Wet Hot American Summer.
That’s not only the title of one of our favorite comedy movies and subsequent TV series, it’s the brutal reality of life in Dallas right now.
Thankfully, Big D has more pools than potholes (barely) and we can escape to a variety of places beckoning with the promise of a watery paradise.
After initially staying at the JW Marriott Dallas Arts District last December, we were invited back to experience their pool deck last month. And “Holy Cabana, Batman!” did we have a fun time.
It’s one of the best hotels in the city for a staycation. But this summer, you can get the same vibes with a day pass (with or without cabana rental). It’s cheaper during the week, too, so if you want a more chill atmosphere and a shady place to work remotely, it’s a great value starting at $50 per person via ResortPass.
Enjoy free valet parking, bottled water, towel service and access to a full menu of drinks and shareable snacks (try the brisket quesadillas and the U8 prawn coconut shrimp!).
Cabanas start at $250 for two people with everything included above.
(Children are only allowed if they’re hotel guests, so it won’t be too overrun with screaming little ones.)
Of course, if you can swing it, you’re going to want to book an overnight stay to truly relax and rejuvenate.
Accommodations
The JW Marriott Dallas Arts District has a unique layout. It was busy atop an existing parking structure, so the official lobby can be found on the 11th floor.
Luckily, you still check in at the desk on the ground floor, adjacent to 800 North Bar. So, you know, if you need a cocktail for that long elevator ride to the next set of elevators, you’re covered.
We have pretty high loyalty status with Marriott to begin with, but our hosts guaranteed us one of the Museum Suites, so we didn’t have to worry about an upgrade through our Bonvoy account.
First of all, that view!
Rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows with sweeping views of the Dallas Arts District and the metropolis beyond. Corner rooms offer multiple vistas and even our walk-in shower allowed us to look at the bustling street scenes below while lathering up.
Dining & Drinking
The JW Marriott Dallas Arts District offers three main restaurants and bars, plus JW Market, a coffee bar with grab-and-go food on Floor Eleven. And you already know about the first-floor bar, but definitely try the whiskey flight if you want a memorable nightcap.
The centerpiece of the food and beverage program, Margaret’s, should be added to your dining rotation, even if you’re not staying in the hotel. Everything we ate there we’d order again, particularly the cowboy ribeye. And a bump of caviar might be in your future, too (both of those items pictured above).
Outside near the pool, Vincent’s Sky Bar (named for Vincent Van Gogh because arts district, you know). It’s also a great stop for a nightcap. (Can you tell we love nightcaps?)
Rest, Relaxation and Repetitions
In addition to the sparkling pool, the hotel has other recreation options.
There’s a well-appointed fitness center, right down the hall from the club lounge, which is a great perk for rewards members at certain tiers or anyone who books rooms that specifically include club access. A nice hot breakfast buffet and on-demand cappuccinos did us right every morning.
Of course, one of the main reasons to stay at the JW Marriott Dallas Arts District can be found right there in the hotel’s name. Its proximity to the nation’s largest contiguous arts district means you can walk to hear the Dallas Symphony Orchestra at the Meyerson, catch a Broadway musical at the Winspear Opera House, or spend a few hours at the Nasher Sculpture Center and Dallas Museum of Art.
Or, hell, just order room service and stay in your robe all weekend. That’s the beauty of a staycation—rules simply do not exist.
Well, except maybe checkout time.
JW Marriott Dallas Arts District
800 North Harwood Street, Dallas
Pool day passes from $50 per adult
marriott.com
