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- Hours:
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45 reviews for The Joule, Dallas
Review Highlights
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"...there is also a Charlie Palmer's restaurant in the hotel." In 5 reviews -
"...going back in warmer weather to try out the pool deck." In 3 reviews -
"Their dual shower heads." In 3 reviews
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45 reviews in English
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Review from Emann B.
Chicago, IL
Wonderful hotel! But like any other business, all the gloss and sparkle doesn't mean jack unless it's backed up by cordial and efficient staff. And the Joule delivers.
Great design, comfy rooms with large sleek bathrooms, and the shower...just heaven. I lingered so long under the multiple rain heads. The Bulgari products were a deliciously fragrant touch.
We left at 5:20am to catch an early flight and the hotel had a town car waiting for the same price as a cab (mind you, requested no more than 15 minutes before departure time).
All the bartenders were friendly and on their game (extra kudos to the sweet and funny Jennifer at the pool bar).
I highly recommend this wonderful gem of a hotel. -
Review from Ashley W.
this review is for the pool.. rooftop lounge .. bar area.. -- unfortunately I didn't have the pleasure of staying at this luxurious hotel... (but that's a reason to go back)
--so i was planning somewhat of a large get together.. and decided on the rooftop pool of this hotel... since things at the time were quite informal and casually put together... i was able to reserve a section of the cabanas for my party...
the front desk staff, valet, pool/bar staff were all very accommodating and efficient.
the view from the top of this hotel is absolutely amazing.. perfect for downtown Dallas... the layout of the pool/cabana area is great for a larger party or for a romantic date idea...
.. very cosmopolitan.. modern swanky decor... appealing to the eye with 4 star experience to match.. -
Review from Holly A.
Ahhh, the one year anniversary of when I arrived and left here all within an hour is finally upon us. What a special time it is. Though none of it has any bearing on The Joule, it had everything to do with a much overdue change that needed to occur in my life, right then and there. Some things just can't wait. Lucky, lucky me - The Joule was the beginning of my new, beautiful and complete life - the pivotal point to bliss. FIVE STARS SQUARED FOR THAT.
The hotel itself is eccentric and interesting visually - though still short on the implied elegance. Four star rating.
Awesome communication upon arrival; informative and friendly. Five star rating.
Very helpful and accommodating upon arrival and checkout. Five star rating.
Horrible in email communication; e.g. responses, answering questions, providing explanations. One star rating.
Ridiculous parking fees; they even felt the need to charge me half of an entire day even though I was parked at the hotel for less than an hour. One star rating.
Extremely overpriced for size and quality of room - the room was as tiny as most hotel rooms in NYC - really Joule? And, it looks like someone still has everything from their finds in 1990 at IKEA strewn about the room. I do like some things at IKEA, but don't you think you could at least be somewhere in the current century with it? Two star rating.
4 + 5 + 5 - 4 - 4 - 3 = 3 in the Snuggly book of love.Listed in: W H A T E V E R
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Review from FRANCO P.
Miami, FL
Fabulous hotel!
The design and architecture in this building both inside and out transport you somewhere else. I'd want to stay here time and time again. -
Review from Veronica S.
Fremont, CA
One of the nicest hotels in downtown Dallas, situated just a block away from historic Neiman Marcus.
The Joule is a luxury boutique hotel with all-things-swanky. They have a Charlie Palmer restaurant as well as a rooftop bar/lounge along poolside with a bar/club scene (PM) as well.
The rooftop poolside bar has good views of downtown Dallas, complete with cocktails list ($10-$12), wine, and champagne. -
Review from Bryn B.
Over-rated "clap-clap". Service is five stars everything else is just meh...Went here for a Bachelorette party and the suite/large room, whatever, was tiny for a $600 a night room. The bathroom was large but really how much time do you spend in the bathroom? The pool was awesome overlooking downtown Dallas with their signature mojito in hand. It was a fun bachelorette party overall though. We went to Sol Irandes across the street for dinner...it was average. Then went to PM Lounge to party. We had a table which is the way to go...unless you get guys to buy you drinks. We had a good time at PM...Decor is awesome with chandilers and almost a goth chic look.
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Review from Sara B.
Modern and interesting is what I would say. Lots to look at.
