Where to Stay in Dallas, By an Area Local

👉 Jump to: Best Places to Stay in Dallas | Best Neighborhoods & Areas | Tips | FAQ

Trying to decide where to stay during your visit to Dallas? As a Dallas local, I can help you make the best decision on where to stay.

For first time visitors, I’d recommend staying in the Dallas Downtown Historic District for easy access to the most popular sights in the city. My top hotel suggestion is the The Adolphus, an luxury hotel with a great location near the AT&T District.

There’s no shortage of options in Dallas though, so keep reading for my honest breakdown of the pros and cons of each area.

Before we dive into the neighborhoods, let’s take a quick look at some of the best hotels in Dallas. 

Best Places to Stay in Dallas

Just looking for a quick answer on the best places to stay in Dallas? Here are my top picks: 

• 🌟 Best Overall Hotel – HALL Arts Hotel Dallas, Curio Collection by Hilton
• 📍 Best Location – Hotel Crescent Court
• 💎 Best Luxury Hotel – Hotel Crescent Court
• 👪 Best for Families – Locale Victory Park – Dallas
• 💻 Best for Business – Hyatt Regency Dallas
• 🛎️ Best Boutique – Hotel ZaZa Dallas
• ✨ Best Near AT&T District – The Adolphus, Autograph Collection
• 🧍 Best For Solo Travelers – SOVA Micro-Room & Social Hotel
• 🛏️ Best Budget – Sonder at Commerce

Click here to see all top Dallas hotels or here for apartments.

Ok, let’s do a deep dive of the best areas and neighborhoods in Dallas: 

10 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Dallas

Dallas-Fort Worth has a diverse layout and is one of the largest metro areas in the United States. Within Dallas proper, visitors will find a variety of exciting neighborhoods. We will be taking a look at 10 of the best neighborhoods in Dallas.

When choosing a neighborhood to stay in, it is important to consider Dallas-Fort Worth’s vast layout. To the north of Dallas proper, lies a collection of up and coming cities. While the more established Arlington and Fort Worth are west of Dallas proper. 

In this article, we will be looking at some of the best areas to stay within Dallas proper. However, keep in mind which other areas you might want to visit when choosing where to stay.

Dallas Downtown Historic District

👉 Best Area For Sightseeing | ✨ Best Downtown Hotels: Hall Arts Hotel Dallas, Curio Collection by Hilton • The Adolphus, Autograph Collection • Hyatt Regency Dallas

Downtown Dallas is a business district offering a mix of modern skyscrapers and charming historic buildings. First-time visitors will have easy access to many of the popular tourist destinations. You can see the dynamic skyline at the Reunion Tower Observation deck.

A perfect spot to take in a blend of new and old is at the AT&T Discovery District. This hi-tech park is home to interactive installations and The Exchange. The Exchange Food Hall is a food court that has 16 eateries and 2 bars.

The Adolphus is a 2-minute walk from the AT&T District. This luxury hotel even has a rooftop pool.

History buffs will enjoy Downtown Dallas’s rich history. The Dealey Plaza National Historic Landmark District is a popular destination to learn about the assassination and legacy of President John F. Kennedy. The plaza is home to the former Texas School Book Depository, which is now known as The Sixth Floor Museum.

Pros of Staying in Historic Downtown Dallas Neighborhood:

• Stay in the heart of the city to experience the modern and historic charm of Dallas
• Easy to get to many of Dallas’s popular attractions
• A large variety of hotel options
• Public transportation options

Cons of Staying in Historic Downtown Dallas Neighborhood:

• The density of the downtown area is low compared to some metro areas. A car is needed to experience the true nature of the DFW
• Hotels in the best locations can be pricey

Uptown Dallas

👉 Best Area For Urban Environment | ✨ Best Uptown Hotels: Hotel Crescent Court • Hotel ZaZa Dallas Uptown • Canopy By Hilton Dallas Uptown

Uptown Dallas is a 6-minute drive from Downtown. Uptown’s vibrant environment and proximity to Downtown make it a great choice for those seeking a prime location. Uptown offers plenty of eateries, green spaces, and nightlife. 

McKinney Avenue connects Uptown to Downtown. The McKinney Avenue Trolley (M-LINE Trolley) is a free vintage trolley that runs on McKinney Avenue. Uptown’s walkability and free M-LINE Trolley make it a convenient place to stay. It is still advisable to rent a car if you want to explore all that Dallas-Fort Worth has to offer.

