Another question on hotel in Dallas
 

Need to know about either the Embassy Suites South by the airport(4650 W Airport Freeway) in Irving and the Hilton DFW Lake Executive Conference Center in Grapevine.

Which hotel would you choose and why? We are leaning towards the Embassy but would like to know what condition the rooms are in. We have stayed in many Embassy hotels and most are really nice but some needed to be renovated or updated. Also, if staying at the Embassy would the noise from the airport be a problem since it's so close?

Need to decide soon so any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

I've never stayed at either place, so I can't comment on the condition of the rooms.

You will get airport noise at the Embassy South.

Hilton DFW Lakes is in a better neighborhood and has less traffic.

Well, being an Angelino,almost anywhere is "less traffic" than LA....but I must comment, CP, going from DFW to my friends in Carrollton on the North Exit/SH 121, I am always overwhelmed...speeding, then stop lights...too funny! But I do agree that the north area of the airport is far superior to the south.Just thought I would throw that out...

Thanks, I guess we'll have to consider the Hilton Executive Conference Center (in Grapevine)instead of the Embassy by DFW. The noise from the planes would definitely keep me up. I'm assuming you won't hear that if we stay at the Hilton or Embassy by Outdoor world.

Now we're considering Las Colinas vs. Grapevine. Is that also a nice area? The hotels seem to be a little cheaper there but we don't want to sacrifice location for the few dollars.

Las Colinas would be my vote. It is practically "next door" to the airport but with enough distance that you won't have quite the noise of the air traffic overhead. Las Colinas is to the east of the airport closer to Dallas. You still have very close access to DFW Airport if that is what you are seeking.
Good luck...

Las Colinas is a good place to stay. I've worked and stayed there.

114 will take you downtown if you're headed there. If you're headed to north Dallas, you simply have to take some surface streets to get back up to 635 or finagle the loop near 35.

Las Colinas is nice. Lived there for a couple of years. Close to the airport as well as to downtown Dallas.
Close to lots of shopping on McArthur

Thanks. Are there any nice suite hotels in Las Colinas like an Embassy where they have a separate room for the bedroom?

Check out the Omni Mandalay Hotel in Las Colinas. If that one does not suit you I would look for another hotel within close proximity of this one.

Las Colinas is nice during the day, and to work there, but it is DEAD on the weekends and in the evenings. (At least in the central part by Mandalay Canal...) One of my friends goes to conferences at the Omni Mandalay fairly frequently, and we often come "resuce" her in the evening so she has something to do! As far as shopping, you can easily stay in Grapevine and shop in Las Colinas since they are only a 15-minute drive apart. Most of the restaurants in Las Colinas are very upscale, so if budget is a concern, I'd stay in Grapevie.

That should have been "rescue"....

We looked at the Omni Mandalay and it seems nice but it's not a suite. If we don't stay at a suite hotel we'll probably take the Hilton Executive Conference Center in Grapevine since we got a good price there.(Any info on that place?) It's just that it's so much nicer to have the extra room when traveling with the kids so I'm going to wait and see if the Embassy Outdoor World goes down in price. Grapevine still seems close to everything plus it will give us a little more time to sleep in the morning we depart as we won't have a 30-40 min drive to the airport.

The Embassy Suite Outdoor World won't go down in price as your date gets closer. It is usually sold out on the weekends, too.

Check the Homewood Suites, Hampton Inn & Suites and the Amerisuites in Grapevine. They are all very close to the Embassy and will likely be less expensive. The Hilton DFW Lakes is nice, but it is not a suite, either.

"Also, if staying at the Embassy would the noise from the airport be a problem since it's so close?"

If you want to hear planes on their final approach this is in a prime location for that. With that said...Las Colinas is just a 10-15 minute trip to DFW. Just something to consider...

I've been looking for some hotels in Las Colinas but there doesn't seem to be any suites that are at least three stars. The AmeriSuites are only two AAA stars.

When I called the Embassy Outdoor World reservations the girl said that they haven't had any customers complain about the noise from the planes but I have heard that people complained at the Embassy South right by DFW.

Are the rooms at the Embassy Outdoor World newer that they are charging so much? Maybe it's worth spending the extra to have more space and breakfast for all.

