The Grand Dame of Dallas Returns: The Stoneleigh Ushers in a New Era of Uptown Prestige

HOSPITALITY

5/7/20263 min read

The Stoneleigh's Lobby.

(Right) The Stoneleigh's Junior Suite

(Left) Lions Den

The Stoneleigh, a storied Dallas landmark, enters a definitive era with a masterful transformation defined by timeless artistry, modern luxury, and a reclaimed sense of grandeur. Central to this renaissance are the fully reimagined interiors by award-winning design studio Fettle, featuring expansive guest rooms and specialty suites, alongside a distinguished culinary and cocktail program helmed by James Beard Award-winning Chef Michael White. The Stoneleigh debuts within Marriott's Autograph Collection, joining a curated global portfolio of independent hotels celebrated for their distinctive soul and elevated hospitality.

Heritage Meets Contemporary Vision

Once the vibrant epicenter of the city's arts and social scene, The Stoneleigh's next chapter honors its illustrious heritage while ushering in a new era of maximalist sophistication, a bold tribute to the legacy of design icon Dorothy Draper. From the cinematic allure of its public spaces to the curated comfort of its residential-style rooms and suites, every meticulous detail creates a transcendent retreat where heritage, artistry, and modernity converge.

"The Stoneleigh has always represented more than a destination; it has served as a preeminent stage for the culture, conversation, and community of Dallas," said Shai Zelering, Managing Partner and Global Head of Hospitality at Brookfield's Real Estate Group. "This renaissance honors the hotel's storied legacy while reimagining it for the culturally curious. Through bold design, celebrated culinary artistry, and social enclaves meticulously crafted for connection, we are reintroducing an icon that honors its past while defining the future of Uptown luxury."

Chef Michael White's Dallas Debut

Marking his highly anticipated Dallas debut, Chef Michael White brings his world-class culinary vision to The Stoneleigh. Renowned for his extraordinary legacy of five simultaneous Michelin stars, New York Times stars, and innumerable accolades, Chef White meticulously sculpts an epicurean journey. This debut is anchored by two original concepts developed exclusively for the hotel: Lions Den and Bar Leonessa.

Lions Den, inspired by the hotel's legendary namesake venue, is a modern Italian supper club rooted in The Stoneleigh's storied past. The restaurant captures the glamour of Dorothy Draper's bold, maximalist sensibility through a contemporary lens, with design elements inspired by her signature use of marbled stone, inlaid wood, and iconic patterned wallpaper. Dinner is a masterclass in Chef Michael White's signature coastal Italian artistry, seafood-forward and defined by bright, vibrant flavors. Signature dishes include a Porterhouse presented as both a delicate tartare di manzo and a prime grilled striploin, alongside coastal classics like Dover sole bathed in brown butter and lemon.

Bar Leonessa is a sanctuary of sophisticated fluidity, an elevated lounge designed to evolve in tandem with the day. At dusk, the space transforms into a captivating social anchor, centered around an exquisite marble bar where mixology is practiced with sculptural precision. Aperitivos transition into a theatrical cocktail program of reimagined classics, featuring dramatic tableside pours from a custom beverage cart.

Residential-Style Accommodations

The Stoneleigh features 176 guestrooms and suites ranging from 300 to 1,000 square feet, including signature retreats like the Draper Suite and the sprawling Penthouse. Layouts prioritize comfort, flow, and natural light, complemented by layered textures, tailored furnishings, and graphic patterns that nod to mid-century design.

The Stoneleigh's 72 suites introduce a more expansive, apartment-style experience, with distinct living areas and an elevated sense of scale. Signature suites are centered on the 11th floor, once home to the Colonel's private, Draper-designed penthouse. The dramatic double-height Music Room features restored 500-year-old wood paneling from London's Charterhouse School, a minstrels' balcony, and a striking crystal chandelier by Fettle.

The Penthouse Suite, once favored by Elvis Presley and Audrey Hepburn, offers an expansive terrace and interiors inspired by the Colonel's original quarters, reinterpreted through a 1930s lens.

Historic Architecture and Design Legacy

Designed by architect Frank J. Woerner, The Stoneleigh was born of a daring ambition: to stand as the tallest building west of the Mississippi. Though once deemed impossible and nearly derailed by unprecedented engineering feats, the project ultimately triumphed, emerging in 1923 as a first-of-its-kind landmark in Dallas.

A decade later, the hotel entered a transformative new chapter when a visionary art collector invited American design icon Dorothy Draper to reimagine its interiors. Rejecting the quiet conventions of the era, Draper introduced a bold, maximalist fantasy filled with vibrant color, dramatic pattern, and unapologetic grandeur.

Autograph Collection Positioning

The Stoneleigh's transition to Marriott Bonvoy's Autograph Collection aligns the hotel with a global portfolio of more than 330 hand-selected properties celebrated for their individuality, craftsmanship, and sense of place. This affiliation further cements the hotel's status as one of Dallas' premier destinations while positioning it among hotels defined by distinctive character and memorable guest experiences.

With its grand debut, The Stoneleigh proudly reclaims its title as "The Grand Dame of Uptown," a luxurious retreat and cultural epicenter for those seeking authenticity, sophistication, and a touch of the unexpected.

The Stoneleigh is located at 2927 Maple Ave, Dallas, TX 75201. Additional information is available at www.thestoneleigh.com.

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