Enter a realm of refinement at the exceptional Hôtel Swexan, where timeless elegance meets modern sophistication. This remarkable hotel seamlessly blends Swiss hospitality with Texan charm, offering an unforgettable experience characterized by meticulous attention to detail through both its professional staff and design features.” Where curiosity meets wisdom. Old souls encounter the young at heart, and storytellers meet their match.”
Hôtel Swexan is an experience that will stay with you long after you’ve left. Every area is exquisite, with a story to tell. A highlight during my stay was a delightful tour with General Manager Julian Payne—a tall, knowledgeable, and elegant man who epitomizes the highest standards of excellence. He graciously shared with me the inspiration behind the materials, themes, and finishes of this 2023 Harwood International gem in Dallas. As Julian unveiled the stories behind the influence of architecture, design, and the global travels of the owners, the Barbier-Mueller family, it became clear—there’s something extraordinarily special awaiting discovery behind every grand door – and there are a lot of gorgeous doors. While various European styles and a touch of Texas is reflected throughout, one central theme emerges: five-star luxury.
The Harwood District of Dallas With the Barbier-Mueller family at the helm of Harwood International, this powerhouse corporation has meticulously planned and developed a vibrant, 19-city block neighborhood. Here, Class AA office towers, luxury residences, retail spaces, restaurants, hotels, and pocket parks converge in a dynamic and walkable district. The story of Harwood began in 1979 when founder Gabriel Barbier-Mueller moved to Dallas from Geneva, Switzerland, with a vision to bring Swiss culture to Texas. He fell in love with our sunsets and also with Ann Smith, a true Texas gal whose family owned the E-Bar-S Ranch in Sunnyvale. This blending of Swiss hospitality and Texan charm began with a marriage, a family and a business dream with a theme. Today, along with their sons, Alexis and Oliver, the family continues to expand the Harwood District in Dallas while still operating offices in Geneva and London.
Design Details
The exterior of this 22-story masterpiece was designed by world-renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. It’s where sleek, tailored sophistication meets Samurai-inspired strength. Particularly mesmerizing on windy days, the sea of chain maille panels offers a soothing and welcoming wave to guests and passersby alike. Upon entering through the heavy doors, you’re greeted by a small, understated lobby—an invitation to a journey of unparalleled materials, exquisite furnishings, high design, and collected art. Harwood International’s own talented design team infused the interiors with the elegance and style of various European cities, with a strong Parisian influence.
While exploring new restaurants and hotels with elaborate decor, I find myself additionally intrigued by restroom design. The Harwood design team certainly unleashed their creativity as it was fun to take a peek into the 26 restrooms across the hotel’s hospitality spaces and public areas. Each featured a unique theme, fixtures, tile, and lighting—from elegant to opulent to sassy!
Accommodations & Amenities
Hôtel Swexan boasts 134 guest rooms, including eight bespoke suites, each with its own theme, but all delivering the unforgettable “wow” factor. Peruse their website and find your favorite. I had the pleasure of experiencing the East Parlour Suite, a 936-square-foot sanctuary that seamlessly embodied a western theme while showcasing all the swagger of Texas charm. With a hair-on-hide rug, modern light fixtures, basket-woven seating, and an incredibly roomy marble tub-shower combination with skyline views, it was an unforgettable escape. Lavish Le Labo toiletries, impeccable service, and attention to detail made my stay extraordinary. Also, during my tour with Julian, we explored the other suites, including Room 1702, which boasts a massive bathroom featuring a black tub that fills with water from the ceiling while offering a stunning city view. The rooms are a perfect setting to lounge in a monogrammed Frette robe, but with so much more to explore in this luxury haven, you’ll want to make time for every hidden gem.
Stillwell’s
Located on the 7th floor, Stillwell’s is a mid-century modern, Texas-themed steakhouse. Step off the elevator into a reception area dimly lit by a neon cowboy framed with heavy velvet drapes. A hallway lined with vintage black-and-white cowboy photos leads you past private dining rooms to either the gorgeous bar—known for its Old-Fashioned and the vintage TV liquor cabinets—or the intimate main dining room. Harwood’s very own Premium Beef program, featuring ultra-high-end Akaushi bloodline cattle, ensures that each steak is a masterpiece. I savored a perfectly cooked filet, complemented by an extraordinary wine list including rare finds such as a 1900 vintage. For wine enthusiasts, it’s a dream come true. Don’t miss Cowboy Hour, available Sunday through Thursday from 4 pm to 6 pm.
