The Joule Hotel, Dallas [Master Thread] (left Starwood effective April 1, 2013)
Oct 15, 2008, 10:08 pm
The Joule Hotel, Dallas [Master Thread] (left Starwood effective April 1, 2013)
Just after I get out of my car, I'm greeted (by name) by Jason (a bellman). Hard to tell if he is/was the bellman since he was wearing a suit. Maybe he's a Concierge. How he knew my name I'll never know.
As Jason walks me to the front desk, he explains the general lobby layout. He tells me where the morning coffee will be set up. He shows me the bar. He points to the lobby lounge that contains 2 computers (free), newspapers, a tv, and a few easy chairs. Immediately behind this is a small cozy lobby. It's looks very W-ish. Yet the fell is 'step above' W. Jason then asks me what papers I'd like delivered in the morning. He also tells me there is free street parking overnight. Move cars by 7:00am Monday - Friday. I parked in a lot for $7 rather then get up at 7:00.
The Room 615 Facing the front. This is a suite.
Entryway has a bathroom. I notice there's a sink and a toilet.
Very sleek and cool. It dawns on me that I have 2 bathrooms. 
There's mood lighting everywhere. You can adjust the light to 'I can barely see' to 'good thing I don't need my glasses'. Much better lighting that a W. ^ This room is a suite. A small livingroom with a cool 42" tv. Love seat. A free bottle of water. The bathroom is beautifully decorated. It has a 42" plasma tv also. Plenty of seating in very comfy seats.
Bathroom
This one tops the cake. A long rectangular bathroom. Enter through a center doorway. Make a left and you have the very cool/sleek looking, circa 2008 sink. Make a right, and you'll find an open 'closet' to hang your things.
As you enter the bathroom, straight ahead, you have a square, and deep bathtub. Looks like a soaking tub. To the left is a door that looks like a shower door. I opened the door to find the toilet. To the right of the tub is the shower. This has got to be one of the biggest showers I've seen at a *wood property. I'll check the measurements later but I'd guess it's 4 x 4 1/2. ^ That thing is hugh.
They have a waterfall shower head and a regular stationery/handheld unit too. The only bad thing about this is the lack of pressure. It's good, but not forceful.
I did ask to see a regular room. As a matter of fact, I asked to see the smallest room. This room has a round bed to create the illusion of space. It works. This teeny tiny room is cozy in a good way, so if you end up in this room, you won't feel cramped.
Additional details to follow. For 12,000 points off-peak, and 16,000 points peak, you folks need to run, don't walk, to The Joule.
This is my new favorite property.
additional edits to follow.
dh
Last edited by dhammer53; Oct 16, 2008 at 10:41 am Reason: edit
Nov 5, 2008, 11:25 am
W Dallas - Victory
2440 Victory Park Ln Dallas, TX US 75219
My new Favorite! (31 Photos)
W Dallas - Victory
Ok I'm normally a W Hotel brand fan. Take for example the W Dallas Victory. One of the best hotel pools I've been to. Amazing infinity pool. Then there's the W Foshay in Minneapolis. Breathtaking architecture and awesome suites!
This time... A Luxury Collection Brand Hotel. The newly minted Dallas Joule. Just opened a couple of months ago and a hot new player in the scene along with other upscale hotels in the area. I have a ton of pics so either sorry for putting so many or enjoy!
Reservation
Booked a Deluxe Non-smoking. As per usual I put in my comments that an upgrade if possible would be great, followed by a thanks. I never expect upgrades nor do I go on a hissy fit if I don't get them as long as they're telling me the truth but I have yet to find otherwise. The day of my reservation I received a new confirmation with the same number... this time stating I was in a suite King.
Check In
Check in around 5pm. Was met by valets in clearly dressed uniforms vs the prior post with a gentleman in suit and tie. Asked my name for the car and proceeded to check in. I admit the following picture I didn't take. Off the Starwood web site. The rest, however, are mine on my IPhone. My apologies on the graininess of the photos!
