New Graduate by Hilton Dallas Opens Across from SMU Featuring 93 Rooms, Pool Terrace, and Los Charros Smokehouse
(IN SHORT) Graduate by Hilton has unveiled its inaugural Texas location in Highland Park, Dallas, directly across from Southern Methodist University. The 93-room hotel blends mid-century modern architecture with Texas ranch-style touches and Graduate’s signature collegiate charm. Key features include a vibrant lobby lounge, adaptable event spaces, an outdoor pool and terrace, and Los Charros Smokehouse—a Tex-Mex and barbecue restaurant inspired by Mexican horsemen and Texas ranch life. The property is a renovation of the former Lumen Hotel, preserving its geometric façade while introducing local design elements such as leather and velvet furnishings, cowhide ottomans, and handwoven textiles. Unique details include a reception desk carved with mustangs, a large communal table, and native plant displays throughout. Guest rooms feature a red, white, and blue palette with university-themed accents and original tilework. As part of Hilton Honors, Graduate Dallas provides members with exclusive perks when booking directly through Hilton. Reservations are now available.
(PRESS RELEASE) DALLAS, TX, 2025-Jul-31 — /Travel PR News/ — Just steps from Southern Methodist University, the new Graduate by Hilton Dallas Welcome Center opens with 93 thoughtfully appointed guest rooms, a vibrant outdoor pool and terrace, and the brand’s first Texas Tex-Mex Smokehouse. Nestled in Highland Park directly opposite SMU, this landmark hotel marries mid-century modern lines with Texas ranch-style touches and Graduate’s hallmark collegiate maximalism. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by a lively lobby lounge that seamlessly flows into flexible event spaces, all leading out to a sunny pool deck and terrace framed by lush plantings.
Graduate by Hilton Dallas – Guest Room
“Bringing Graduate to Dallas—one of our nation’s largest, most energetic markets—represents a key milestone,” said Parker Henderson, Brand Leader for Graduate by Hilton. “Our Highland Park location harmonizes perfectly with the spirit of lifelong learning and community that defines both Graduate and SMU, and it paves the way for our forthcoming Austin opening.”
Under the vision of Nashville’s AJ Capital Partners, the property revitalizes the former Lumen Hotel, preserving its signature geometric façades while introducing indigenous design flourishes. Interiors feature warm, tactile materials—from tanned leather sofas, cowhide ottomans, and shearling armchairs to handwoven textiles—that foster a sense of place and comfort. Wide-open common areas encourage guests and locals alike to mingle, work, and unwind.
Ben Weprin, Founder of Graduate Hotels and AJ Capital Partners, adds, “Highland Park’s storied traditions and creative energy made it the ideal setting for our first Texas opening. Through thoughtful design and storytelling, we celebrate Dallas’s unique character and SMU’s legacy.”
Graduate by Hilton Dallas – Los Charros Tex-Mex Smokehouse
Inside the lobby, a grand vintage postcard of Exall Lake presides over a bespoke reception desk carved with galloping mustangs, paying homage to SMU’s mascot. Star-shaped pendants, custom millwork, and native flora bring warmth and authenticity, while a communal table and adjacent coffee bar create a bustling hub for conversation and study.
Los Charros Smokehouse, the hotel’s standout restaurant, pays tribute to Mexican charros and Texas barbecue alike. Exposed corrugated steel, reclaimed wood, and vibrant textiles echo the lobby’s palette, while a large communal table, saddle-style bar stools, and punched-tin sconces reinforce a rugged yet refined ranch aesthetic. The menu spotlights bold Tex-Mex flavors alongside traditional barbeque techniques.
Guest accommodations continue the theme with red, white, and blue accents, grass-cloth wallcoverings, and navy-striped upholstered beds. University-inspired throw pillows and bespoke artwork lend playful nods to SMU, while original tilework in the bathrooms pairs with vivid horse-print wallpaper and blue accent tiling.
As part of the Hilton Honors program, Graduate Dallas offers members exclusive benefits—instant discounts, a flexible Points-plus-Cash slider, free standard Wi-Fi, and a suite of digital tools via the Hilton Honors app—for stays booked through preferred Hilton channels.
Reservations are now open. Book your Graduate by Hilton Dallas experience here.
Media Contacts
Mathilde van Tulder, Camron
mathilde.vantulder@camronglobal.com
Adam Mulder, Camron
adam.mulder@camronglobal.com
SOURCE: Hilton
