I have a meeting coming up in Dallas in 2 weeks. I would love a small hotel in the market center area and any advice on great new restaurants. I will be entertaining clients 2 evenings and one night on my own. Thank you for any ideas. jeannie

The Melrose Hotel will be an ideal choice for you. Small, intimate, and luxurious. Be sure to have a drink at the Library Bar even if you don't stay there!

Caroline Hunt has an European-style small hotel near the Crescent Court called St. Germain (214-871-2516). The Crescent Court is a larger hotel (both are just north of downtown on Woodall Rogers and close to the market center. Her corporation also owns the Mansion. The Melrose is nice as well.

The two above have you covered on hotels. (I would prefer the St. Germaine but only because it's smaller) On restaurants, my two favorite new places _open in last 6-9 months _ are Steel for Asian, very cool, sleek decor; and La Duni. I also like Abacus, which has been open a couple years.

ttt

Many restaurants to choose from in Dallas --- go to the Dallas Morning News website & look at the GuideLive section which has extensive listings that'll give you idea of price, quality, cuisine.

www.dallasnews.com

Melrose Hotel is a small charming hotel in the Oak Lawn section of Dallas. It is very close to market center area. As for the other suggestions (Mansion & St. Germain) both are wonderful, however prices are high (if that's an issue in your business travel). That about covers it for small boutique style hotels in Dallas. You will find plenty of chains & there are good options for those by market center area.