The lobby is very cool. Has multiple big couches to sit and chat on. Even enjoy a game of chess and a late night espresso. Lot's of little things to look at and keep your attention for awhile. Interesting art work, cool photos in the elevators and hallways.
The room was pretty cool. I loved that the curtains that both blocked the sun also closed off the room from the shower and bathroom area. Although the bathroom doors are see-through and that makes anything uncomfortable. Great shower with multiple heads in the shower. A big bed is always a plus and a comfy big bed, well you can't go wrong with that. The work out facility is pretty nice. Good variety of machines and free-weights. The pool is very cool in design, although pretty small in size. Could get crowded quickly.
The staff is really nice. Doormen to open the door and security that surprised us when they actually checked on us. The front desk people, I don't really remember them, they weren't the best.
This place is in the area of the night-club scene so there is interesting happenings after 10pm in regards to intoxication of people.
24 hour coffee and room service is awesome.
You are pretty much within walking distance to anything you would need here. -
Review from andrew w.
Pretty nice place. Mix between the Westin's maturity and the W's hip-ness.
Some drunk people wandering in and out at night, making fools of themselves. Other than that I didn't see any children until the morning of our departure. It was a nice break to be around adults only.
The staff was very kind, and polite with regards to the pup. We even had security approach us once to ensure people weren't giving us a hard time about having a dog. Most times I feel security is just making rounds listening to their ipod. Not much of a personalized welcome for an SPG Platinum member. Wasn't greeted by name, a welcome gift or anything. Oh well, they aren't perks I really care much about anyway.
The place does smell fantastic as well. The curtains that wall off the bathroom area from the bed area is really cool.
A note to those who are toilet shy. Not only are you 3 feet away from anyone else in the room when you are in the can, but the door is frosted glass (I can see you!) and you are in an echo chamber. It looks cool, but doesn't function well for doing your business. -
Review from Scott L.
Can you say pimpilicious? With a newness and a pretension that's a mix of new money niavity and snobby exec types. The rooms are really nice but some of the decor, like the lobby, reminded me of a tacky luxury version of MTV chic.
You'd prolly have fun if you could afford to stay here - rooms start at $350 I think, but it's located in mostly stagnant downtown Dallas, so bring a car or plan on lots of cab rides to deep ellum, uptown, Henderson et al. -
Review from Yong-Yong H.
Greenville, SC
Upon arrival, you are engulfed with genuine Texas hospitality and their eclectic lavender aroma from the moment you step into the lobby. In addition, for returning loyal Spg members, you are greeted with a warm welcome back, and a personalized greeting card by the amazing concierge, Katie M.
The building was once Dallas National Bank, transformed now to a gothic revival boutique hotel. The Joule is a blend of sophistication and sexiness, enough to stun anyone who walks through the front doors.
Before, I usually stayed at the W Hotel in Victory Park. After 3 stays at the Joule, I am happy to say that this hotel will be my home anytime I am staying overnight in Dallas. In my opinion, I do not think you will get any personalized attention than any other hotels.
Updates:
- 3 months ago, the Joule went under new leadership: Brendan Carlin. As of now, I must say he is doing an amazing job and always makes time to listen to feedback and address issues.
- Although the pool closes at dusk, Brendan is currently working on doing away with the 3rd party managed pool to a hotel managed pool so it may be opened 24hours a day like the W.
- The Joule plans on adding 30 additional suites sometime soon.
Overall, the Joule is a fine masterpiece. If you are looking for a retreat with the utmost privacy, then the Joule is for you. -
Review from Nikki B.
Dallas, TX
Note: This review is for the pool area only.
While the lobby and entryway alone were enough to stare at, had I not been so excited to see my girlfriends I would have gawked at the beautiful set up and views from the rooftop pool/deck.
My first drink was a Mandarin vodka/soda...and wow, they sure know how to pack a punch! As sad as it is, a lot of these "posh" hotspots skimp on your $10 drink and don't know how to pour. This is not the case with the bartenders here! Let's just say their hands rival those at the Loon.
I went with a raspberry martini afterward, followed by two glasses of champagne...hey, I couldn't decide what I wanted! We were there for about 3 hours, and it was humid and I was thirsty, dammit. I cringed when I asked for my tab, expecting to shell out a pretty penny for 4 drinks. My shock came when I looked at the total...32 bucks?!?! VERY reasonable!