Hotel Crescent Court and Hotel ZaZa Dallas Uptown are near McKinney Avenue. These hotels offer great environments in a highly walkable location. Couples looking for a luxurious getaway or staycation will enjoy Hotel Crescent Court’s environment. This hotel has 5 restaurants on site and a spa, which makes it a great option for a relaxing getaway.

Pros of Staying in Uptown Neighborhood:

• An urban environment that is close to the heart of Downtown
• Lots of great restaurants, bars, and green spaces
• Public transportation options
• Good walkability

Cons of Staying in Uptown Neighborhood:

• Hotels can be pricey due to prime location
• Noise pollution from nightlife and high traffic

The Dallas Arts District

👉 Best Area For Art & Culture | ✨ Best Arts District Hotels: HALL Arts Hotel Dallas, Curio Collection by Hilton • Dallas Marriott Downtown • Fairmont Dallas 

The Arts District is north of Downtown Dallas’s city center. This performing and visual arts district is one of the city’s cultural hubs. Cultural enthusiasts will enjoy the galleries, museums, diverse activities, and skyline views.

Art attractions include the Dallas Museum of Art, Nasher Sculpture Center, and The Crow Museum of Asian Art. Other cultural attractions include the AT&T Performing Arts Center, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Winspear Opera House, and Dallas Black Dance Theatre.  

The HALL Arts Hotel Dallas, Curio Collection by Hilton is near many of these popular attractions. This curated hotel boasts a beautiful environment with lots of art. The Arts District is the perfect spot for you if you are a cultural enthusiast.

Pros of Staying in The Arts District Neighborhood:

• A variety of cultural attractions within walking distance
• Close to Klyde Warren Park
• Beautiful skyline views

Cons of Staying in The Arts District Neighborhood:

• Fewer restaurant and bar options within the district
• A smaller selection of hotel options within the district

The Design District

👉 Best Area For Galleries | ✨ Best Design District Hotels: Virgin Hotels • Hilton Anatole • DoubleTree By Hilton Dallas Market Center

The Dallas Design District is a close drive away from the heart of Downtown Dallas. The Design District is famous for its art galleries, interior design showrooms, and boutique hotels. Artists and designers will enjoy this artsy district in the northwest of Downtown. 

Some galleries include The Dallas Contemporary, Haas Moto Museum & Sculpture Gallery, Laura Rathe Fine Art, Cris Worley Fine Arts, and SITE131. The Design District is quite spread out, so it is not the ideal neighborhood if you don’t have a car.

The Virgin Hotels Dallas is a luxury boutique hotel that is full of Instagram-worthy angles. Some of the unique rooms include the Funny Library, The Commons Club, and The Pool Club. The hotel also has a wide-selection of live events throughout the year. You can check the itinerary on their website.

Pros of Staying in Design District Neighborhood:

• Thriving gallery scene
• Sleek furnitures showrooms and high-end textile stores

Cons of Staying in Design District Neighborhood:

• Not much walkability
• Still ‘up and coming’ and not super developed

The Bishop Arts District

👉 Best Area For Unique Boutiques | ✨ Best Bishop Arts District Hotels: The Bishop Arts Hotel By Bluelofts • Bishop Arts Hotel

Dallas Bishop Arts District is approximately a 15 minute drive from Downtown Dallas’s city center. Bishop Arts District is often called “Dallas’s Most Independent Neighborhood.”

This neighborhood is home to more than 60 independent boutiques, coffee shops, galleries, and restaurants.

Bishop Arts is the perfect place to stay in Dallas if you are looking for a smaller, more eclectic experience. You can shop for modern cowboy-inspired looks at Indigo 1745, find one-of-a-kind treasures at M’Antiques, and much more.

The variety of storefronts make this area very lively and walkable. The district is on the smaller side, so there are less hotel options. Visitors can choose between The Bishop Arts Hotel By Bluelofts and the Bishop Arts Hotel. These hotels are within a similar price range, but the Bishop Arts Hotel’s location is more convenient. 

