by Scott Laird
Last updated: 4:00 AM ET, Tue January 15, 2019
Sometimes the most unassuming hotels in the most unassuming communities turn out to be sleeper hits. Dallas Marriott Las Colinas is such a hotel.
Las Colinas is an Irving, Texas planned community that has seen development ups and downs over the past three decades. Currently on an upcycle, the Lake Carolyn waterfront-situated property is conveniently in the middle of a burst of retail development. The Toyota Music Factory mixed-use retail and entertainment district is taking final form just steps away, with a number of eateries, concert venues and a movie theatre.
Already in service for some two decades, the hotel recently underwent a refresh to update guest rooms and public spaces with a more modern, open plan design. The lobby bar, restaurant Bistro Fiera, and lobby spaces, once more distinct, have been melded into a single, airy space with plenty of natural light.
Guest rooms, some of which have balconies overlooking the lake, have been refurbished with apartment-style furnishings. Gone is the expansive workstation desk, replaced by a wheel-less work chair at a sideboard table underneath the television, with all the necessary outlets. The extra room goes instead to a generous sofa with a pull-up table for a laptop, making for a much cushier working environment.
For health-minded guests, there's an expansive workout room with plenty of machines, plus free weights-a rarity for hotel health facilities. There's also an indoor pool with views of the lake and direct access to the outdoor terrace for fair weather days.
On fine summer days, the outdoor terrace is popular as an event space, and Bistro Fiera also has outdoor seating for guests who prefer to dine al fresco.
Light meals are available in the bar, while Bistro Fiera offers an expansive menu focusing on Texas cuisine (a decadent jalapeño-cheddar mashed potato accompanied a lovely strip steak for dinner the evening of our visit), with evening lights glittering on the lake. For breakfasts, sunrise light floods the space while the buffet offers all the standard breakfast items plus some entrees cooked to order.
The Takeaway
Located equidistant from both Dallas Love Field and Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport, plus the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, the sports stadiums of Arlington and the attractions right in Las Colinas, the Dallas Marriott Las Colinas is all about location and the most modern incarnation of the Marriott brand.
The Math
I've seen rates from $104 per night plus tax, which can vary by season and availability.
Instagrammable Moment
Views over Lake Carolyn are bound to catch viewers on Instagram.
Loyalty
Marriott Rewards, The Ritz Carlton Rewards and Starwood Preferred Guest, which have merged and will unveil a new combined program name during 2019.
Good To Know
The hotel offers both self and valet parking. It's near DART Rail, but it's a bit of a walk.
With good connections to local transit, the hotel is an affordable residential-style alternative to staying in Downtown Dallas.
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