Westin Galleria Dallas

You’ll love the access to shopping (the hotel is in Dallas’ Galleria Mall), restaurants (in the mall and the myriad of choices on Belt Line) and other spots for fun like nail salons. The hotel is sleek, modern and simple, with amply sized rooms and great amenities. The rooms offer really comfy bedding, a Starbucks coffee tray and the option to join the Green Program (you opt out of daily maid service in exchange for a $5 hotel credit.)

The Workout Gear program is a great perk; if you forget your workout attire, for just $5, you can rent clothes and shoes to exercise in! The fitness room is spot-on with plenty of machines, cold water, free headphones and cold lavender-infused towels for post-workout.

We love the complimentary happy hour (for Executive Club Lounge access) from 5:30-8pm where you can enjoy wine, beer and light dinner snacks. You could easily make a dinner out of this, especially for a business traveler staying alone.

Enjoy dinner at the Westin’s The Second Floor by Scott Gottlich

You would not know that such a fabulous dining experience exists inside a Westin hotel. Make plans to enjoy a culinary journey at this foodie surprise.

The chef displays extreme creativity blending delightful flavors with amazing presentation. The restaurant manager, 28-year old Seth Brammer, is the most interesting and passionate culinary educator who also doubles as the bar’s mixologist.  

Start with the crispy calamari served with their Uppity Thousand Island which is a homemade dressing of pickled veggies. Also, try their Deviled Eggs with a New England lobster, lemon Parmesan crust and tarragon oil.

The potato, leek and kale soup was delightful served with kale chips and toasted almonds. The chop salad is a perfect gluten-free option, the highlight of which is the ricotta salata and poppyseed dressing.

There are several amazing entrées to choose from: the shrimp and grits always stands out, the grilled block-cut akaushi New York strip of Kobe beef melts in your mouth. The seared lamb top round and the Scottish salmon all tasted amazing.

The extensive wine list touted several spectacular choices including a Skylark from Mendocino and an Ultraviolet big red from Napa’s Poe winery and a chinon cab franc. We were also treated to the house gin and tonic which is very much unlike any other you’ve tasted.

You can also enjoy breakfast at the Second Floor. I recommend the Western or Uptown omelette for something pretty traditional or if you would like to step outside the box, try the salmon breakfast tacos– scrambled eggs on corn tortillas with avocado, romaine, lime and chipotle yogurt. Add a bowl of fresh berries for a great start to your day.

• Galleria Dallas, 13340 Dallas Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75240; (972) 934-9494

W Dallas Victory

If you want to be in the heart of downtown Dallas, this hotel is for you! Right across the street from the American Airlines sports complex, you can see the modern design from the outside. There is a lobby lounge area called The Living Room that is spacious and inviting.

The bathroom in the room is the most unique I’ve ever seen. The layout seems a bit strange but the room was spacious and comfortable. And, I just adored the princess pillow on my bed– a nice touch, indeed!

Enjoy dinner at Cook Hall

The W’s restaurant downstairs, Cook Hall, is quite casual. This gastro pub has a lot of Texas beers on tap and an interesting combination on its menu. The daily flatbread was delicious with a pesto base, sausage, cheese and pico de gallo. I also recommend the rigatoni if you’re in the mood for a nice hearty pasta dish. The crunchy sea bass is also a tasty, healthy option. It lies over a bed of brussels sprouts. Pair the pasta with a full red wine (cab) or the fish with a light white wine (chardonnay). The desert that stood out on the menu is the butterscotch pudding that has somewhat of a crème brûlée topping.

• 2440 Victory Park Ln, Dallas, TX 75219, (214) 397-4100

By Marika Flatt