SGF, I've stayed at both the Embassy Suites and the Hilton. Do avoid the Embassy Suites south of the airport for many reasons, some listed previously. Both the Hilton and the Embassy at Bass Pro offer shuttles to various locations close to hotels. The Hilton has a very nice garden/pool/lounging area (at least it did 10 yrs ago) and is more secluded than the Embassy at Bass Pro. Most definitely stay on the north side of the airport.

The Embassy Outdoor World is a lot newer than the Embassy South in Irving. It is also a much fancier hotel, and in a better neignborhood, which is probably why the rate there are more expensive.

I live in Grapevine, and I do not notice the airport noise except on rare occasions. The planes landing at DFW fly in over areas of mostly empty land or industrial parks, so they are not flying in over people's homes or hotels.

Thank you all so much for your help and the great information.

I've looked at suites in the Las Colinas area but we have always liked the Embassy chain so we keep going back to our original choice... the Embassy by the Outdoor World even though the rate is much higher. Grapevine sounds like a nice area and not far from most attractions. I'm trying to justify spending a $100.00 more for the suite than the room at the Hilton Executive but worse comes to worse we'll stay at the Hilton in one room. It shouldn't be too bad as we'll be out most of the day and even with having to buy breakfast we'll be way ahead in the savings.

Now that we have the room choice, what sights do you all suggest we not miss? We plan on spending a day in Fort Worth and the rest of the time in Dallas.

What do you like to see? Museums? Art? Shopping? Local stuff?

Fort Worth has some of the best art museums in the region: Kimbell, New Modern, and Amon Carter. They also have the Cowgirl Hall of Fame (my favorite) and the historic Stockyards.

Dallas has the Sixth Floor/JFK museum, the Dallas World Aquarium, and the Dallas Museum of Art. My sister and her kids went to the DWA this weekend, and they said the new exhibit is just amazing! Leopards, howler monkeys, etc. Now I want to go see it!

If you like shopping, there is lots of it in both cities. Downtown Grapevine is lots of fun with all of its cute shops and fun eateries.

ChristieP, have you heard of some place called Old City Park, its a sort of living history museum - several acres of land depicting life in Texas in the 1800's. I am embarrassed to admit all these years in Dallas and I have never been there or heard of it, never been to the Aquarium either :)

SGF if you like museums the new Nasher is pretty interesting too. The Botanical Gardens in Fort Worth are very nice as well - love the japanese garden there - very serene.

ChristieP and indie:

First, thanks for taking the time to help me plan our trip to Dallas with all the great info you've provided. The same goes to the rest of the posters.

I was also wondering about Old City Park. Do you have any info on it ChristieP?

As for other attractions, we don't plan on doing much shopping. We'll probably check out some of the stores in the Grapevine area but other than that since our stay is short we'd like to see the attractions.

Hopefully these are some questions you could answer.

l.The Dallas Aquarium sound like a good stop. How much time would we need and is it near any other attraction that we could do in the same day?

2.We were wondering if we'll have enough time to check out the Sixth Floor Museum the day we arrive. Since they are open until 6PM is 4 hours enough?

3.I've noticed Fair Park has several smaller museums but that it isn't a good area. Is it safe and worth checking these out during the day?

4. I've also read that Southfork and the movie set at Las Colinas aren't really worth visiting, is this true?

As for Ft. Worth we'll be spending a day there so we'll check out the Stockyards and Sundance Square. Would we also have enough time to look into the Imex and Science museum? Since we only have one day there is there anything we shouldn't miss?

Yes, Southfork and the Movie Studios at Las Colinas are NOT worth the visit. However, the FW Stockyards are a definite must see. If you visit on Fri/Sat night the rodeo is fun (8:00 p.m.) Many of the stores close around 6:00 p.m. There is a cattle maze that is fun (or entertaining for those who watch) and the mechanical bull (if its operating). IMAX runs movies all day. Most definitely visit the Kimbell, Modern Art (across the street from each other) and Amon Carter Museum. Roads/traffic are easy to negotiate between these points of interest.

I think there may be an aquarium in Fair Park, but most likely you have heard about the Dallas World Aquarium. It is in the west end of downtown, in walking distance from the Sixth Floor Museum.

One more thing: If you are going to be in Dallas at the end of September to mid-October, you should really visit the state fair! It's lots of fun, even if you don't ride rides.

