The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas

"On select weekends i from 11:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m., the hotel will offer a holiday afternoon tea, complete with finger sandwiches and pastries. Reservations required." - Courtney E. Smith, Rachel Pinn

"And one cannot forget about the Dallas OG Ritz-Carlton property where you can feel the luxury lingering around every corner especially now after the 2023 debut of a multi-million-dollar facelift. Yes, all 218 guest rooms and suites were upgraded to cater to the needs of today’s luxury traveler. Other amenities that speak to us are the feather beds and linens that envelope you, the chauffeured luxury house car, and Fearing's downstairs which maintains a regular place on most lists of the best restaurants in Dallas. And not to pick favorites here, but any hotel that has a resident "guacamologist" deserves a special shout-out. Stop by the lobby at 6 p.m. to see first-hand how to make the hotel's famous guac and find out exactly how much roasted garlic you should be adding to it." - Diana Oates

"How did it strike you on arrival?Located in the heart of Uptown, this hotel is the choice for a lot of celebrities that have business to take care of in Dallas. The first thing you notice, more than any famous guests in the lobby though, is the immaculate flower display that greets guests in the lobby. How beautiful (snaps Instagram pic)! What’s the crowd like?Ritz Rewards regulars who would never spend a night in a big city at any other hotel. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.The decor was classic and although it was nothing especially exciting, you could tell that all of the linens were top notch. I also love a feather bed. The bathroom was the highlight though, as it was covered in marble and featured a soaking tub with a portrait window that allowed me to look out at the city. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that worth a mention?As one would expect with a Ritz-Carlton property, the amenities were aplenty and included a complimentary shoe shine, twice daily housekeeping, and a fully stocked snack bar. I was a little disappointed to find out that the Wi-Fi will still cost you $9.99 a day unless you are a Ritz Rewards Member though. What do they have for food and drink here?Fearing's is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and for Sunday brunch. The food is strong for a hotel restaurant and offers guests a true taste of Texas cuisine. For a classic Dallas meal, opt for the 16 oz Royal Ribeye from Sherman, and a side of duck fat tater tots. Those looking for a special Saturday ritual will delight in the seasonal tea that takes place in the lobby lounge for parties of six or less. This is by reservation only and includes tea, sandwiches, scones, and sweet treats. The Rattlesnake Bar is well known with the locals as a buzzy place to enjoy Dean's Margarita and some Two-Bite Lobster Tacos while listening to live music in a relaxed yet refined environment. Staff: If you could award one a trophy, who gets it, and why?Any hotel that has a resident guacamologist deserves a special shout out. This "experience" happens at 6 p.m. every evening in the lobby lounge. He showed us exactly how to make the hotel's famous guac and shared with us the importance of including just the right amount of roasted garlic. Anything services we should have asked about?This property offers a chauffeured luxury house car that will take you anywhere you need to go within a three-mile radius of the hotel. This happens on a first-come, first serve basis and seldom works out with your schedule (especially during the busier weekend evening times), but when it does, it is pure magic. So clutch. What's the bottom line?Ritz Rewards members will appreciate the commitment to customer service here. Those who are not as loyal to the brand may find the price a bit steep compared to other luxury options in the area." - Diana Oates

"At The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas, the first Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Hotel in Texas, you can treat yourself to a day at the spa and outdoor pool before dinner at Fearing’s. There, renowned chef Dean Fearing offers a contemporary take on Southwestern cuisine with favorites including BBQ short rib enchilada with chorizo queso fundido, jumbo lump crab cakes and chipotle crema, and achiote-glazed antelope over mole rojo with braised rabbit enchilada, chile verde, and heirloom squash."

"This spot in the Ritz Carlton is pretty “ritzy” for folks from Buffalo Gap, but we love it! Dean Fearing has been our longtime friend and is one of the guests on our podcast, Meet Me at the Wagon." - Courtney E. Smith