Pros of Staying in Bishop Arts District Neighborhood:

• Very walkable district with fun wall art
• A wide variety of independent shops and restaurants
• A lively, artsy environment

Cons of Staying in Bishop Arts District Neighborhood:

• A smaller selection of hotel options
• Approximately a 15 minute car ride from the city center
• Parking can be a struggle

Deep Ellum

👉 Best Area For Live Music | ✨ Best Deep Ellum Hotels: Kimpton – Pittman Hotel

Deep Ellum is approximately 10 minutes east from the city center of Downtown Dallas. This neighborhood has a good selection of restaurants, bars, and boutique stores. You will also find some of the city’s best street murals.

Deep Ellum has a rich history and was once the main hub for blues and jazz music. This entertainment district is still a music hub and is home to over 30 live music venues, making it the perfect place to stay in Dallas for music lovers.

You can hear live country at Adair’s Saloon, enjoy the piano bar at Louie Louie’s, and everything in between.

Hotel options in this entertainment district are scarce. The Kimpton – Pittman Hotel is close to Deep Ellum’s lively streets. Highlights of this hotel include bike rentals, an outdoor swimming pool, and an aesthetic interior.   

Pros of Staying in Deep Ellum Neighborhood:

• Very lively entertainment district
• A big selection of live music venues
• A variety of restaurants
• Close to Dallas’s city center

Cons of Staying in Deep Ellum Neighborhood:

• Lacks a variety of hotel options
• Some areas can get rowdy at night
• Parking can be challenging during peak times

Oak Lawn

👉 Best Area For Inclusivity & Green Spaces | ✨ Best Oak Lawn Hotels: Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek • Warwick Melrose Hotel 

Oak Lawn is minutes away from Uptown and north of Downtown. This colorful neighborhood is full of green spaces and is famous for its inclusivity. Oak Lawn is often referred to as the Gayborhood along Cedar Springs. Visitors will find a wide-selection of lively bars and clubs.

Oak Lawn is also popular for its hiking and bike trails. Some popular nearby greenspaces include Turtle Creek Park, Dragon Park, Reverchon Park, and the Katy Trail.

The Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek is a luxury hotel shaded by beautiful trees. This property is approximately a 5-minute drive from central Uptown Dallas and a 12 minute drive from Downtown Dallas. 

Pros of Staying in Oak Lawn Neighborhood:

• Plenty of green spaces
• Good location for exploring other parts of Dallas
• One of the most inclusive neighborhoods in Dallas

Cons of Staying in Oak Lawn Neighborhood:

• Higher prices due to central location
• Limited shopping compared to other neighborhoods

Victory Park

👉 Best Area For Sports Fans | ✨ Best Victory Park Hotels: Hôtel Swexan • Locale Victory Park • W Dallas

Victory Park is a lively district a 5-minute drive northwest of Dallas’s city center. If you’re attending an event at the American Airlines Center, then Victory Park is the place to stay. Visitors will find plenty of dining options.

The Union Dallas is a great place to grab a meal. This modern development is at the intersection of Victory Park, Uptown, and Downtown Dallas. You will find a variety of restaurants and some great skyline views near North Italia. 

The Locale Victory Park offers a convenient location with great views of the city. This apartment-style facility is a 4-minute walk from the American Airlines Center and less than a mile from the center of Dallas. This hotel’s amenities make it a great option for families or visitors who prefer to cook homemade meals.

Pros of Staying in Victory Park Neighborhood:

• The neighborhood is quite walkable
• A diverse number of entertainment options
• Diverse dining options
• Views of the Dallas skyline

Cons of Staying in Victory Park Neighborhood:

• Limited green spaces
• Limited public transportation
• Crowds when there are events at the American Airlines Center

Lower Greenville

👉 Best Area For Sports Fans | ✨ Best Lower Greenville Hotels: The Highland Dallas

Lower Greenville is a 12-minute drive northeast of Dallas’s city center. This neighborhood is great for visitors looking for an urban suburban vibe. Its lively tree-lined streets are home to many patio dining experiences and boutique stores. 

Greenville Avenue is a popular street in Lower Greenville. The Lower Greenville section of this street provides a wide-selection of restaurants and bars. Visitors seeking a fun nightlife will find plenty of hip places to hang out. The Alamo Club and other spots are popular from happy hour until well into the night.

The Highland Dallas is on East Mockingbird Lane. This hotel is a few minutes walk away from Mockingbird Station Shopping Center. This shopping center has a variety of dining options like Dallas Grilled Cheese Co. and stores like Urban Outfitters.