Joule Front
Cool lobby Living Room along with a 2 giant cog wheels slowly rotating around obscuring the check in desk. Waited as there was another person in front of me, however, 3 other people milling around the desk but I patiently waited. Finally I was greeted and my reservation was confirmed even without me telling her my name. I assume the valet had forwarded my name on... nice touch! Room assignment already done, given Platinum points, confirmed my suite upgrade, and asked my preference of newspapers which I've never have had done in the past at any other Starwood hotels.
Cog Wheels as viewed from Entrance
Looking out to Entrance
Was guided by her towards the elevators.
Elevator bank Lobby
Each floor with a noted different natural wood sculpture.
Room
Arrived at my suite. Definitely a well appointed and not cheaply furnished room. Noted somewhere in my reading that they imported a lot of their furniture from France. Typical Bose stereo in the living room and flat screen TV. Large wet bar with lots of goodies. Didn't partake on this as I think it's ridiculous to spend money on that when I can easily spend it downstairs at Charlie Palmer's new restaurant bearing his name. Both the TVs were on along with the Bose stereo in the living room and IPod Bose stereo set to classical music in the bedroom. I'm guessing by Housekeeping prior to my arrival. There was nice computer written note with my name from the GM and a plate of candy which were so delicious I ate one before I took a picture!
Living Room
Desk Living Room
Candy and Note
Lots of lights in the suite and all these electronic switches to adjust the mood lighting from the hallway to the bathroom.
The bedroom itself was outfitted with the same above switches, a suit rack, Bose IPod stereo as mentioned, lots of art books scattered out both here and the LR, flat screen TV and desk, martini shaker set, a comfy pillowtop King that slept like a dream, small touches as flip out reading lights on each side of the headboard, and two robes as well as the ubiquitous safe in the closet.
Bedroom
Bathroom
A huge bathroom with both a steam shower with amazing dual waterfall shower heads, a jacuzzi tub with upscale amenities from Gilchrist and Soames, an enclosed separate toilet area with magazines, glass bowl sink also with the Gilchrist products and a separate swing out vanity with cotton bowls, glasses, hairdryer etc.
Dining
I decided to go downstairs and try out Charlie Palmers. For those solo diners there is a bar area with full menu as well as bar menu available. In addition room service is exactly the same menu and not a downgraded limited one might find at other establishments. Bar had a wide selection of beers and liquor from Stoli to King Louis and Ellipse which according to Iman, who I believe was the restaurant manager, was even more expensive then King Louis. A mere 450ish for a shot. Passed on that as I wasn't on a expense budget. Also met the other host, Kyle who I talked at length with about my home of Chicago. Bartender was a very friendly guy and I have to admit everyone from the housemaids to the host, rest mgr, and desk agent were extremely professional and courteous. Something at this caliber of a hotel I would expect. Had a few drinks from the bar and ordered some food off the regular menu although the bar menu looked equally as appeasing. They have a huge wine list that one can looked at either by paper menu or you can narrow your search by type of wine, varietals, region etc by a flatscreen notebook that they will hand you. They even had one of my favorite Cabernets that you can not find anywhere and is a very limited production. I was amazed! I was brought an amuse bouche of a lobster corndog fritter(sorry no pictures of the food), braised shortrib ravioli(a special for that night), and surf and swine which consisted of carmelized scallops, crispy pork belly, and cassis reduction and then finished with a trio of tarts. Iman the mgr and the bartender both talked to me throughout my stay however not intrusively. Was offered to tour the dry aging area, for their steaks, of the restaurant but didn't partake, and even was bought a nice glass of port by the host. I believe he was the previous mgr at the Mansion(another upscale restaurant) as we talked at length about the new direction that restaurant had taking with Tesar being the head chef since Dean Fearing had left.
Small picture of the large bar
Charlie Palmer Dining Room... only 70 seats!
A very large wine room that is also a retail wine ship with about 30% of available wines for sale according to Iman.
Had an amazing dinner at Charlie Palmers... would definitely this restaurant again even if I weren't to stay at the Joule. Also note you can bill directly to the room and get Starpoints.
