The Grand Dame of Dallas Returns: The Stoneleigh Ushers in a New Era of Uptown Prestige

The Iconic Hotel Reopens with a Bold New Design by Award-Winning Design Studio Fettle, a Culinary Program by Michelin-starred Chef Michael White, and Debut in Marriott Bonvoy’s Autograph Collection

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Stoneleigh, a storied Dallas landmark, enters a definitive era with a masterful transformation defined by timeless artistry, modern luxury, and a reclaimed sense of grandeur. Central to this renaissance are the fully reimagined interiors by award-winning design studio Fettle, featuring expansive guest rooms and specialty suites, alongside a distinguished culinary and cocktail program helmed by James Beard Award–winning Chef Michael White. The Stoneleigh debuts within Marriott’s Autograph Collection, joining a curated global portfolio of independent hotels celebrated for their distinctive soul and elevated hospitality.

Once the vibrant epicenter of the city’s arts and social scene, The Stoneleigh’s next chapter honors its illustrious heritage while ushering in a new era of maximalist sophistication - a bold tribute to the legacy of design icon Dorothy Draper. From the cinematic allure of its public spaces to the curated comfort of its residential-style rooms and suites, every meticulous detail creates a transcendent retreat where heritage, artistry, and modernity converge.

“The Stoneleigh has always represented more than a destination; it has served as a preeminent stage for the culture, conversation, and community of Dallas,” said Shai Zelering, Managing Partner and Global Head of Hospitality at Brookfield’s Real Estate Group. “This renaissance honors the hotel’s storied legacy while reimagining it for the culturally curious. Through bold design, celebrated culinary artistry, and social enclaves meticulously crafted for connection, we are reintroducing an icon that honors its past while defining the future of Uptown luxury."

A New Culinary Vision
Marking his highly anticipated Dallas debut, Chef Michael White brings his world-class culinary vision to The Stoneleigh. Renowned for his extraordinary legacy of five simultaneous Michelin stars, New York Times stars, and innumerable accolades, Chef White meticulously sculpts an epicurean journey. This debut is anchored by two original concepts developed exclusively for the hotel: Lions Den and Bar Leonessa. From the first pour of a masterfully balanced cocktail to the final bite of a signature pasta, White’s influence breathes a new level of artistry into Uptown, inviting guests to experience a seamless blend of historic soul and modern culinary brilliance.

Lions Den
Inspired by the hotel’s legendary namesake venue, Lions Den is a modern Italian supper club rooted in The Stoneleigh’s storied past. The restaurant captures the glamour of American design luminary Dorothy Draper’s bold, maximalist sensibility through a contemporary lens, with design elements inspired by her signature use of marbled stone, inlaid wood, and iconic patterned wallpaper. Warm and intimate in atmosphere, Lions Den balances polish with ease, extending seamlessly from the dining room to an inviting terrace for al fresco dining.

As evening falls, the restaurant transforms into a space that is dark, rich, and unmistakably magnetic. Dinner is a masterclass in Chef Michael White’s signature coastal Italian artistry, seafood-forward and defined by bright, vibrant flavors. While house-made pastas remain the soul of the menu, the experience is punctuated by moments of tableside theater. Signature dishes include a Porterhouse studied in contrast, presented as both a delicate tartare di manzo and a prime grilled striploin, alongside coastal classics like Dover sole bathed in brown butter and lemon. From the decadence of a Marsala-finished veal chop to a thoughtfully composed wine program, every element is designed to captivate and endure.

By day, Lions Den is bathed in natural light, offering a luminous, airy sanctuary for breakfast, lunch, and weekend brunch. The room’s effortless elegance is underscored by a curated acoustic backdrop, creating an environment that feels as intuitive for a high-stakes meeting as it does for a refined social escape.

Bar Leonessa
Bar Leonessa is a sanctuary of sophisticated fluidity, an elevated lounge designed to evolve in tandem with the day. At dusk, the space transforms into a captivating social anchor, centered around an exquisite marble bar where mixology is practiced with sculptural precision. The evening is emphasized by a measured energy, where the occasional pulse of music and curated entertainment elevates the atmosphere. Aperitivos transition into a theatrical cocktail program of reimagined classics, featuring dramatic tableside pours from a custom beverage cart. The evening menu balances refinement and indulgence, offering curated small plates alongside the chef's signature grilled octopus with eggplant caponata, garganelli with prosciutto, peas, and truffle butter, and oysters topped with caviar — along with shareable desserts, creating an environment of playful sophistication and effortless momentum.

By morning, the lounge is reimagined as a sunlit retreat. This luminous café welcomes guests and locals alike for expertly drawn espresso, delicate European-style pastries, and light seasonal bites, all enjoyed within the plush textures of the lounge or on the adjoining terrace.

A New Way of Living
The Stoneleigh’s newly redesigned guestrooms and specialty suites offer a refined, residential approach to city living, blending timeless elegance with contemporary comfort. The accommodations balance classic sophistication with a relaxed, livable ease.

The hotel features 176 guestrooms and suites ranging from 300 to 1,000 square feet, including signature retreats like the Draper Suite and the sprawling Penthouse. Layouts prioritize comfort, flow, and natural light, complemented by layered textures, tailored furnishings, and graphic patterns that nod to mid-century design.

