Walking into Le Méridien Dallas, The Stoneleigh feels like stumbling into a secret that’s been kept for a century. It's not just a hotel. Honestly, it’s a time machine that somehow has better Wi-Fi than my apartment.
Located in the heart of Uptown Dallas, this place has seen everything. Built in 1923, it was originally the tallest hotel west of the Mississippi. Think about that. In a city that now prides itself on glass skyscrapers and neon skylines, this 11-story Beaux-Arts beauty was once the absolute peak of luxury. And somehow, even with the massive 2026 "reimagination" shifting it toward Marriott’s Autograph Collection, it hasn't lost its soul.
The Ghost of Dorothy Draper is Everywhere
If you aren't a design nerd, the name Dorothy Draper might not mean much to you. But you’ve seen her work. She basically invented modern interior design. In the 1930s, she brought her "modern baroque" style to The Stoneleigh, and the hotel still clings to that flair.
There’s a legendary story about the 11th floor. Draper ordered the black-and-white floral wallpaper to be installed upside down. Why? Because she liked it better that way. That kind of "because I said so" elegance defines the property. You’ll find cinnabar and charcoal palettes in the rooms, mahogany furniture, and marble tops that feel substantial.
It's heavy. It’s real. It's the opposite of those cookie-cutter hotels where the walls feel like they’re made of spray-painted cardboard.
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Modern Luxury or History Lesson?
Currently, Le Méridien Dallas, The Stoneleigh is transitioning into a new era. By Spring 2026, the hotel is expected to fully join the Autograph Collection. For those who track hotel brands, this is a big deal. It means less corporate rigidity and more "character."
But let's talk about the actual experience of staying here right now.
- The Rooms: They are surprisingly big. We’re talking 370 to 390 square feet for a standard King, which is massive for a historic building. Most old hotels have "cozy" rooms (which is just code for "you can't open your suitcase on the floor"). Not here.
- The Vibe: It’s sort of a "celebrity hideaway" feel. Elvis stayed here. Audrey Hepburn stayed here. Even Judy Garland. You can almost feel the residual glamour when you’re grabbing a drink at the bar.
- The Dining: Perle on Maple is the heavy hitter here. It’s French-inspired but with a "Texas twist." Basically, that means you can get high-end bistro food without feeling like you need to whisper.
What People Actually Get Wrong
A lot of travelers assume that because a hotel is "historic," it’s going to be dusty or have weird plumbing. Look, The Stoneleigh has had its moments—recent reviews from late 2025 mentioned some construction dust during the transition—but the bones are solid.
One thing most people don't know: the hotel was the first in Dallas to have air conditioning. Back in the day, that was the ultimate flex. Today, the flex is the 12th-floor penthouse. It has 500-year-old English Oak paneling that was originally imported by William Randolph Hearst. Yeah, that Hearst. It’s the kind of detail you just don't see in modern builds.
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Location is Everything
Uptown Dallas is kind of the place to be if you want to walk. Dallas isn't exactly a "walking city," but from the front doors on Maple Avenue, you're minutes from the Katy Trail. It’s an old railroad line turned into a 3.5-mile park.
If you're here for a Mavs game or a concert, the American Airlines Center is about a mile away. You're close enough to the action to hear the hum, but far enough away that you aren't trapped in the middle of a traffic jam every time there’s a home game.
Is it Worth the Price Tag?
Rates usually hover around $176 to $300+ depending on the season and whether there’s a big convention at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center. Is it more expensive than a roadside motel? Obviously. But you’re paying for the story.
You’ve got a pool area that feels like a private club, even if it is tucked next to some condos. You’ve got a fitness center that’s open 24/7. And you have a staff that, for the most part, actually seems to care about the building’s history.
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Pro-tip: If you’re a Marriott Bonvoy member, use your points. But if you're looking for a romantic weekend, just book the Junior Suite. The extra space and the separate seating area make a huge difference if you’re planning on staying in and ordering room service.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
If you're planning a trip to Le Méridien Dallas, The Stoneleigh, here is the play:
- Check the Reno Status: Since the transition to the Autograph Collection is happening through Spring 2026, ask for a "reimagined" room when you check in.
- The Bar at Stoneleigh: Do not skip it. Even if you aren't staying at the hotel, the lobby bar is a Dallas staple. Order an Old Fashioned and look at the photos on the walls.
- Katy Trail Access: Bring your running shoes. The entrance to the trail is right around the corner and it’s the best way to see the "green" side of Dallas.
- Valet is Key: Parking in Uptown is a nightmare. The $48-$50 valet fee is steep, but honestly, trying to find a spot on the street will ruin your mood before you even get to the desk.
The Stoneleigh isn't just a place to sleep. It’s a piece of Dallas that refused to be torn down. In a city that's constantly looking for the "next big thing," there’s something deeply cool about a place that already knows exactly what it is.