If you go to the State Fair of Texas, try a new Texas treat, a deep fried oreo. I'm not kidding.

Old City Park is run by the City of Dallas, and is just south of downtown. I haven't been there since I was a kid, but if you like old buildings and that kind of stuff, you'll enjoy it.

DEFINITELY do the State Fair if you are in town during its run! The Dallas Aquarium at Fair Park is supposed to be closing very soon. The Science Place and Natural History museums are still there, and they are open during the Fair for an additional charge.

The Sixth Floor Museum is in downtown Dallas in the West End area. The World Aquarium is within walking distance from it, so doing both in a day is easy. There are also a bunch of restaurants in the area, so it makes a nice evening outing. Don't try to head to Grapevine from this area until after 6:30 PM, or you'll just sit in traffic on the 114 freeway. ;-)

SKIP SOUTHFORK! It is a long way from Grapevine, and IMHO, is not worth the $15 price of admission.

If you only have one day in FW, do the Stockyards, Sundance Square (meal) and Kimbell Art Museum.

Just make sure you go to the Dallas World Aquarium in the WestEnd. It is really impressive especially now they had expanded it. It is owned by an individual, not a company or the city and is unique and in good shape. If you want something else in this day, stop by the Conspiracy Museum.

6th Floor Museum is another great stop - 4 hours should be enough time to really read and see everything in depth.

Restaurants in the WestEnd are chain types. I'd have lunch at the aquarium in the sit-down restaurant, not the snack bar.

Fair Park is an unknown treasure in our city-I believe it has the 2nd largest amount of Art Deco buildings after South Beach. Although it is next to a terrible neighborhood (south Dallas), I have never felt unsafe walking around because there is a lot of activity with museum goers and people riding bikes or roller-blading. And definately rocking during the Fair.

I have finally warmed-up to going to the State Fair. I used to think it was a big rip-off, but now appreciate it for what it is and enjoy it. There are cheap days to get in: Tues w/ a Dr Pepper can is $2 and Wed w/ 3 canned goods is free. The museums usually offer discounted admission during this time. The Science Place is good and they have an IMAX. Natural History is good, but small. Aquarium is small and in bad shape. Planetarium - aren't they all the same?

I have to add the Nasher Sculpture Center as a destination - just amazing that this is a collection of an individual.

Regarding Ft Worth - there is a great zoo - one of the best in the country. And the Japanese Garden in the Botanical Garden is wonderful. Sorry guys...but I've always been disappointed with the Stockyards (just a bunch of touristy shops) and Sundance Sqaure is great for Ft Worth (certainly better than downtown Dallas), but unimpressive as a city destination.

Skip the movie studios and SouthFork. I always think of Old City Park as a place your kid goes to only as a school field trip. It's in a not so great neighborhood.

Thanks again. It looks like my whole trip is mostly planned with everyone's help. No unfortunately we won't be in town for the State Fair.

We decided to do the Sixth Floor and the World Aquarium and then grab a bite just like you said. What time should we leave in the morning to go to the West End so we don't sit in traffic? We want to have enough time to check out both attractions so how's 9am sound?

We're going to try and visit Ft. Worth on a Friday in order to check out the rodeo. So many people have commented on the Kimbell Art Museum so we're planning on visiting there. Of course the Stockyards are a must. As for the IMAX I don't know if we'll have enough time but if not no problem as we can do that at home. Sundance Square is on the list too but we'll just have to squeeze that in, maybe we'll grab a bite at a restaurant there. Any good suggestions? Sounds like I'll need a vacation from my vacation!!!

pepper131:

Appreciate all the great information.
What is the Conspiracy Museum? The only thing left to plan is what to do when we arrive since we'll be at the hotel around 1PM with a whole afternoon to sightsee. We don't want to go to the West End as we're doing that the next day. Figured we'd be better off getting an early start and checking out both Six Floor and the Aquarium together the following day.

Fort Worth restaurant recs:
In Sundance Square, I liked Reata. http://www.reata.net/
Closer to the Stockyards, I liked Lonesome Dove. http://www.lonesomedovebistro.com/
Closer to the Cultural District, I liked Michaels. http://www.michaelscuisine.com/

SGF

You could go shopping at the Grapevine mills, and then maybe go to downtown Grapevine,later grab have dinner at someplace near the Grapevine town square.
If the weather permits you can go down to Grapevine lake for a hike - one of my favs.