Guestrooms are defined by high-pile wool carpeting, geometric wallcoverings, and rich velvets that create warmth and depth. Furnishings—including lacquered burl bar cabinets, sculptural upholstered headboards, and 1930s-inspired seating—are paired with a curated art collection by California-based artist Jack Lewis. In the bathrooms, Venetian glass sconces by Sogni di Cristallo and bespoke wallcoverings with a subtle Stoneleigh “S” motif reinforce the hotel’s residential sensibility.

The Stoneleigh’s 72 suites introduce a more expansive, apartment-style experience, with distinct living areas and an elevated sense of scale. Signature suites are centered on the 11th floor, once home to the Colonel’s private, Draper-designed penthouse, and now house a collection of exceptional accommodations alongside the original Music Room, Dining Room, and Library. The dramatic double-height Music Room features restored 500-year-old wood paneling from London’s Charterhouse School, a minstrels’ balcony, and a striking crystal chandelier by Fettle, serving as both an intimate living space and an elegant venue for private gatherings.

Each suite carries its own narrative: the Draper Suite reimagines a New York-style apartment with a theatrical canopy bed dressed in Oscar de la Renta fabric; the Presidential Suite showcases Draper’s signature pattern play through chintz-clad drapery and a lavish baldachin; and the Penthouse Suite, once favored by Elvis Presley and Audrey Hepburn, offers an expansive terrace and interiors inspired by the Colonel’s original quarters, reinterpreted through a 1930s lens. Maggie’s Suite introduces a more intimate, romantic sensibility, with a custom tapestry headboard, a private boudoir, and richly layered textiles throughout, each space designed to evoke a sense of history, character, and occasion.

Additional Stoneleigh amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center outfitted with advanced performance and strength-training equipment, supporting guests’ wellness routines.

The Pool at The Stoneleigh
Beyond an ivy-draped wrought-iron archway lies a secluded outdoor sanctuary, where manicured hedges frame a tranquil ground-level pool. Surrounded by a sophisticated curation of daybeds, loungers, and vibrant umbrellas, the space is sun-soaked and effortlessly polished - an inviting retreat designed for unhurried afternoons. This lush terrace serves as a seamless extension of The Stoneleigh’s cultural energy, coming alive with unexpected social programming that captures the spirit of Uptown Dallas.

The poolside experience is further elevated by a menu orchestrated by Chef Michael White, offering a refined perspective on Americana favorites. From indulgent lobster rolls to playful, elevated mini corn dogs and vibrant seasonal bites, the culinary offering is perfectly complemented by a curated beverage portfolio. Featuring artisanal frozen cocktails, effervescent spritzes, and a chilled selection of wines and zero-proof elixirs, the mood remains cool, effortless, and distinctly transcendent under the Texas sun.

Gatherings and Celebrations
At its heart, The Stoneleigh remains a vibrant social anchor, a modern-day salon where immersive programming and curated community events allow spirited interactions to unfold naturally throughout the hotel. Spanning more than 20,000 square feet of versatile indoor and outdoor meeting and event space, The Stoneleigh provides a sophisticated backdrop for corporate gatherings, galas, weddings, and the city’s most celebrated milestones. The hotel’s most storied venues, such as the richly appointed Library and Music Room, offer a masterclass in maximalist design. Featuring intricate diamond mosaic stained glass, sumptuous burgundy velvet, and dramatic drapery, these intimate enclaves provide a distinctive, cinematic setting where heritage and celebration converge to create a truly unforgettable experience.

A Storied Legacy
Designed by architect Frank J. Woerner, The Stoneleigh was born of a daring ambition: to stand as the tallest building west of the Mississippi. Though once deemed impossible and nearly derailed by unprecedented engineering feats, the project ultimately triumphed, emerging in 1923 as a first-of-its-kind landmark in Dallas and ascended as the definitive social epicenter for the city’s cultural elite, a position it has held for over a century.

A decade later, the hotel entered a transformative new chapter when a visionary art collector invited American design icon Dorothy Draper to reimagine its interiors. Rejecting the quiet conventions of the era, Draper introduced a bold, maximalist fantasy filled with vibrant color, dramatic pattern, and unapologetic grandeur. Her visionary aesthetic redefined the very essence of luxury, cementing The Stoneleigh’s legacy as a sanctuary rich with larger-than-life stories and a restless, creative energy.

Transition to Marriott Bonvoy’s Autograph Collection
The Stoneleigh’s transition to Marriott Bonvoy’s Autograph Collection aligns the hotel with a global portfolio of more than 330 hand-selected properties celebrated for their individuality, craftsmanship, and sense of place. This affiliation further cements the hotel’s status as one of Dallas’ premier destinations while positioning it among hotels defined by distinctive character and memorable guest experiences. United by a shared commitment to authenticity and thoughtful design, Autograph Collection properties deliver immersive stays that leave a lasting impression.

With its grand debut, The Stoneleigh proudly reclaims its title as “The Grand Dame of Uptown”—a luxurious retreat and cultural epicenter for those seeking authenticity, sophistication, and a touch of the unexpected.

The Stoneleigh is located at 2927 Maple Ave, Dallas, TX 75201. For more information or to make a reservation, please visit www.thestoneleigh.com or call [phone] and follow @thestoneleigh on Instagram.

To download images of the hotel, please visit this link: https://spaces.hightail.com/space/L0tIs8xo0B.