And did I mention how nice and accommodating the bartenders are? Super sweet guys. The pool servers were fantastic as well, even "lending" me their fan when I started to get sticky from the humidity.
The Joule pool would be a great idea for a girls night out or a special occasion (I was here to meet up with a wedding party after the reception), or for just a date night with your man or gal.Listed in: The Best of Downtown Dallas, Hotel Bars in Dallas
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Review from Spartevan V.
San Diego, CA
I co-hosted a par-tay in the penthouse here on October 30th. It was almost too cool for me. As a friend said, this is the type of place mafioso go to die.
Here's what I liked about The Joule:
The lobby:
Walking into the lobby, there are the two gigantic cogs turning, which I understand are meant to represent Texas and oil rigs. Funny, I think it's a little too sophisticated for that - I think of if as Salvador Dali does Texas. I also looked at it and thought of hamsters, which made me think of Smashing Pumpkin's "Bullet with Butterfly Wings" and was stuck in my head until I walked to the elevator bank that took me directly to the penthouse. Then, suddenly, "Bullet with Butterfly Wings" faded into Thievery Corporation.
The design/space:
So sleek it's slippery. So cool it hurts. I'm out of metaphors. It's just bad ass. Period. I wouldn't call this place lavishly appointed, but hip-ly appointed. Floor to ceiling windows. There are two outdoor patios with amazing views of Dallas. Everything is dark espresso stained, chrome, and neutrals. Take note of the gigantic chess pieces flanking a marble chess board (as if anyone's going to play chess, but - you never know). It gives way to a table with zebra covered cushions. There are two bedrooms, one with a telescope, and one with not. There are also two bathrooms, one with glass enclosed dual shower heads, and one with not.
The shower in the larger bedroom:
The shower is built into the wall, and does not have a shade, screen, frosted glass, or anything that conceals me from the rest of Dallas. All the better, I prefer to give my Peeping Tom's a show sans pyrotechnics and electrocution. They'll have to pay for the special effects. However, for the record, the 19th floor of the Joule is a voyeur's dream.
The gym:
The gym facility is phenomenal. It's all Technogym, looks rather new, and has unique pieces that are only found in high end places, like The Wave machine and the flexibility pieces, which look like Pilates reformers but are less ugly.
The service:
The staff for the party was amazing. They were very efficient, helpful, and had that great quality of blending into the (genuine) woodwork, yet mysteriously appearing exactly and only when they were needed. I wish more people could hone this skill. I digress.
Over all, I enjoyed my experience at The Joule and wish I could entertain here on a more regular basis. Optimally, I wish I could just live in the Penthouse, but I think I missed the mafiosa boat a few centuries ago. -
Review from Stephanie V.
Grand Prairie, TX
My husband and I booked this hotel on http://www.hotwire.com and were so excited when the hotel name was revealed. We got a great rate online and booked for our wedding night. We wanted something off-beat and not mainstream and came across this surprisingly wonderful boutique hotel. As soon as you enter the lobby, you know you're in for a treat. We made it a few paces into the lobby before we were greated by a hotel employee. Check-in was incredibly easy as we didn't have to stand at the standard counter. We were quickly escorted to the elevator where a doorman took us up and showed us to our room. He didn't just stop at the elevator, but instead walked us into our room and shared with us the ammenities.
The customer service was nothing short of perfection. We called down several times and always were treated like royalty and they were polite. Some places this nice are a tad obnoxious, but not the Joule.
The room was clean, modern and everything we hoped for. Be sure to make your way up to the pool and upon checking in, you receive VIP access to the bar downstairs.
We were disappointed that we didn't have more time to spend here. We'd come back in a heartbeat! Oh and the techie gadgets were a dream come true for my geeky husband! :) -
Review from Nicholas D.
Euless, TX
I had the pleasure of spending another evening at this lovely boutique hotel. This past experience just reaffirmed my lust for the design throughout the building, I believe they call it "Neo Gothic" :)
I checked into a Joule Suite, and it was Sa'weeet! 1.5 bath and a huuuge soaking tub. I'd say it fit about 3 people :) as well as a stand alone shower. The bedroom was a gracious size and the living area was a tad small, but more like cozy.