Yes, you could spend the day you arrive in Grapevine. But go to downtown Grapevine 1st, because the stores close at 5 or so, then head to Grapevine Mills.

SGF - If you want to totally avoid traffic, try to leave around 3:30, no later than 4pm. You'll probably take 114 into Grapevine and you should be fine.
If I read everything correctly, you're staying near Outdoor World in Grapevine. On the day you arrive, I'd head to Grapevine Mills Mall and check out the major markdowns at Neiman's Last Call and the Sak's Outlet. This mall is similar to Sawgrass Mills near Miami if you are familiar with it.
The Conspiracy Museum provides you with doubt about certain events such as the info at the 6th Floor. I haven't been, but it's on my list.
In or around Sundance Sq is a Mi Cocina restaurant - a local chain of Tex-Mex. If anything, stop in and have a Mambo Taxi Marguerita-as the name suggests-don't drive soon after drinking it.

I think there's also a Chuy's around Sundance square - Chuy's is an Austin based chain - tex-Mexish food.

Kids would probably enjoy the Rainforest cafe in Grapevine mills - real noisy with trumpeting elephants and screeching monkeys thunder - fun for the kids.

8.0 in Sundance Square is really good.

For your first day here, I agree that hitting the downtown Grapevine area is a good bet. Walk Main Street and enjoy! There is a wonderfuil gelato store north of 26 called Flavors of Florence. Mmmm! If you still have time inthe afternoon, head to Grapevine Mills. There are lots of restaurants near the mall, too. If you don't have kids with you, SKIP the Rainforest Cafe.

If you leave for the West End around 9 and head home no later than 4, you should be fine with traffic. The DWA, Conspiracy Museum, and The Sixth Floor will all be within an easy walk. I've never been to the Conspiracy Museum, but I would like to go. :-)

Wow, so many great suggestions I think I need to extend our days in Dallas. I checked out the restaurant links and their menus look real good. We're definitely going to visit one of them while in Ft. Worth. Any good suggestions for after our day at the museums in Dallas? Probably going to stay later than 4PM so in order to miss the traffic going back to Grapevine we're thinking about grabbing a bite for dinner somewhere on the way to the hotel.

Yes, I'm familiar with the outlet malls and Sawgrass Mills. As a matter of fact I live nearby so shopping at the outlets aren't really impt. We can get the same deals here or in the many outlets in Orlando. As for Rainforest we've been there many times (I agree, it's noisy) so we'll probably skip it in Dallas. We'd like to try something particular to that area.

What's there to see and do in downtown Grapevine besides shopping?

How far from Grapevine is the Nasher Sculpture Center? Is it something we can do the afternoon we arrive if the weather doesn't warrant being outside? I checked out the website and it looks interesting...wondering how long it takes to tour it?

Our son is a huge baseball fan and I noticed the stadium in Arlington has a museum is it worth checking that out?

You guys have been so helpful and have made planning this trip fun. We've had many stop overs in Dallas on our way to Vegas for business conventions and have never stayed over but now we're looking forward to it.

The Nasher Sculpture Garden is in downtown Dallas, not far from the West End. It would be a good stop to add on your visit! I agree that staying downtown for dinner will be a good idea. There are LOTS of good restaurants in the area! Try the Guide at the Dallas Morning News, www.guidelive.com.

There's not a whole lot to do in Grapevine besides shopping downtown and the Mills Mall. You could go take a walk around the new Gaylord Texan resort, which is supposed to be really fabulous. (If you eat at one of the restaurants inside, they will validate your parking.) Two good restaurants downtown are Esparza's Mexican and the Tap Inn (pub grub).

According to Mapquest the Nasher Sculpture Center is 20.39 miles away from your hotel.
Have fun.

The Nasher should take a couple of hours - it isn't huge, but is impressive. Indoor and outdoor exhibits. Their restaurant is done by the Mansion on Turtle Creek, so it has got to be really good.

I agree that you should stay in Big D for dinner. We love Cafe Express (they have something for everyone) on McKinney. Guidelive.com has restaurants categorized nicely by area and cuisine.