PHOTO: The Joule's cantilevered pool (courtesy The Joule, Dallas Facebook page)

The NCAA men’s basketball tournament has treated fans to some spectacular games and highlights this year.

There have been a record-tying seven games that have gone into overtime as we look ahead to the Final Four on Saturday in Arlington, Texas, capped off by Wisconsin’s thrilling 64-63 victory over No. 1 seed Arizona in the West Region final last weekend.

As fans gear up for what is sure to be another mad set of games (see what I did there?), this would be a good time to highlight one of Dallas’ premier hotels to stay: The Joule.

The Joule is a four-star, 160-room luxury boutique hotel located on 1530 Main St. With the help of award-winning designer Adam H. Tihany, it has separated itself as a must-stay hotel in Dallas. It’s been rated by guests as the No. 3 hotel in Dallas on TripAdvisor, and a closer look at the property reveals why.

It starts with its design, which features black Merbau wood floors, unique Italian woodwork, sleek self-closing drawers and Bram Tihany black and white photography.

In addition, its rooms are praised throughout the country, boasting locally-sourced mini bars, ESPA bath amenities, beds with down pillows and comforters, 300-thread-count Frette sheets, retractable reading lamps, iPod docking stations, electronic safes, a selection of Taschen books, and 47” HDTVs and Apple TVs.

Free Wi-Fi is also provided, as well as free morning newspapers.

Of course, the Joule also hosts the only ESPA-branded spa in Texas. The subterranean spa is set over two floors and uses crystals, metals, stones, atmospheric lighting and high-end spa technology in its holistic and personalized treatments (TravelPulse was treated to a massage at ESPA at Vdara in Las Vegas and it’s safe to say ESPA does it right).

And for those looking for delectable dining, the adjacent CBD Provisions—led by Executive Chef Michael Sindoni—is a modern, locally sourced Texas brasserie that stays true to the culinary history of Texas while adding a contemporary touch.

CBD Provisions also offers a cocktail program created and overseen by acclaimed bartenders Chad Solomon and Christy Pope, a wine list featuring regional producers from Texas, California and France, and a beer program that includes top craft beers from the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

The design of CBD Provisions via Claudia Woods doesn’t disappoint, either, boasting old brick walls, leather banquettes, a fully exhibited kitchen and a classy bar.

CBD Provisions was dubbed 2013’s best new restaurant in the Dallas-Forth Worth area by The Dallas Morning News.

The pet-friendly hotel even has a special package designed for your favorite little mascot featuring personal food and water bowls, comfy blankets and dog waste bags. A portion of the proceeds goes to SPCA of Texas, a local, independent non-profit animal welfare organization serving North Texas.

What’s more, the hotel also has a unique cantilevered rooftop pool, as well as a 3,600-square-foot fitness studio called Vital that hosts yoga and core fitness classes and features rain showerheads, body sprays and ESPA products in the men’s and women’s locker rooms.

The Joule, Dallas will be opening up a new restaurant this year where Charlie Palmer used to be, as well as a new cocktail lounge.

Check out TheJouleDallas.com for more information. 

Follow me on Twitter @RyanRudnansky