The Joule Dallas

A giant cog-and-wheel sculpture in the lobby pays homage to the industrial roots of The Joule’s 1920s-era building in downtown Dallas. But the restored neo-Gothic facade, urban-chic decor, and fine-art collection—including works by Andy Warhol—couldn’t be hipper. Designer Adam D. Tihany called for circular beds and zebra-print carpet in the Demi-Joule guest rooms, for instance—and a bright red pool table for the Penthouse.

A recent $78 million investment raised the room count from 129 to 161 and the indoor meeting space from 2,374 to 10,000 square feet. Today’s guests meet in a bigger ballroom, new junior ballroom, and five conference rooms—all wired for the most sophisticated of social and corporate events. A pavilion on the roof invites groups to party around the Joule Pool, a fluorescent-blue infinity pool cantilevered 20 stories over Main Street.

Named for the joule, an international unit of energy, The Joule lives up to its name at the heart of the action, adjacent to the Neiman Marcus flagship and close to the Dallas Convention Center, City Hall, and County Historical Plaza. The AT&T Performing Arts Center, Dallas Museum of Art, Nasher Sculpture Center, and Dallas World Aquarium wait just a short stroll away. However, most groups spend their free time at home, indulging in the health club, spa, new brasserie, and foodie mecca Charlie Palmer at The Joule.