Lodging

After the long weekend in Wisconsin (_{made that much longer by the process by which we left- a bumped flight, then two delays, then an early departure, then an almost missed and very overcrowded second flight -and we didn't even get upgraded, the cads-}), we are most pleased to report that we are currently in residence at the impossibly hip W Dallas. We've stayed at this W before, and we liked it then, but that was a whirlwind trip, with nary a chance to delight in the amenities available.
The W Dallas Victory (_{as it is offically named}) is technically in Uptown, but really we sort of think of it as a small, attractive growth on the northwest side of downtown, barnicling off of the Woodall Rogers Freeway. For reference purposes, we will just stay we're staying downtown. This affords us a rather delicious view of our surroundings, especially at night (_{and we are tres excited to see the Perot Museum of Science & Nature under way})


_{Dallas by night, 11th floor of the W}

The room is stylish, as one would expect from the W brand (_{although would it really compromise the sexiness of the room to have a fan or vent in the shower area? after a long, luxurious hot shower, we would like to be able to see ourself in the mirror}). The beds are imminently plush, with a down mattress-topper, which is a texture we aren't used to beneath the majority of our body, but when it's time for bed, we have absolutely no complaints.
We also love the W for the pet policy- as in, they are not only allowed, but welcomed. The Creatures have a pillow bed that, we fear, they seem to be growing accustomed to, as well as water and food bowls, compliments of the hotel. (_{for those of you inclined, they have a number of other services available for your four legged friends- sitting services, walking, etc. we prefer to do these things ourself}) The staff is also very pet friendly, and desk and valet attendants are eager to give love each time we go by.
What else? The gym is fabulous (_{on the 16th floor, although the cardio machines aren't facing the windows- a minor complaint}), as is the downstairs bar. GhostBar and the infinity pool (_{also both on the 16th floor}) have truly stunning views of both downtown and the northwest of the city. The list of food and beverage available via room service is exhaustive (_{but really, would anyone pay $145USD for a bottle of Absolut? we are skeptical}), as are the treatments offered at Bliss Spa (_{much less outrageously priced than the room service}).
Our only complaint comes for Craft, the Tom Colicchio-owned restaurant in the lobby. Last night after dinner at the delicious and charming Bolsa(_{which we very heartily recommend- but they don't take reservations, so go early or be prepared to wait}) and a couple of cocktails at a few other local favorite establishments, we headed to Craft for desert. We expected excellent food and superior service. What we received was good food and service that was, unfortunately, disjointed, to say the very least. Perhaps it was an off night, perhaps they were ready to be closed (_{which is fine, but if that is the case, don't agree to seat}), we are unsure. Suffice to say, we were less than impressed.
The same cannot, thankfully, be said of the hotel. We are looking forward to more stays in the future, as well as experiencing some other properties in the brand (_{Boston is the newest- perhaps Houston will get one soon?}). We don't know where will be traveling in the near future, but we do know that we will definitely be looking for a W.