Service
I bid farewell to the bartender as well as Iman and Kyle and proceeded like a slug back to the room. Did have to go to the 10th floor to check out the pool which has a large amount of sitting areas and the pool extends out over the street a few yards giving the impression of hanging there midair. I was told by Iman that the pool was a happening area open to everyone Thurs-Sat and to guests all week long. Tonite, however, it was dead. In fact when I went up there a maintenance guy was shutting off the lights but left them on as he noted I was interested in looking around.
Overlooking the pool from the bar. Not heated! It's quite cold!
Bar, unisex showers, separate bathrooms
One of many sitting areas by the pool
The pool edge outcropping I alluded to
No one up here so I went up back to the room and interrupted two maids doing my turndown service. They left a towel on the floor by the bed with soft slippers, ice bucket filled with ice, a bathrobe laid onto the bed and tidied up my toiletries in the bathroom and placed these on a clean handtowel. Both very friendly, naturally. Went back down to the Living Room area of the hotel. Small bar area with wines by the glass... had one glass and ended my night there back to the room. One small note... the suite had just one of those Innovan thermostats that senses motion and shuts off the air or heat to conserve energy. I woke up extremely hot as the air shut off during my unrestless sleep when you don't move around at night. That's my only gripe but I think I read somewhere there is a "fix" for this. Next morning went to workout on the 9th floor. Two newspapers hanging on the door outside of my room. One WSJ and the DMN as I had requested. No bill under the door. Gym was nice and modern, bunch of treadmills, stairclimbers, free weights and balls, as well as these electronic monitored weight machines that could adjust weight and reps. Didn't try those out but they were definitely unique to me. Also a very spacious and large space. Not cluttered at all as you may find at many other hotel gyms. In fact they could probably add equipment if they wanted to. There was also a fridge though empty of water, tons of fresh fruit from apples, pears to even mangos, and a large hanging pole rack of magazines. Very nice gym!
Gym
Overall
Checkout was smooth. Again very friendly Desk Agent named Shrecka, asked how my stay was, called the valet to retrieve my car, and pointed out the coffee area. Would I stay here again? If there was such a thing of >100% then yes, I would! Will be traveling back to Dallas next month to celebrate my birthday! It is truly a luxury class hotel and not a pretender with great service and wonderful staff. I definitely would not hesitate to recommend this to anyone. It can be pricey, however, fortunately my gov't rate got me a great deal. Enjoy the pictures everyone, sorry it was so long! Oh btw this is my 100th post on Flyer Talk! I can hardly wait to celebrate my 1000th!
Last edited by SleepDoc; Nov 5, 2008 at 3:27 pm
Nov 5, 2008, 12:30 pm
I love reviews with pictures!
Nov 5, 2008, 2:16 pm
Dec 7, 2008, 3:52 am
Also, they will ask if you want to be escorted to your room after checking in - it feels weird and forced. I guess most people decline, like I have. If they are serious about this sort of stuff, why even ask? Just lead the way.
Newspaper preference (declined all) was noted yet I still got papers in the morning.
Oh, and what set my mood: Upon arrival I ended up dragging my big & quite heavy suitcase out of the trunk of my town car myself. My driver was a rather frail woman so I couldn't quite let her do it - and, even through there has been an abundance of valets and bellhops at the door, the one guy who initially showed an intention to help was too busy taking down my name to actually earn his keep.
None of this is a huge deal, and most of it will improve with time I'm sure - but at this time I can't really say if I'll be giving them another try next time I'm in Dallas, or go with the W that I know and love.
Dec 8, 2008, 8:10 am
Arrival at the hotel, I was met by a bevy of valet guys and a bellman who whisked away my luggage to my suite. My name was forwarded onto the front desk so in the few seconds it took me to get there they were already waiting with my keys to both rooms and greeted by name. Katie the Ambassador personally escorted me to my suite. The previous poster, Martona, stated it seemed weird and forced but I actually find it to be going the extra mile.
