

A new dual-branded hotel complex has opened near Dallas Love Field.

The area around Dallas Love Field gets a little more ritzy with the debut of a boutique hotel property — the dual-branded Aloft and Element at 2333 W. Mockingbird Ln.

Opened by Marriott International together with Atlantic Hotels Group and Civitas Capital Group, the Aloft and Element will anchor a new upscale mixed-use development located one mile from the airport and the Dallas Medical District.

Toni Stoeckl, a spokesman for the hotels, says that they give travelers a choice of two brands with slightly different angles.

"An industry leader in the eco-space, Element promotes a life in balance with its emphasis on smart, sustainable living," Stoeckl says. "Aloft caters to today's hyper-connected global traveler with its tech-forward mindset and live music scene at the W XYZ Bar."

Aloft and Element Dallas Love Field occupy one multistory building with a total of 224 rooms. They have separate ground-floor public areas and elevators, but share a common entry, plus meeting space, an outdoor swimming pool, and a fitness center.

The building is part of West Love, a 37-acre mixed-use development that also includes apartments and retail space. It's one mile from baggage claim, so if you were unable to get a cab, you could theoretically walk, assuming your suitcase has those wheelie things.

The Aloft Dallas Love Field has 133 loft-like rooms and amenities including a fitness center that's open 24 hours, and a gourmet grab-and-go food and beverage kiosk. Local bands perform at the W XYZ bar. The hotel also features free Wi-Fi throughout, and a keyless entry system that enables guests to use their smartphone or Apple watch as a room key.

Element Dallas Love Field features 91 light-filled studios with a fluid design of modular furniture, fully equipped kitchens, and spa-inspired bathrooms. It offers a complimentary bicycle-borrowing program, with a local trail map. There's a complimentary healthy breakfast spread with smoothies and granola, and a complimentary evening wine reception.

There are Aloft hotels in downtown Dallas, Las Colinas, Plano, and Frisco, and an Element hotel in Irving near DFW Airport.

Perry Molubhoy, CEO of Atlantic Hotels Group, says that the Love Field area is seeing accelerating demand for high-caliber lodging. "The combination of these two brands also means guests have the choice of two distinct guest experiences in close proximity to the airport and Medical District," he says.

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out to sea

Carnival opens bookings for new showstopping cruise ship from Galveston

Carnival Tropicale begins sailing in 2028

Photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Tropicale will begin sailing from Galveston to destinations in the Caribbean, The Bahamas, and Mexico in 2028.

The Carnival Tropicale, Carnival's newest cruise ship that will set sail from Galveston, is now accepting reservations for its maiden voyages to destinations throughout The Bahamas, the Caribbean, and Mexico, beginning in 2028.

Carnival Tropicale is the fifth and final Excel-class ship that will be offered from the cruise line, and it will be able to accommodate over 6,000 passengers. It is named after MS Tropicale, Carnival's original "Fun Ship" from 1982, but the new luxury liner promises showstopping experiences inspired by Las Vegas' "golden era of show business."

Four-to-eight-day cruises are now available to book with departure dates as early as April 15, 2028. Six destinations in Carnival's Paradise Collection are on the itinerary, including Cozumel and Progreso, Mexico; Isla Tropicale in Roatan, Honduras; and Nassau, Bahamas. Eight-day cruises will include stops at Celebration Key and RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, two private islands owned by Carnival.

"From innovative attractions and dining to unforgettable destinations throughout the Caribbean, The Bahamas, and Mexico, Carnival Tropicale will bring an exciting new vacation option to Texas when she debuts in 2028," said Ben Clement, EVP of maritime and new builds at Carnival Cruise Line, in a release.

These are the cruise options passengers can book on the Carnival Tropicale starting in 2028:

6-Day Western Caribbean Cruise to Cozumel and Isla Tropical, Roatan – 26 dates from April 15, 2028 to April 29, 2029
8-Day The Bahamas Cruise to Nassau and RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay – 26 dates from April 29, 2028 to May 6, 2029
8-Day The Bahamas Cruise to Celebration Key and RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay – April 21-29
5-Day Western Caribbean Cruise to Cozumel and Progreso, Yucatán – December 23-28 and December 28-January 1, 2029
4-Day Western Caribbean Cruise to Cozumel – January 2-6, 2029

Major attractions on the new Carnival Tropicale include Sunsation Point, a top deck "family fun" entertainment zone, and Carnival WaterWorks Ultra, an all-ages water park with six waterslides and splash pads for kids.

Other family-friendly attractions include multiple sport courts — including a redesigned Fairway 66 Mini Golf course inspired by Route 66 — a Treehouse Adventure Trail, new arcade spaces, and to-be-announced "new entertainment experiences and exclusive spaces."

Carnival Tropicale Grand Central Atrium A rendering of the Grand Central Atrium. Courtesy of Carnival

Carnival Tropicale will also feature three new dining concepts that highlight "flavors from around the world," including one in partnership with famous chef Emeril Lagasse.

"Guests will be able to enjoy Uku Lei Lei, offering Hawaiian-inspired cuisine with Asian influences; Fetaccine, blending Greek and Italian flavors; and Emeril's Coastal Seafood, showcasing seafood dishes inspired by America's coastlines and created in partnership with Carnival's Chief Culinary Officer Chef Emeril Lagasse."

Carnival Tropicale cruises departing from Galveston can be booked on the Carnival website . Rates vary depending on the duration of the trip and accommodation preference.

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