Discover Graduate Dallas: Where Cowboy Charm Meets Campus Vibes

Graduate Hotels has finally lassoed its way into Texas with the grand opening of Graduate Dallas, marking the brand's inaugural Lone Star State venture. Nestled in the upscale Highland Park neighborhood, this 93-room gem transforms the former Hotel Lumen into a vibrant homage to both Texan ranch heritage and Southern Methodist University's (SMU) spirited legacy. Just a stone's throw from campus, it invites guests to dive into a world where midcentury architecture meets playful, story-driven design.

 

The hotel's interiors, crafted by Nashville's AJ Capital Partners, blend rustic elegance with geometric precision. Think cowhide ottomans, shearling throws, and handwoven textiles that evoke wide-open ranches, all set against the building's clean lines. A street-facing lobby lounge buzzes with community energy, featuring a reception desk etched with galloping mustangs and a sprawling vintage postcard mural of nearby Exall Lake.

 

Star-shaped lights dangle overhead, native plants add a touch of the wild, and a communal coffee table encourages mingling or solo reflection. At the heart of it all is Los Charros Tex-Mex Smokehouse, a restaurant celebrating Texas barbecue and Mexican flavors in a cowboy-chic space. Reclaimed wood walls, saddle stools, and bolo-tie fixtures create an authentic vibe, topped with a ceiling mural inspired by traditional rugs.

 

Guest rooms upstairs channel Americana with a red, white, and blue color scheme, grass cloth walls, and navy-striped bedding. Whimsical touches like SMU-embroidered pillows, bluebonnet chairs, and ceramic lamps bring texture and fun. The original tiled bathrooms get a fresh twist with bold blue accents and custom horse-print wallpaper, blending vintage charm with modern comfort.

 

"Launching Graduate in Texas, especially in historic Highland Park, has been a dream," shares Ben Weprin, founder and CEO of Graduate Hotels and AJ Capital Partners. "This neighborhood pulses with tradition and creativity, and we've captured that essence through immersive design and SMU's timeless nostalgia." With an outdoor pool, terrace, and event spaces, Graduate Dallas isn't just a stay-it's a cultural immersion perfect for alumni, travelers, and locals alike.