Graduate by Hilton Opens First Texas Location in Dallas, Merging College Charm with Luxury
DALLAS, TEXAS — The arrival of Graduate by Hilton in the Lone Star State has turned heads in Highland Park, where the brand just unveiled its first Texas property across from Southern Methodist University (SMU). Designed with academic flair, local flavor, and thoughtful luxury, this 93-room hotel blends a nostalgic collegiate theme with upscale amenities — a combination that feels fresh, familiar, and downright fun.
A Long-Awaited Debut in the Heart of Dallas
Graduate by Hilton is no stranger to university towns, but its entrance into the Texas market has been highly anticipated. Perched across from SMU, the hotel sits at the cultural intersection of tradition and innovation. It’s a seamless fit — one that brand leader Parker Henderson calls “a natural extension” of the company’s values.
I recently stopped by to get a feel for the place, and it genuinely surprised me. The façade might whisper mid-century cool, but once you step inside, you’re enveloped by an aesthetic that is as bold as it is inviting. Think: tanned leather sofas, velvet textures, shearling chairs, and handcrafted details everywhere you turn. It’s boutique hospitality done with a wink and a warm heart.
From a Classic Shell to a Texas Gem
The property was once the Lumen Hotel, and thanks to Nashville-based AJ Capital Partners, it’s been meticulously reimagined without losing its architectural roots. They’ve kept the angular mid-century bones and infused the interiors with local Texan charm — cowhide ottomans, handmade textiles, and even a vintage postcard of Exall Lake perched above the reception desk.
From my seat at the sprawling communal table near the lobby coffee counter, it was clear the space wasn’t just built for travelers. Locals, students, and guests mingled in equal measure, sharing a coffee, a laptop, or a laugh. The flow of the space encourages interaction — and it works.
A Pool, A View, and a Whole Lot of Vibe
Of course, a Texas stay isn’t complete without an outdoor experience. Graduate Dallas delivers with a terrace and pool area that feels lifted from a stylish design magazine. While the pool is perfect for a dip in the Texas heat, it’s also a gathering space that brings out the relaxed energy the Graduate brand is known for.
Whether you’re lounging with a book or taking in the architecture under a star-shaped pendant light, you’re constantly reminded that you’re not just in a hotel — you’re in an experience.
Los Charros Tex-Mex Smokehouse: Where Flavor Meets Flair
The hotel’s signature restaurant, Los Charros Smokehouse, deserves a spotlight of its own. Inspired by Mexican horsemen — “los charros” — the eatery embraces the bold, fusion-forward spirit of Texas dining.
The decor continues the narrative: reclaimed wood beams, saddle-style bar stools, corrugated steel, and bolo-tie light fixtures. As someone who’s eaten their way through more than a few Texas joints, I’ll say this — the menu and setting both impress. The communal dining table, vivid red finishes, and textile-rich ceiling mural create a perfect backdrop for Tex-Mex favorites and smoked barbecue dishes.
Room Details That Tell a Story
The guest rooms extend the design language with playful and personalized touches. Navy-striped beds, grass cloth wallpaper, and hand-painted horse-print wallpaper in the bathrooms all reinforce the local identity. Even the bluebonnet-upholstered lounge chairs had me smiling — it’s these touches that separate Graduate Dallas from the usual hotel fare.
And the embroidered pillows referencing SMU? A clever, heartfelt nod to the university next door — one that alumni and students alike will appreciate.
A Smart Move for Texas Travelers and Locals Alike
As part of the Hilton Honors program, the property makes it easy for loyal members to earn and redeem perks, offering flexibility in booking and plenty of digital tools through the Hilton app.
From my personal experience, Graduate Dallas is the kind of hotel that doesn’t feel like a chain. It’s got heart, humor, and heritage stitched into every corner — a true love letter to Highland Park and Dallas itself.
Ready to book your stay? You can explore rooms, experiences, and event options directly on Graduate Dallas by Hilton’s website.
Have you visited the new Graduate Dallas yet? Share your thoughts, snapshots, or favorite dishes from Los Charros Tex-Mex Smokehouse with us in the comments. For more Texas restaurant and hotel discoveries, stay tuned to CityScoopNow.com!