I also had the luxury of a private tour of a Joule Loft and the Penthouse. The Joule loft is a stunning 2 floor suite that very spacious. The bedroom is on the 2nd floor and it overlooks the living area beneath it. I'd highly recommend it, it's so unique.
Now the Penthouse, where do you start?!? Actually you don't, you just die as soon as the elevator doors open because it's breathtaking. It's a whole floor dedicated to stylish luxury. 2 bedrooms, a couple of bathrooms, the master bathroom is uuuunbelievable! I love the pool table in the middle of this room. I seriously got lost walking through it. The balconies are so fab! If you're quite enough, you can hear the walls talk about the infamous parties that have been thrown here. For the daring, I hope you can pony up the hefty price tag!
None the less, the Joule is the Gem on Main St. in Dallas.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/3/2010
Located right on Main St. in Dallas, this is an excellent property to have a "Stay'cation" or to… Read more »
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2/3/2010
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Review from Lindsay P.
Dallas, TX
The Joule has easily become my favorite hotel. My boyfriend and I stayed over Saturday night in celebration of Valentine's Day and our anniversary. The architecture and design is unique and refreshing. While there are semi-bold colors and patterns in the rooms and hallways (similar to The W), it has much more taste and lacks the night club soundtrack when you enter the lobby.
The Joule only has around 129 rooms which keeps it personal and peaceful. The staff is very attentive from the minute you pull up to the moment you drive off. The bellhops were dressed in suits and could be mistaken for managers with their professionalism. One of the bellhops walked us into the front desk (as this was the first, but not last visit) and took care of our bags while we checked in. The employee at the front desk was very friendly and informative. She walked us up to our room and answered any questions. A few short minutes later, another gentleman brought our bags to the room and gave us a thorough tour of all the features. The only thing that gave him away as a bell hop was the fact that he was carrying our bags. He was well dressed and very courteous. They also brought around thank you cards and heart-shaped cookies for the occasion.
On our way out to grab shoes for the evening, I realized we forgot to ice down the champagne that we brought. I spoke with a girl at the front desk (who happened to be a manager) and she offered to go to our room with ice and do this for us. My only complaint is that when we returned, the champagne was taken out of our bag as requested, there was also ice in the bucket, but no ice to champagne contact as it was sitting on the counter. If this is all I have to complain about, I'm sold.
We had dinner that night at Charlie Palmer (exceptional) - another review. We also had room service the following morning which I believe also came from Charlie Palmer. The poached egg, applewood smoked bacon and belgian waffles were very yummy. While it is quite pricey, you pay for the convenience. They did, however, have the best orange juice I've ever tasted. It was flavorful, pulpless and lacked the normal acidity of most orange juices.
As long as they retain the exceptional service they showed us last weekend, they will have no problem. I hated to leave. -
Review from Flor V.
The Joule Hotel retains an old New York style elegance integrated into its homage to cutting edge technologies & all their precursors.
The avant-garde design & meticulous attention to detail is to be expected from the location of the hotel as well as is its inherent cost.
What I was not expecting was how quickly you are made to feel at home at the Joule...I personally enjoyed my stay at the W but I really have to give it to the Joule for the staff's ability to be accomodating, unintrusive, & yet genuinely personable.
As you step out of the elevator you are greeted by mysterious & soothing metallic & dark blue colored hallways.
The rooms are luxurious& well-stocked.
The cantilevered pool on the 10 floor is the coolest as is the view of the surrounding city lights. Its great for lounging and taking pictures even under the night sky.
I look forward to a return visit; I hope more of my friends decide to have bachelorette celebrations here. -
Review from William G.
Austin, TX
What a magnificent property to grace the Main Street corridor of downtown. Our main is always drinks at the rooftop bar. There is a light fare menu from Charlie Palmer's available but I have yet to try any offerings. The bar is nestled at the back of the roof and there are lounge chairs + beds situated around the pool (think Vegas), along with a long table with bar stools if you are there to eat. Also, there were misters that really helped alleviate the heat.
The music is generally not that great but it wasn't loud and didn't detract from our enjoyment of the property at all.
