"I have stayed in hotels the world over, and with my most recent visit to The Mansion in August, I 'm reminded again why this may well be my favorite hotel anywhere. The original Rosewood property, The Mansion is an icon in Texas, long revered for its hospitality and cuisine. Over forty years since its opening, this rings true today as ever on the sprawling Spanish colonial estate whose beauty is apparent from the moment you drive up and hand off the keys to the valet. The hotel exudes an ambiance of Old Texas, with service to match. No request is too big for the Mansion team, who look after each guest from check in to check out, taking care to remember him or her by name. In the duration of my recent four night stay, I struggle to come up with a single problem or issue. Nothing overlooked! The rooms, which were TASTEFULLY renovated within the last few years, are plush and spacious. Many have balconies, which I especially enjoy. The bathrooms are luxurious, with Italian marble showers and large soaking tubs. The air conditioning works very well in the hot Texas summer. And the beds are some of the most comfortable I have ever slept on. The minibar is well stocked, and housekeeping ensures there is always extra water on hand. Turndown service is a real delight, and is really a second full housekeeping treatment. The many books are a thoughtful addition. While at the property, I spent plenty of time at the Mansion bar, which has some of the best ambiance of any bar I 've visited and attracts a very chic Dallas crowd. My friends in the area are always eager to join for a drink there. It 's dimly lit and decorated in an inviting, Texas Western style. The staff couldn 't be friendlier, and I got to know most of them over the course of my stay. The live music on weekends is exceptional just be sure to reserve a table well in advance if you want one! Just off the bar is the Mansion dining room, which as anyone in Dallas knows has a long and storied history. The restaurant is warm and sophisticated; I enjoyed the seven course tasting menu paired with an exceptional bottle of vintage Bordeaux. Again, the staff could not have been friendlier or more helpful. The sommelier assisted in making the perfect selection. I lingered long into the evening here. Lastly, I must commend the all star concierge staff helmed by Mary Stamm and her assistant, Evan Baker. Both members of Les Clefs d 'Or, they know Dallas inside and out, and have several times helped secure a difficult reservation for me. Mary has been at the Mansion since the 1980s, and bends over backwards to accommodate any request, always with a smile. She is a real treasure and I hope to continue seeing her for years to come! I am already looking froward to my next visit in November."