Isabelle’s
Looking for world-class martinis? Head to Isabelle’s, where expertly handcrafted cocktails are made tableside. Situated near a cozy, antique wood-burning fireplace, Isabelle’s exudes elegance, featuring luxurious wood paneling, leather, and velvet seating. In the morning, be transported to the sidewalk cafes of Europe with a delicious breakfast on the outdoor terrace.
Pomelo
Shift your focus to Mediterranean-inspired fun at the spacious rooftop bar at Hotel Swexan! Available exclusively for hotel guests, the rooftop features comfy oversized sofas and rattan chairs adorned with colorful embroidered pillows, perfect for relaxation and conversation. Imported tiles, lanterns, and fixtures set the tone, while the infinity pool offers a 180-degree view of Dallas. Healthy palm trees, striped cushions, and monogrammed towels in cheerful “golden sunset” yellow create the ideal atmosphere to unwind and enjoy your vacation mode.
Leonie
Hôtel Swexan’s exclusive rooftop dining is found at Leonie…bright and airy during the day, and surrounded by the sparkling city lights at night. Light fixtures woven with greenery, hanging baskets of plants, fresh roses on every table, glimpses of the pool, and sweeping views of the city through floor-to-ceiling windows make it the perfect place to start your day. On weekends, indulge in a traditional Afternoon Tea, featuring a stunning array of specialty sweets, scones, tea sandwiches, and tea-infused cocktails…or sip a luscious latte served in a beautiful aqua cup while overlooking the Dallas skyline.
Babou’s
Named after Salvador Dalí’s pet ocelot, Babou’s is a luxe speakeasy hidden behind a secret door. Descend to the lower level of the hotel, and step into a world filled with quirky decadence, intense color, and tributes to the eccentric artist. There’s a mirrored hat collection, photos of Dalí, and animal print flooring that growls with style. Behind a hidden bookcase, you’ll find yet another vibe—a very impressive two-story library complete with a spiral staircase. Enjoy live jazz every Thursday and take advantage of Artist Hour, offering half-off crafted cocktails from 5 pm to 7 pm, Wednesday through Saturday.
Experiences
Hôtel Swexan offers a signature GEM car service, perfect for exploring nearby Dallas stores like Stanley Korshak or Neiman Marcus. If you’re craving more culinary delights, the Harwood District offers about 20 exceptional restaurants and bars, with more on the way. My GEM driver dropped me off at La Rue Perdue, a charming European-inspired cobblestone alley lined with restaurants, including Harwood Arms, the cozy British pub that’s open daily. London revisited!
Fitness Center
For hotel guests only, there is a state-of-the-art fitness center, complete with a cold plunge, saunas, yoga opportunities, boot camps, and other activities to keep you energized during your stay.
Special Events
On the sixth floor, there are five event spaces for meetings, rehearsals and receptions, or other private events. There are additional spaces and catering connections in the various concepts of Harwood Hospitality available to make your next event memorable. Leader’s Club For those who enjoy luxury travel, Hôtel Swexan is part of the prestigious Leader’s Club, offering members-only perks such as early check-in and late check-out privileges, a rewards program, and exclusive insider offers at over 400 of the world’s finest hotels.
A Luxury Stay Like No Other
Recently, Hôtel Swexan received the prestigious MICHELIN Guide’s “One Key” recognition, placing it among the top hotels in the country. This is only the second time MICHELIN keys have been awarded in the U.S., so it is quite an honor. What do I love most about Hôtel Swexan? It’s hard to choose! The professionalism of the staff, the views, the linens and the comfy beds, reclaimed wood flooring, marble finishes, the array of gorgeous mirrors, stunning light fixtures, luxurious wall coverings, rugs, layers of curtains, the textures and textiles, the flavors and the impeccable attention to detail throughout make every moment exceptional.
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