Beers are expensive ($6 domestics) but for the atmosphere and service, it is worth it, in my opinion. Martinis are priced about on par with everywhere else ($11). It is obvious no expense was spared in this hotel and they have to recoup that somehow.
This would be a perfect spot to hit after dinner but before you head out to a more upbeat nightlife location.
I believe the hours open to the public are 5 - midnight, Thurs - Sat. -
Review from Kyle G.
Atlanta, GA
I won a free trip to Dallas via The Joule and was quite impressed.
The lobby was spectacular. The room was amazing as well. We were in a one bedroom suite, it may not have been the largest room I had ever stayed in but was definitely one of the nicest.
We never actually swam in the pool, but we did sit at the bar there and watch an afternoon of football games. The staff and bartenders were super friendly.
We also had dinner at Charlie Palmer, but that's covered in another review.
Despite being part of the Starwood group, it still had its own feel and style. It was a great hotel. -
Review from Betty T.
Tustin, CA
I LOVE how this hotel always smells good - from the moment you enter the doors and get off onto your floor.
The decor is very modern and sexy - love
The room service is pricey, but delicious
The doormen always open your door with a smile
The gym is always clean and not musty - they provide towels, wet wipes, and bottled water
If you ask for a mini-fridge and microwave, they will send it up to your room so that's a plus.
After 6 weeks of staying here and being in 3-4 different rooms, they were consistently clean and extravagant
HOWEVER, one room I was in - the toilet overflowed when I came back from work so they upgraded me to a super nice suite and gave me chocolates and champagne to make up for the inconvenience :)
I'd definitely stay here again if I were in town. -
Review from Sheri S.
Dallas, TX
This is a very cool, urban and upscale boutique hotel. I don't think you get a lot of room for the amount of money you are spending - you're paying for the trendy environment. We stay-cate in Dallas/Fort Worth quite a bit and this was, overall, a good experience. The A/C in our room didn't cool and the outlet by the sink wasn't working - when we reported these items upon check-out, they offered to comp our parking. We then received a really nice e-mail from the GM offering a free upgrade upon our next visit. Awesome customer service!
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Review from Pamela R.
This place is beautiful. The Joule gives you the feel of a New York hotel in the middle of downtown Dallas. It has great amenities such as a rooftop pool and connections to the downstairs Neman Marcus. They will set you up with a personal shopper or get the store open early/late etc. Of course there is also a Charlie Palmer's restaurant in the hotel.
Now the place is not cheap. You will have to pay a pretty penny to stay in this hotel, but if you can afford it, then this is the place to be in Dallas.Listed in: Places that Remind me of Home
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Review from J B.
I'm in the middle of my second full-week stay at the Joule, and all I can say is "wow."
This property's style sets a sultry and calming mood that truly fills every part of the building that I have seen. The lobby is sleek and relaxed, while the rooms provide cool, chic, and stylish retreats for all comers. Rooms range from small ensembles with (no, I'm not kidding when I say this) round beds to standard sized rooms with beautiful modern design elements to suites that are world-renowned for their stylishness and uniqueness. Additionally, the place wins major points for breathing some life into a downtown area that is desparately trying to revive itself.
Also worth mentioning are the hotel's other features, such as four-star dining, a bona fide nightclub, and a pool deck/bar that are breathtakingly suave.
If you find yourself here in Dallas, try to find yourself here at the Joule. -
Review from Veronica T.
Dallas, TX
This place blew my hair back!!! What a jewel to Dallas! I was able to meet the Operations Manager Noel and he was INCREDIBLE! The pent house is one that you would expect! Very Texas size Plushed and cozy! The staff was so friendly and were ready to help me. I love this feel, dark wood gives you the Texas flavor you expect in Dallas. Definitly sophisticated!!! I definitly put this hotel on the Top of the lists for Dallas Bests!
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Review from Dan F.
Spring, TX
I have not even stayed there, but I wont now. I was just treated so rudely by a reservaitons person who was trying to sell me everything under the sun and all I wanted was room information. There are a lot of other hotels in the Dallas area for me, thanks anyway. BTW, the last thing he said, "you're gonna miss out , sir" then hung up on me.
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Review from sarah v.
Austin, TX
Great service - it sounds from prior reviews that service may have been spotty in the past, but they've definitely made improvements in that department.