Pros of Staying in Lower Greenville Neighborhood:

• The neighborhood is quite walkeable
• A diverse number of entertainment options

Cons of Staying in Lower Greenville Neighborhood:

• Limited number of hotels
• Not as central as some other neighborhoods

West Village

👉 Best Area For Shopping | ✨ Best West Village Hotels: Canopy By Hilton Dallas Uptown

West Village is a short walk north of Uptown and roughly an 8 minute drive to Dallas’s city center. This trendy district offers upscale boutiques like Mizzen+Main, plenty of dining options like Dock Local, and walkable streets. 

West Village also has good access to public transportation, including The McKinney Avenue Trolley and DART. You can also access The Katy Trail from West Village.

Canopy By Hilton Dallas Uptown is home to Upside Rooftop Lounge. This lounge offers stunning views of Dallas’s skyline. The Canopy also offers bike rentals, which is convenient if you want to bike around the beautiful Katy Trail.

Pros of Staying in West Village Neighborhood:

• Access to The McKinney Avenue Trolley and DART
• Trendy shopping and eateries
• Access to Katy Trail
• Walkability

Cons of Staying in West Village Neighborhood:

• Limited number of hotels
• Limited green spaces
• Small number of attractions nearby

Tips for Staying in Dallas

Plan Transportation in Advance

The Dallas-Fort Worth area is a sprawling metroplex with many different neighborhoods that is very car-oriented. While there are some public transportation options like DART and The McKinney Avenue Trolley, they are sparse in many areas.

You will need to rent a car or rely on ride-sharing services to explore outside of Downtown. Be aware that the DFW has a large number of toll roads.

Check the Weather Before Planning Your Trip

Dallas experiences very hot summers and mild winters. Avoid planning your trip in the peak summer months (July and August) if possible. Pack wick drying clothing, portable fans, reusable water bottles, a sun protectant hat, and lots of sunscreen if you must travel in the summer. 

This tip is especially important for those who live in cooler climates. The heat can be dangerous if you are not prepared!

Try Both Local and International Cuisine

Dallas is a great city for foodies. While some flavors may fall behind compared to cities like NYC, Seattle, and LA, the options are still plentiful. Some local cuisines include Tex-Mex and world-famous Texas BBQ (a must try!). If you plan on exploring the entire metroplex, you will find a variety of cuisines from around the world.

Explore Outside Dallas Proper

The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex has many interesting things to offer outside of the Dallas proper. Even if you are a first time visitor, it is worth doing research on the entire Metroplex. 

You can experience cowboy culture at the Fort Worth Stockyards. Frisco, a city north of Dallas, is an up and coming city full of lots of entertainment. And there are plenty of other great day trips from Dallas as well!

Check out Popular Urban Developments

The cities outside of Dallas proper have many exciting urban developments. Some of these include Shops at Legacy West, Frisco Star, Addison Circle, Grandscape, Water’s Creek in Allen, and Allen Premium Outlet. If you enjoy exploring urban development projects, then it’s worth making a day trip outside of Dallas proper.

FAQs About Where to Stay in Dallas

What are the best areas to stay in Dallas for first-timers?

The best areas to stay in Dallas for first-timers are Uptown, Downtown Historic District, The Arts District, or the Bishop Arts District.

What are safe areas to stay in Dallas?

The safest areas to stay in Dallas are Uptown, The Dallas Arts District, and West Village are some great options.

Where can I stay in Dallas without a car?

To stay in Dallas without a car, Uptown, Historic Downtown, and West Village are good options. However, Dallas is a very car-centric city. 

Is it better to stay in downtown Dallas or Fort Worth?

First-time visitors should stay in Dallas for a more central location within the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Downtown Fort Worth also has a lot to offer, but it is further to the west and not central to the rest of the metroplex.

Is Uptown or Downtown Dallas better?

Uptown Dallas is good for its vibrant, urban lifestyle. Uptown’s walkability and proximity to Downtown make it a great choice for those wanting to stay a little outside of Downtown. Historic Downtown Dallas is home to many of the city’s tourist attractions. Downtown can be better to stay in if your trip is short.

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The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex (DFW) offers an array of accommodations catering to a variety of travelers. I hope I’ve helped you to find an area that suits you. Have you made a decision on where to stay in Dallas or do you have any questions? Let me know in the comments!

Also be sure to check out my guide to Dallas’s top attractions before you go!