Could someone suggest a nice hotel near or between TCU and SMU. Doing college visits and want a really nice hotel convenient to both.
THANKS

If you want just one hotel, I'd suggest you check sites like tripadvisor.com for hotels in Arlington. It's the largest city between Ft Worth and Dallas and is more likely to have nicer hotels. [Sorry I don't have a specific suggestion but we stay with relatives]

The schools are about an hour apart, so I suggest looking in btw in Arlington or Irving (DFW area) or maybe even Grapevine.

In Arlington, I believe there is a nice Hilton one block north of I-30, just west of 360. There are several new hotels around the same area due to the building of the new Cowboy Stadium, but I don't know if they are open yet.

In Irving, (Las Colinas) there is a Four Seasons.

I believe there are a few nice hotels north of the airport. Oh, there is the Gaylord Texan.

Are you visiting the schools on the same day?

Best of luck.

Like jcb said, the 2 schools are far apart. They are about 40 miles apart, and will take at least 1 hour by car if you don't hit rush hour traffic.

Having said that, there are no hotels that will be near both schools. You need to tell us if you prefer to be near one of the 2 schools, or do you want a place somewhere in between.

If somewhere in between, I agree with others that Arlington would be an obvious choice. Other areas would be around DFW, Irving, Las Colinas.

The Omni Mandalay in las Colinas is quite nice
http://www.omnihotels.com/FindAHotel...sMandalay.aspx

And of course the Four Season which is also in Las Colinas
http://www.fourseasons.com/dallas/

You've got to start out in one city of another - or are you doing full day visits for each? Are you driving or flying? If flying in and out of DFW can suggest a hotel near the airport (which is between the two cities). Otherwise, Arlington is right in the middle.

I assume you have a preppy child who wants to be a part of the Greek scene?

I would agree with the Omni Mandalay and the Four Seasons as the nicest places to stay in between Dallas and Ft. Worth. If you decide to split and stay near SMU one night, the Hotel Palomar was recently redone and word of mouth is that it is nice. They have a nice restaurant, bar and spa, although as a local I have not seen the rooms. It is a 3 minute drive from SMU.

missypie - your last sentence made me laugh out loud.

I noted that remark also. Is TCU super preppie, Greek? She is undecided about that.... anyway, someone else suggested a hotel across from TCU which we visit one day and then we might just move closer to SMU for that visit. We might even splurge on the Mansion at Turtle Creek as I found some decent rates on the internet!!!
Any suggestions on sights to see while there and WHERE IS THE OUTLET MALL!!!
Thanks everyone!

Hotel Palomar, mentioned by rileypenny, would be the nicest and closest hotel to SMU.

I think there is an outlet mall in Grapevine, but a better one is the
Allen Premium Outlets, part of the Cheslea Premium Outlets group.
http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=5

We stayed at the Palomar last year and REALLY liked it - great rooms, super staff, terrific restaurant - easy access to the light rail, and highways. Across the street from SMU, and a nice little mall with a Gap/Ann taylor/movie theatres, etc. A very nice upscale, typical Kimpton hotel - it has grown be our favorite chain.

millsy5 - if you found a good rate for the Mansion at Turtle Creek, I'd take it. It's not that far from SMU and is a very, very nice property.

Yes, both TCU and SMU have very strong Greek systems. Preppy? Probably accurate, but SMU more so than TCU IMO. Having said that, we've had plenty of friends and friends' kids who have done very well at both schools but were not Greek.

The Palomar has a higher "cool" factor than the Mansion. You'd also be staying closer to the SMU "neighborhood."

If you want to be between the two schools and by the outlet mall, stay in Grapevine. You could "slum" and be superclose at the Embassy Suites, or be just down the road at the Gaylord. Or, if you want a bit of fun, go a tiny bit further down the road to Great Wolf lodge.

I've done a few college visits myself, and despite all of this, I'd stay as close to each campus as possible, just to take in as much of the "scene" as you can.

SMU beats TCU on preppy and Greek, but only because SMU is EXCEEDINGLY preppy and Greek (and rich) and TCU is just very preppy and Greek (and not quite as rich.) A hispanic mom and her son visited TCU last year and the son commented to his mom, "The only other hispanics here are mowing the lawn." BUT, both are good schools academically and have pretty campuses.

Thanks everyone for your advice. I am going to listen to Missypie and stay close to campus. Hotel Palomar and Marriott Courtyard right across the street from TCU!
Now..... restaurant suggestions or any "must sees" for daughter and me!
THANKS AGAIN

Near SMU, do you want to go to the places where students might go, or just to cool restaurants? There are lots of choices. Near SMU is Snyder Plaza (at the north end across from where the law school is). There's a German deli called Kuby's. Good German food might hit the spot if you've already had lots of Mexican. I don't know if they still do it, but back in the day students could go to a window and buy a huge cup of hearty soup and some rye bread for a dollar. A dollar a day was pretty much my lunch budget back then, so it really hit the spot. If you're at the south end of campus, across the street (at the street south of McFarlin) is NY Subs....pretty good subs. My favorite "fun" Mexican food in the area is Chuys...take Central south to Knox/Henderson, turn right/west, and it's just a block in on corner of Knox and McKinney. Just north on McKinney is La Duni, which is also very popular. I'm sure others will have suggestions....lots of great choices in the area.

Hi millsy5-

You didn't say when your trip is, but did you see this deal for the Palomar?
http://hotels.travelzoo.com/lodging-hotels/521262

The luxurious Hotel Palomar Dallas - A Kimpton Hotel is a steal at $129 per night for stays 7 days a week through March 31. This hotel is usually well over $200. ... you will also get FREE parking, a $30 food and beverage credit, and a hosted evening wine hour.

I agree with missypie that the Knox/Henderson area will be fun - lots of restaurants and shops. The restaurant at Palomar, Central 214, is supposedly to be very good as well.

For something more "fun", Trader Vic's is right next door to Hotel Palomar.
http://www.tradervics.com/rest-dallas.html

"Must-sees"? The HUGE KING TUT exhibit is currently at the Dallas Museum of Art. The show closes in mid-May.

If you and your daughter like shopping, then you should not miss the North Park Center, not far from SMU.

Palomar isn't the only one close to SMU.

Hotel Lumen is across the street. Small, boutique hotel with a modern vibe.

www.hotellumen.com/

YK you are amazing! You saved me $100 with your travelzoo tip! THANKS a million!!!!!
Millsy5