We were unable to take advantage of the pool as we were there on Christmas weekend and it was coooold, as in snow on the roof.
We had dinner one night in the restaurant and thoroughly enjoyed it. They have a spectacular selection of wines, and a wonderful menu to choose from.
Bed was comfy, room was elegant and uncluttered, and everyone seemed to really care if we were having a good time. We're definitely going back in warmer weather to try out the pool deck. -
Review from Gabriel S.
Dallas, TX
When you party like a rock star, weasel your way out of a DWI, your headlights don't work and you're loaded with an abnormal group of male female friends. Next stop, the Joule Hotel on Main street. The Gothic facade is lit with a purple hue that creates an air of mystery. Walking in, the lobby is decored with two gears, spinning as if to keep the self sustaining energy of this bubble flowing.
The rooms are ultra ultra! The suite we all checked into had a big bed and a nice living room area, ALL custom designed. Their pool overlooks the city stretching 8 feet over main street. All I can say, is if you're a rock star, want to party like a rock star, or you hop into a cab with a complete stranger drunk off your ass with your feet covered in grainy white powder, you are probably on the way to the Joule, where you are in for a wicked ride. -
Review from Vivian Y.
San Francisco, CA
If I could live in any hotel for the rest of my life... Joule would be the place.
Everything about this place just gives off a type of hip elegance you can't find at many so-called swanky hotels. I was sorely disappointed when I found out I wasn't staying at the W, but let me tell you, that hotel has NOTHING on The Joule. If you can appreciate design... this place is a sensory overload.
I'm a freak for hotel shampoos and lotions. Something about those little bottles that just make my heart beat three times faster. If you, too, share this weird fetish, then I got one thing to say-- Gilchrist & Soames. Their dual shower heads... okay, so it's not the most green thing but the rain shower head.. how can you not just LOVE it?
Circular beds.
iHome docking station
Awesome exercise room with not just functional equipment, but really nice machines that each have their own TVs
ADVISORY:
Um, okay, so there was one thing I did NOT like.. their bathroom toilet area is its own little room but the frosted door doesn't go all the way up. So, really, it's just a stall. In other words, it ain't sound- or smell-proof. haha. SO, if you're going with your newly-acquired significant other... haha.. go to the bathroom in the lobby before heading up to the room... or you just may kill the mood. -
Review from Jose A.
Houston, TX
Trendy and flossy. Pool is cool but over crowded with hotel staff's friends leaving no room for paying guests. Felt like a filming of MTV Spring Break.
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Review from Valerie R.
Dallas, TX
My husband and I are used to staying in hotels all over the country. Unlike most business travelers we travel with our English Bulldog (Louis) and sometimes our friends too. We like to get a hotel for a few days get crazy trashed and not have to drive.
So us and some friends of my husband and myself stayed a couple years back. The rooms were really nice from what I remember, I was hammered most of the stay, but the service was like we were at a 10 star hotel. Do those exist? We walk in the lobby Louis gets excited as he does and he throws up in the lobby. Embarrassed to no end since we were just checking in I ask for a mop but they told me don't worry about it they would clean it up. Ew! I wouldn't want just anyone to do the dirty deed but they did and did it with a smile.
The staff over our little 4 day hiatus were nothing but over the top nice. They didn't treat us differently when we were walking the halls and out front in our robes and sunglasses at 4 am. Or when we snuck out on the pool level when it was 20 degrees out just to get in the pool. We were loud obnoxious and just having a good time but no one complained. Everyone and the whole experience was more than pleasant! Thank you everyone at the Joule can't wait to come back!! -
Review from Greg S.
San Francisco, CA
The best place to stay in downtown Dallas. Great location, friendly staff, and an awesome pool area (though occasionally it will be reserved for celeb parties--this happened on maybe 3 occasions over the several weeks I stayed here). The fitness center is on the small side but was rarely crowded. The house car is very reliable and will get take you anywhere within about a 5 mile radius of the hotel. Overall, a very chic and comfortable hotel.
If you don't mind not collecting Hilton or Marriott points (this hotel is part of Starwood and their rewards program is weak), I wouldn't recommend any other hotel in Dallas. -
Review from Sailracer S.
New York, NY
Lovely and swanky with an amazing pool, the Joule is stylish. The room I had was elegant and modern. I found it much nicer than the average modern redone hotels.
