Hotel News
Hotel Swexan opens in Dallas' Harwood District with art and high design
One of 134 guest rooms at Hotel Swexan.
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.
Chef Tim Love will take part in the 2026 Austin Food & Wine Festival. Courtesy photo 