Hotel News

Hotel Swexan opens in Dallas' Harwood District with art and high design

One of 134 guest rooms at Hotel Swexan.

Marco Galloway

Opening day has arrived for Hôtel Swexan, the first hotel from Dallas-based Harwood International, which owns the 19-block Harwood neighborhood and its menagerie of restaurants and bars such as Happiest Hour, Saint Ann Restaurant & Bar, and Dolce Riviera.

It opens with design by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, five culinary concepts, a female master sommelier, a rooftop infinity pool with 180 degree views, and a museum-grade art collection.

Even the press release accompanying the opening has a certain flair: "Fusing its Swiss heritage with Texan hospitality (as detonated by its moniker), the hotel was founded on an acute attention-to-detail, service, and best-in-class amenities and design, while also sharing a playful, familial spirit in a way that only a local Texas born and bred hotel knows how." Pause for a moment to savor: as detonated by its moniker.

The hotel has:

mirrored exterior to blend in and reflect its surroundings
hand-carved stone and wooden fireplaces on every floor
a grand foyer that serves as backdrop for artworks that will change year-round
carved millwork walls, plank wood ceilings and wood parquet floors
Hermès scarves, designed for the founder’s art collection, displayed throughout the hotel

Rooms
The 134 guest rooms have a residential feel, five-fixture baths, Le Labo body and hair care products, floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the Dallas skyline, and eight suites, no two alike, including:

Grand Swexan suite combining masculine color palette, antique statement pieces, and private sauna
District Suite with leathers, metals, and a chandelier made of solid glass whiskey decanters
Harwood Suite featuring high contrast natural marble and wood details, a dining room, a private sauna, and 1.5 bath

Extras
On the 20th floor: infinity edge rooftop pool stretching 75 feet with chaise loungers and cabanas.

On the 6th floor: event space with Corinthian details, including floor-to-ceiling white millwork walls, marble floors, brass chandeliers, and antique hand-carved fireplaces.

On the 8th floor: fitness center with city views, cold plunge, outdoor green space for outdoor yoga, bootcamps, and pilates, separate wet and dry saunas for men and women.

Food
The hotel has a steakhouse, tea room, and library cocktail lounge open to the public, plus two other options open only to hotel guests. (A previous story has info on the menus and other details.)

Stillwell’s is a Texas steakhouse with Harwood Premium Beef from Akaushi cattle and Master Sommelier Barbara Werley.

Isabelle's is an afternoon tea enclave with a Parisian-inspired patio that transforms to a martini bar at night.

Babou's and Library at Babou’s is a two-story intimate library with a cocktail lounge, DJ sets, and eclectic décor.

Pomelo and Leonie are two spots for international cuisine and drinks on the rooftop, reserved for hotel guests.

Exploring Texas

Texas' new Palo Pinto State Park opens just a 2-hour drive from Dallas

Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

Palo Pinto Mountains State Park opens March 1

Texans will be able to hike, fish, camp, and explore a brand-new state park — the first new Texas state park in 25 years — starting on Sunday, March 1.

Palo Pinto Mountains State Park, located at 100 Park Road 77 in Strawn, spans 4,871 acres of former ranchland between Abilene and the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex (about a two-hour drive west from downtown Dallas).

According to a press release, the land was originally purchased by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) in 2011 and the park was expected to open three years ago, but construction delays impeded the opening. Funding for the park was provided by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation (TPWF), the Texas Legislature, the Sporting Goods Sales Tax, the federal government, and $10 million was raised by TPWF through private donations.

The park offers more than 16 miles of trails for hikers, bikers, and horseback riding, and the park's website states 1.25 miles are ADA compliant, and all-terrain wheelchairs are available for some non-accessible trails. Campers and overnight guests also have three campsites to choose from, including RV sites, walk-in tent spots, and primitive camping areas.

Visitors are also welcome to swim, fish, and boat (note: motorboats are not allowed) in the 68-acre Tucker Lake using the park's accessible kayak/canoe launch, fishing pier, and fish cleaning station. Visitors don't need a license to fish at Palo Pinto Mountains State Park, and the park will loan fishing gear upon request.

Tucker Lake at Palo Pinto Mountains State Park Visitors are welcome to kayak and canoe at Tucker Lake, but motorboats are not allowed.Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

Birding enthusiasts might spot golden-cheeked warblers during their visit, as the endangered species take residence in the park's oak and Ashe juniper trees in the spring and summer months. Many other migratory birds can be seen at the park throughout the year.

Palo Pinto Mountains State Park is anticipating high visitation in March with the spring season's temperate weather and Texas schools' spring breaks. TPWD strongly encouraged visitors to reserve day passes in advance to avoid being turned away if the park has reached its capacity limit.

"This is a tremendous moment for Texas State Parks and the state of Texas," Texas State Parks director Rodney Franklin in the release. "Opening Palo Pinto Mountains State Park represents the culmination of collaborative efforts that includes our Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation as well as private donors. I am proud of the dedication of our TPWD team but also the unwavering support of the Texas Legislature and the voters of Texas that have brought us to this moment. State park staff stand ready to welcome families far and wide to begin making memories at Texas’ newest state park."

Day passes are available up to one month in advance, are non-transferrable to another person or park, and are valid all-day until 10 pm unless the park closes earlier. Day passes can be reserved online or by calling TPWD's Customer Service Center during regular business hours at (512) 389-8900. Entrance fees are $7 daily for adults and children aged 13 and older, and admission is free for children 12-years-old and younger.

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