Their customer service, however, is far from great. The hotel is not poised at all to the schedules to a business traveller. As such, I don't think it is a good choice for anyone accumulating their Starwood points. -
Review from CJ V.
Washington D.C., DC
Beautiful property, great pool area....I could not give them any recommendations for improvement.
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Review from Jean L.
San Francisco, CA
I am a loyal Starwood member, I stay in hotels 4 days a week due to the nature of my profession. I have stayed at various starwood properties across the country and they always had great impressions. I had high expectations of The Joule since it is one of the "Luxury Collection" hotels
It is an absolutely beautiful hotel, the designer definitely had paid attention to each and every single detail. The lobby, elevator, and the rooms were top notch. I would give them 4-5 stars for those features.
However, 0 or even negative stars for VALET parking nightmare and couple other factors.
Dallas is not a pedestrian friendly city, Joule does not offer self parking, so they charge $25 for valet/day, which is not a problem esp we're staying here, not just eating or partying. They informed us there was a street closure starting 5pm, we went down at 4pm to find that the street was already closed and no one was in the front entrance to let us know where to find valet. We asked around, went to Commerce street in the back, and asked for our car. Maybe it's because we didn't call in advance and there was a wedding going on, we waited for quite a bit. Then we waited, and waited. We doubled checked twice to make sure someone IS on the way. 25 minutes later the car finally showed up.
When we returned to the hotel 1am in the morning, there were cars in front of the hotel to get picked up/dropped off due to the Club/lounge of the htoel. We waited for a few minutes in the traffic, finally a space turned up and we parked by the curb. A valet person came over, I opened the door, door scraped the curb. He suggested we pull up a little more, took the car, and then yelled to ask for our ticket repeatedly. What ticket?! I said we're hotel guests, some confusion later he found ticket already in the window and drove off.
Next morning after experiencing the wait the previous afternoon, we called at 10:30 to ask to get our car. Thinking now we won't have to wait when we walk out of the hotel. Wrong. After checking out and few quick conversations at the front desk (we informed him everything was great except the valet), walked outside, still no sight of the car. 15 minutes later we checked with the same valet concierge, he said it's on the way. In the mean time another person showed up and asked for his car, got his vehicle in less than 5 minutes. We had waited total of 30 minutes for our car given that we had called in advance! The street was empty!!
This service is unacceptable. If the hotel's only parking option is to valet, they need better and more efficient service. "Someone is getting the car" is not an answer. Is it because we weren't driving a luxury car to the "luxury collection" hotel?
Other side notes: 10 minutes after we went to our room someone knocked on the door and opened it quickly after to "replenish the snack bar". We had choose NOT to have key for the snack bar and didn't need the service. the fact that the staff tried to come in the room after knocking was especially rude.
Next morning someone knocked on our door again at 10AM on a Sunday. We had not checked out yet and check out time was at noon. Ridiculous. Also there was some continuous low noise coming from the AC/Vent that sounded like vaccum in the morning. -
Review from Danny B.
Chicago, IL
I was very impressed with my stay at the Joule. Everything was immaculately clean and the customer service was top-notch. For example, I quickly picked up and then put down the phone when my wake-up call went off. Within minutes I had someone knocking on my door to ensure that I had received the call and that something wasn't wrong with the phone.
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Review from Trent M.
Dallas, TX
THis hotel missed on so many levels. My wife and I stayed there for two nights. The night of our wedding was a real disappointment and then it just got worse. No one helped us with our luggage as we walked in wearing a tux and wedding dress. Then our room key did not work. Then the next morning/afternoon they did not clean our room. We called and they cleaned the room, sort of. They did not pick up the rose petals and after almost two days, the room had started to smell like rotting flowers. It is a cool looking hotel, but the service is totally off.
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Review from Betsy M.
The entry way and lobby are absolutely gorgeous. The decorations are so sleek. Everything about the designs are gorgeous. I was lucky enough to have my birthday party here and to stay in one of the rooms. The room we had first booked was extremely small (but it has a circular bed!) We were planning on having a preparty there with about 12-18 people coming and there was no way more than 3 people could have fit in the room comfortably. We talked to the front desk and we upgraded to a suite. It was gorgeous and perfect for what i needed. There was a living area, bed room and the largest bathroom ever! For a surprise for my birthday, the Joule lined my whole entire room with roses and my bed and all over the bathroom. It was so unexpected and fabulous to say the least!
