Graduate by Hilton Dallas has opened as the brand’s first hotel in Texas. Located in Highland Park, across from Southern Methodist University (SMU), the 93-key hotel features a lobby lounge, outdoor pool and terrace, flexible event spaces and a signature Tex-Mex restaurant.
“Introducing the Graduate brand to Texas—one of the country’s largest and most dynamic markets—is a major milestone for us,” said Parker Henderson, brand leader, Graduate by Hilton. “A Graduate in Dallas’ Highland Park was a natural fit, as the property brings our collegiate-inspired hospitality to a neighborhood that reflects our core values of lifelong learning. It also kickstarts the brand’s Texas expansion with another property slated to open in Austin.”
Led by AJ Capital Partners, the Nashville-based developer and designer of the property, the new hotel is a restoration of the former Lumen Hotel. While preserving the building’s original geometric, mid-century architecture, the reimagined space features locally inspired design elements—warm, textured interiors like tanned leather and velvet sofas, cowhide ottomans, shearling armchairs and handwoven textiles.
“Bringing a Graduate to Texas—particularly in the heart of Highland Park, one of Dallas’ most storied neighborhoods—has been a longtime goal,” said Ben Weprin, founder, Graduate Hotels and CEO/founder, AJ Capital Partners. “This is a community full of character, tradition and creative energy, and we’re honored to bring this project to life in a way that reflects all of that through design, storytelling and the nostalgic traditions that live on at SMU.”
A large-scale vintage postcard of Exall Lake, a nod to one of Dallas’ historic leisure destinations, hangs above the hand-carved reception desk, which features a galloping herd of wild mustangs in tribute to the nearby university. A large communal table and coffee counter provide a space for guests, students and locals.
Guestrooms combine mid-century modern influences with a red, white and blue color palette. Grass cloth wallcoverings and navy-striped upholstered beds are complemented by custom pillows embroidered with nods to the nearby university and locally inspired artwork. Bespoke details include custom ceramic bedside lamps and lounge chairs upholstered with the state flower, the bluebonnet. Original tilework was maintained across all guest bathrooms, enhanced with blue accents and custom horse-print wallpaper.
The design of Los Charros Smokehouse, the hotel’s signature restaurant, features reclaimed wood, patinated corrugated steel and textile elements drawn from the hotel lobby, including a ceiling mural inspired by hand-woven rugs. At the heart of the space is a communal dining table with red-painted finishes, complemented by a bar outfitted with saddle-style stools that nod to Texas ranch life.
