Graduate by Hilton has officially opened its doors in Dallas, marking the brand’s first hotel in Texas. Situated in Highland Park, directly across from Southern Methodist University (SMU), the 93-key hotel brings together mid-century modern architecture, Texas ranch-style design, and Graduate’s signature collegiate and maximalist charm. Highlights include a vibrant lobby lounge, outdoor pool and terrace, flexible event spaces, and a signature restaurant, Los Charros Tex-Mex Smokehouse.
Led by AJ Capital Partners, the Nashville-based developer and designer of the property, Graduate Dallas is a thoughtful restoration of the former Lumen Hotel. While preserving the building’s original geometric, mid-century architecture, the reimagined space features locally inspired design elements—warm, textured interiors like tanned leather and velvet sofas, cowhide ottomans, shearling armchairs, and handwoven textiles. An open, public-facing layout fosters a strong connection to the surrounding community, creating a welcoming experience for guests and locals alike.
A large-scale vintage postcard of Exall Lake, a nod to one of Dallas’s historic leisure destinations, hangs above the hand-carved reception desk, which features a galloping herd of wild mustangs in tribute to the nearby university. Star-shaped pendant lights and millwork enhance the space, while cacti and native fauna bring the outdoors in. A large communal table and coffee counter provide a space for guests, students, and locals to work, gather, and connect.
Los Charros Smokehouse, the hotel’s signature restaurant, is a spirited celebration of Tex-Mex and Texas barbecue traditions. The name pays homage to los charros—Mexican horsemen known for their ornate attire and bold spirit—an influence that carries through in both the menu and design. The industrial-meets-rustic setting features reclaimed wood, patinated corrugated steel, and textile elements drawn from the hotel lobby, including a ceiling mural inspired by hand-woven rugs. At the heart of the space is a communal dining table with red-painted finishes, complemented by a bar outfitted with saddle-style stools that nod to Texas ranch life. Punched tin sconces and custom bolo-tie light fixtures add character and reinforce the cowboy aesthetic.
Guest rooms combine mid-century modern influences with a fitting red, white, and blue color palette. Grass cloth wallcoverings and navy-striped upholstered beds are complemented by playful design details, such as custom pillows embroidered with nods to the nearby university, and locally inspired artwork. Bespoke details include custom ceramic bedside lamps and lounge chairs upholstered with the state Flower, the bluebonnet. Original tilework was maintained across all guest bathrooms, enhanced with bold blue accents and custom horse-print wallpaper.
Graduate Dallas is part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest loyalty program for Hilton’s 24 world-class hotel brands. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount and free standard Wi-Fi. Members also enjoy popular digital tools available exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton Honors mobile app.
Guests can now book their stay at Graduate by Hilton Dallas, here.
Hotel website
Graduate by Hilton Dallas
6101 Hillcrest Ave
Dallas, TX 75205
United States
+1 214-219-2400
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