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Review from Gary B.
Scottsdale, AZ
This amazing building was built in 1927. It was a bank building initially. Now it is a stunning 17 story boutique "designer" hotel in the heart of the financial district of Dallas. Being a Starwood Luxury Collection property, The Joule ( a unit of energy )has quite the reputation to uphold. And it does on every level. The theme of energy runs throughout the place. The DNA strand of lighting that leads you to the future cellar night club and the turbine propellers swirling above you in the excellent Charlie Palmer's restaurant are noticable enough. Nothing however gets your attention like the enormous gears rotating near the front desk. They are gothic and elegant at the same time. I wish they were actually pumping oil...I mean it is Texas, right? But alas they pump nothing but questions as to why are they there...uh in the lobby? The answer from the mischevious front desk, Ambassador, Christian, "They power the plasma to the flatscreen televisions."
Another excellent feature about the Joule, besides Christian, is the cantalevered pool that juts out from the 10th floor giving street something to gawk at as swimmers splash near the edge. Very Cool.
There are 9 configurations of rooms including the usual king beds of course, but there are also loft style duplex rooms that are almost finished. Best of all is the Boom Boom Room aka the Bounce room which should be rented by the hour as it is for one thing only. if the zebra patterned carpet and the red italian leather headboard don't say enough the circular bed should get the messag across. the room is only big enough for the bed and a bathroom, hence the term bounce. You literally bounce from the bed to the bathroom. Nice and classy like.
The Joule is amazing with rooms starting around $300. -
Review from Justin B.
Dallas, TX
My family stayed at The Joule the night before the downtown Dallas Christmas parade so we could watch it from the hotel and keep the babies out of the cold. First off, if you don't valet, parking will be an awful experience. We had to park in a public garage a few blocks away, then get all the baby stroller plus our bags out of the car and walk with it. Guess what...the elevators in the garage are broken down. We're on the 6th floor of the garage. So yeah, stroller + stairs = unhappy me.
Upon arrival, the doorman greets you with a 'Welcome to The Joule'. The decor is comfortable, yet modern, with low lights and a library in the lobby. The staff at the front desk was extremely courteous. They were already aware, from our conversation on the phone, that we wanted a room with a view the street the parade route would go down. So when we opened the curtains in our room, and saw a huge air conditioning unit on the other side of the window staring us in the face, of course this couldn't be the right room they gave us. All I had to do was go downstairs, explain the situation, and they gave us another room with a perfect view of the parade route street. We had their standard king room which is extremely modern, but great. Smooth clean lines in the decor, glass doors, vessel sink in the bathroom, plush curtains behind the wooden headboard. We were very pleased. After dinner at the Iron Cactus across the street we went to Charlie Palmer's, the restaurant in the hotel, for cappuccinos to take up to the room. The bartender was very accommodating, asked us if he could get us anything while we waited, and when we sat at one of the bar tables to wait for the caps, he didn't give us the 'would you please wait somewhere else?' look.
Great hotel, great staff, highly recommend it. -
Review from Brad B.
Dallas, TX
Beautiful place with great service and beautiful artwork. The girl on the 10th floor showing everyone to the pool was a great touch. the bar staff needs to be slightly more professional as well as learn how to make a manhattan but all in all it was a great experience.
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Review from Dennis C.
San Dimas, CA
Best location for Nightlife:
This Hotel is awesome, from its service, the rooms, the pool, the gym. It really is one of the best hotels in downtown Dallas. It really in right in the center of all of the best night clubs/bars in the area. It also helps that it also has its own place called PM Night Lounge which is very very nice and exclusive. Its also right next to another very popular club called Plush which is also one of the best. I highly recommend this hotel if your looking to have a party weekend.
MY ONLY COMPLAINT:
NO PARKING!!! I mean really? this hotel is expensive enough and it doesnt have its own parking for guests. All it has is Valet which is $27 a night 1 weekend would be $52, who wants to spend that much just for parking. I parked just 2 blocks down for only $3 per night so there are other options.