Suite 803 had just been cleaned prior to my arrival so perhaps this is the reason I had no Platinum Welcome gift waiting for me in the room. I called the following day and this was quickly rectified. As far as the room layout... I didn't have a mess of cords that Martona had mentioned and I kind of like the tile in the bathroom. But to each his own. Quite frankly I've never stayed in a suite at the W Dallas Victory so I can't really compare. I would say the Dallas Joule appeals more to the upscale older crowd that appreciates a luxury hotel and the W appeals to a younger crowd. Both hotels are great but just different in what you want... if you want to party like a rock star, go for the W. If you want to party in a more relaxed environement than the Joule is for you.
The Cellar had just opened in the basement of the Joule, was told it was a smallish gathering place with specialty drinks and infused liquors. As a Platinum member I was on the list for entry to the Cellar but didn't partake on it so I can't really comment. A group of 6 of us instead enjoyed drinks at Charlie Palmer's bar inside the hotel. The hosts Iman and Kyle were there and I was instantly recognized from my previous stay at the hotel.
Had prearranged transport using the hotel's towncar to take us to dinner. In addition they also have an Escalade and will drive you within a 5 mile radius of the hotel... unfortunatley we waited over 40 minutes for the towncar and finally one of the guys just said screw it and got the keys for the Escalade as I had complained about the wait. He said they weren't supposed to take the Escalade as the hotel was at capacity and there were two wedding parties.
Had dinner at Charlie Palmer's Sunday night and the food there was excellent again. If you need an upscale meal in Dallas and in the downtown area I would highly recommend it. My fiance and I arrived back at our suite and found a trio of maids finishing up out turndown service. A Platinum Welcome gift of flowers with apples, a bottle of Cabernet, and a bottle of sparkling water was waiting for us on the table in the LR along with a handwritten note.
Overall another great stay at this hotel. It seems they treat Platinum guests very well.... still a few hiccups but nothing that's going to make me run and complain to CS. Definitely a keeper in the Luxury Collection!
Mar 15, 2009, 9:34 am
We used our Free Weekend Night (Platinum award).. and was upgraded to 1-bedroom Suite. Room 715. So room is similar to OP's room #615.
Very friendly Bellman/Door staff and front desk check-in was a breeze. We actually stopped by early in the am to drop off luggage and to get pre-checked in.
Dining for breakfast right now at Charlie Palmer... extremely attentive staff... great food and AMAZING coffee!
The pool area (10th floor) is absolutely gorgeous... but under renovation right now. Which really doesn't matter anyway this time of year, not exactly outdoor swimming weather in Dallas.
I agree with the other poster's comments on here, that this is like a more refined W. I have stayed at W Victory Park, but I think this is my new favorite for Dallas.
We didn't receive a Platinum amenity in our room, but Jason (bellman) was friendly and suggested a complimentary ride in the hotel's Escalade to our event at the Dallas Convention Center.
Looks like this area in Downtown is lively Saturday night; looks to be some clubs and newer restaurants on the street.
Mar 16, 2009, 7:06 am
Continuing with the theme of another thread, what is the cost of parking?
Mar 16, 2009, 7:59 am
Within 5 miles the choice is yours from chains to local! The hotel is great...have fun!
Last edited by singtx; Mar 17, 2009 at 11:10 am Reason: spelling
Mar 16, 2009, 8:04 am
Parking did suck though--it was $27/night for valet. I asked about any additional public parking, and I only received the "we have the only parking here" response from the valet. Does any one know where close public parking for less than $27/night is located?
The hotel is very nice and the pool area will be a great place to hang out during the summer if you make a trip there. Check-in was extremely quick, Joule suite upgrade was very nice, bathrooms are huge. If you are a plat, ensure that you ask for the check out (if needed) and the 500 pt amenity--they did not assume I wanted either. Otherwise, great property and experience.
Mar 17, 2009, 11:09 am
Parking did suck though--it was $27/night for valet. I asked about any additional public parking, and I only received the "we have the only parking here" response from the valet. Does any one know where close public parking for less than $27/night is located?
