The Ritz-Carlton Dallas Las Colinas is home to a variety of equine statues. Stately statuettes and adorable figurines adorn the shelves in the downstairs lobby, while sleek horses line the shelves in the Club Lounge upstairs. Among the many improvements now on display at the newly renovated luxury hotel, the horse statues pay homage to the property’s history as a ranch for the legendary Carpenter family.
It’s a theme that runs throughout the resort, which rebranded in January. (It was previously operated by Four Seasons, which is building a new hotel along Dallas’ Turtle Creek.) In the midst of a $55 million renovation, the resort is performing an upscale balancing act that celebrates both the past and the future.
The Outlaw Taproom maintains a more traditional Texas vibe, but the lobby now features white oak wood paneling, custom chandeliers inspired by the surrounding Native Plan, marble, and a new addition, Bar Juniper, that highlights clear spirits. In renovated rooms, you might find cow statuettes on the shelves of the wet bar. And the centerpiece, Knife Italian Restaurant, features playful colors and modern décor while still honoring Texas’ Italian heritage.
The restaurant, which opened in March, features a menu by Michelin-starred chef John Tesar. Boasting a midcentury modern aesthetic with a twist, the space offers breakfast, lunch, dinner and cocktail options. A visit to the Champagne and Amaro bar will make you feel like you’re inside a bottle of bubbly, with fuchsia walls and lantern lighting that replicates the joy of sparkling wine.
Pink accents are featured throughout the dining venues, adding a refreshing touch to the restaurant’s visual experience. Todd Morrow, general manager of the resort, said the new restaurant and its associated appeal have attracted more guests to stay at the resort than ever before.
“It’s fun to forget about the food and just walk in and look around,” Morrow says. “The food offered is intriguing and people enjoy experiencing something different. There are Italian restaurants, but probably no Italian restaurant with a wine list or food like ours. Having a steak option in an Italian restaurant is certainly unique.”
A Ritz-Carlton staple, the new Club Lounge also features sleek, modern style with an emphasis on comfort. Round lounge chairs in muted navy and gray hues invite casual conversation, while a nearby counter showcases a selection of treats, including purple-frosted white chocolate and blackberry Opera. The space will host five daily food and beverage presentations, as well as invitation-only experiences and events.
The resort’s new design concept, by Jeffrey Beers International, blends the property’s ranching history and native Texas flora with the Ritz-Carlton brand. The property also features a new 80,000-square-foot meeting and banquet facility.
Renovations began when Partners Group and Trinity Fund Advisors purchased the property and Marriott International took over management of the resort in 2022. The renovations are being carried out in phases, with the villa renovations recently completed.
Morrow said the hotel’s occupancy rate this year is about 22 percent higher than normal. “We’ve been fortunate to have good occupancy rates as we’ve continued with the renovations, and our guests have been very loyal to the hotel,” he said.
But that’s not all. Renovations currently underway include updates to the pool area, including plush cabanas and expanded seating. “It’s going to be an elevated experience beyond your typical pool experience,” Morrow says.
A similar vision is being laid out for the renovation of the 14,000-square-foot salon and spa, which Morrow said will incorporate higher-quality service and a more sophisticated atmosphere than before. The pool and spa are expected to be completed by the end of May. Work on a new poolside bar is scheduled for the fall.
View Gallery
A view of Bar Juniper at the Ritz-Carlton Dallas Las Colinas.
