Haute Hotel List

Yet another reputable pub ranks Dallas hotels among best in U.S.

Another week, another list — this time in the hospitality industry. U.S. News & World Report recently released its roundup of the best luxury hotels in the USA, and three Dallas-area properties rank among the nation's hottest properties: Ritz-Carlton, Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek, and Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas.

The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas, lands at No. 26 overall, making it not only the No. 1 hotel in Dallas-Fort Worth but also in Texas. U.S. News notes the saline-treated rooftop pool, 12,000-square-foot spa, spacious and elegant rooms, gourmet Fearing's cuisine, and the "superb service staff" — from concierge to cleaning crew.

The Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek's No. 39 overall ranking also makes it the second-best hotel in Texas. The Mansion gets props for the tranquility and convenience of its location, as well as the elegance of its decor. Also noteworthy: the Rose Buds for Children program, which "will ensure that your little one has everything he or she needs for a peaceful night, including kid-friendly bath products and a crib."

Executive chef Bruno Davaillon scores points for cooking up contemporary American cuisine in the restaurant, which also was recently lauded as one of the best hotel restaurants in the country. Speaking of accolades, the Mansion, along with the Ritz, also made Conde Nast Traveler's Gold List for 2014.

Further down the list — but still on there! — is the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas. Its ranking at No. 109 puts it third in DFW and fourth in Texas. Aside from its name being "a mouthful," U.S. News likes that the hotel is surrounded by 400 acres of rolling Texas hills. However, despite the plethora of activities — from golf to tennis to swimming — the Four Seasons get knocked for being so far away from the action in Dallas.

To come up with its list of the best hotels in the USA, U.S. News & World Report uses an unbiased methodology centered on three components: reputation among professional travel experts, guest reviews and hotel class ratings. The winning properties fall in the top 10 percent of hotels ranked in that region.

Other ranking Texas hotels include Mokara Hotel & Spa in San Antonio (No. 108), Hotel Granduca in Houston (No. 123), Four Seasons in Austin (No. 140) and St. Regis in Houston (No. 157).

The Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek ranks No. 39 in America and No. 2 in Texas.

Lobby at Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek in Dallas

Photo courtesy of Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek

The Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek ranks No. 39 in America and No. 2 in Texas.

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wishlist destinations

This North Texas treehouse is the most sought after listing on Airbnb

Photo courtesy of Airbnb

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Short term rental platform Airbnb has revealed its most wishlisted properties in the U.S., and an incredibly unique North Texas treehouse has made the cut.

The collection of highly sought after properties comes in anticipation for the summer travel season, where Airbnb says spontaneous and last-minute trips have only become more popular since 2022. The majority of the listings share one commonality: they're all centered around one-of-a-kind experiences.

"For those seeking a nearby getaway this spring or summer, they can find one-of-a-kind experiences in their own backyards by exploring some of the most wishlisted listings across the 50 states," Airbnb said in a release. "The list showcases the diversity of preferences across the country, with stays that are perfect for every group, from family road trips to solo retreats."

The "Air Castle Treehouse" in Ladonia, Texas was unveiled as the most sought after Texas listing. The property is located 80 miles northeast of downtown Dallas, hidden among thick trees and surrounded by natural wildlife.

Many children dream about living in a treehouse, and now travelers can appease their inner child when they explore the home. The treehouse was built using four shipping containers, and can accommodate up to four guests across two bedrooms and one bathroom.

Ladonia Air Castle Treehouse Airbnb The home was created using four shipping containers.Photo courtesy of Airbnb

Guests can relax on any of the five balconies that boast breathtaking views of nature, including an abundance of wild animals. An exterior spiral staircase leads to the highest balcony of the home where visitors can set their sights on deer, wild hogs, armadillos, rabbits, bobcats, owls, red-tailed hawks, and much more.

"The treehouse itself was beautifully designed, combining farmhouse rustic charm with modern amenities," a reviewer wrote. "It had cozy furnishings, a well-equipped kitchen, and comfortable beds. We enjoyed the large windows that let natural light flood in and allowed us to watch the squirrels, raccoons, possums, and birds feed from the hanging bird feeders."

The third floor of the home contains a hot tub for the ultimate relaxation time, while the sixth floor shaded crows nest has a hammock to swing in that's 40 feet off the ground.

Rates for the Air Castle Treehouse begin at $281 for a two-night stay in April, making it an ideal place for a romantic getaway or a fun summer trip.

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