The hotel is very nice and the pool area will be a great place to hang out during the summer if you make a trip there. Check-in was extremely quick, Joule suite upgrade was very nice, bathrooms are huge. If you are a plat, ensure that you ask for the check out (if needed) and the 500 pt amenity--they did not assume I wanted either. Otherwise, great property and experience.
Mar 29, 2009, 4:22 pm
Dinner at Charlie Palmer was fantastic! Phenomenal staff, superb ambiance, excellent food. There is a nightclub in the basement that was very swanky and a great place for drinks and music.
Mar 29, 2009, 4:45 pm
Mar 29, 2009, 7:38 pm
Dinner at Charlie Palmer was fantastic! Phenomenal staff, superb ambiance, excellent food. There is a nightclub in the basement that was very swanky and a great place for drinks and music.
Apr 19, 2009, 10:39 am
The Joule
1530 Main St Dallas, TX US 75201
The Joule (3 Photos)
The Joule
I have recently returned from a 2-night stay at the Joule and it was absolutely amazing! From check-in to check-out, my experience there was just superior.
Location
It's VERY important to know that downtown Dallas is not the 'happening' part of Dallas. The street the hotel is located on is very busy during the weekends, however, if you go one block over, it's completely dead. Uptown has more clubs/things to do, but that's when the house car (Escalade) comes into handy! It will take you anywhere within a 5 mile radius and pick you up, once your done. Only downside is, it stops running at 11:00pm.
Service
The staff was unbelievable. I got to know a few of them pretty well and was given a tour of the hotel by one of the front desk agents who really seemed to know exactly what she was talking about.
Check In
The first night I was booked, the hotel was completely sold out due to some conference in town, however the second night I was there, they were dead. I was given a Grand Deluxe room, however they offered to upgrade me my second night when they actually had availability. I declined, knowing I wasn't in my room much, and I didn't need a suite, but I really appreciated the offer and explanation of why I was not given a suite the first night.
Room
The room was nicely appointed. I found the light controls a tiny bit difficult at first, but had mastered it by the time of check out. They are a hotel participating in the green initiave, so when I first entered my room, it was fairly hot, since the AC does not run unless someone is actually in the room. It didn't take but a minute or two to actually cool down.
Dining
Charlie Palmers.The restaurant is outstanding. The staff was so informative and knew each detailed description about the dishes. I liked everything from the food to the ambiance, and would certainly recommend it to anyone, except those on a budget. Eating here will certainly run you a couple hundred dollars.
Overall
I took a tour on my second day and I was able to see every kind of room. The Demi-Joule (superior room) is TINY! I do not suggest anyone with more than one traveler booking this. Also something to know is the decor in the Demi-Joule's are MUCH different than those in all of the other rooms. It has a round bed, so if you are taller than about 5'6, be prepared to have your feet hanging off.
The Deluxe and Grand Deluxe are EXTREMELY similiar, only varying in square feet.
The Joule Suites, which I assume are their Standard Suites, used for upgrades were nice. They weren't over large, but certainly nice, considering the extra space.
I also saw each Loft Suite as was thoroughly impressed. It would be just perfect for a family traveling with children.
The Presidential/Penthouse Suite was my absolutely favorite!! The elevators opened up rigt into the living space of the suite. The space is HUGE! There were 2 balconies a huge living room with a pool table, wet bar, kitchenette, and amazing views. There is a stair case that leads onto the roof where there is a great party area.
The pool deck was a great space with nice lounge areas all over. The pool bar was not open when I went, but it seems like a great summer hang out.
All in all, the hotel was great and I will definitley return. Anyone who is considering this hotel will not be disappointed! Here are a few pictures of my room...sorry I don't have much!
The hallway/elevators of the floor I was on:
When you opened the door to the room, this is the hallway/workspace at the end of that hall.
After the workspace, you take a left into the bathroom area. The shower/sink were on the right and the restroom area on the left.