If you find yourself in the world of Las Colinas, make the Homewood home
Written: Jan 27 '04
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Spacious rooms, full-sized kitchens, convenient and safe location
Cons: Limitations of 'motel' setting, maybe a little overpriced
The Bottom Line: Nestled away among the business park of Las Colinas, The Homewood is a nice choice for the traveler who desires a more home-like environment when traveling.
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| bostonlover's Full Review: Homewood SuitesDallas-Irving/Las Colinas |
I have yet to stay at a single Homewood Suites that has ventured too far off my expectation for this chain of motels. Every visit at every location is a 'standardized' experience. It's difficult for me to write a review of Homewood Suites since I have yet to experience anything exceptional or out of the ordinary at these establishments. Which is to say that I have never turned down the bed sheets to discover an unseemly surprise, but neither have I ever been treated to such world-class service that I insist to make all future reservations exclusively at Homewood Suites. For the typical room rate, on any given night, a traveler gets pretty much what they would expect for this level of lodging. This review is intended to familiarize the visitor not only with the Homewood, but with the area of Las Colinas as well.
Suite-styled rooms
Homewood Suites is a Hilton owned chain, designed as a residential-style motel. A class above other monthly-rate establishments one might find off the freeway, Homewood Suites doesn't offer luxury, but the rooms and grounds of most Homewood Suites, including this location, are more than adequately maintained. Typically they look a bit like a small cluster of apartments, with some suites opening to the street and parking lot, other rooms located around a maze of carpeted corridors. Homewood Suites, like its name states, is an all-suite property. A standard suite consists of a well stocked kitchen with full-sized appliances, a table, and sofa bed living area with French doors separating a decently sized bedroom. Two TVs are standard and the rooms are ideal for traveling companions who wish to bunk together without actually 'bunking' together. Perfect for the business traveler who needs a roomy space, Homewood Suites will also satisfy the needs of a family who desires more room and privacy than the neighborhood Motel 6. (Two bedroom suites are also available at this location.)
Amenities
This particular location offers a complimentary breakfast buffet, weekday Social Hour with beer and wine, a small fitness center, on site washer and dryer and outdoor pool. Two telephones with dataports are standard, a necessity for any business traveler. A gift shop, laundry send out service, bi-lingual staff and safety deposit box rental are more amenities offered by Homewood Suites Las Colinas. Homewood Suites also offers meeting rooms, fax/copying services, and business machine rentals like a/v equipment, typewriters, etc.
Rates
Rates seem competitive to the industry and Homewood Suites accepts reservations with many national travelers discount programs. Hilton HHonors is accepted. I’ve never witnessed this location being at capacity, but during a busy conference or for Cowboy games (Texas Stadium is approximately 1 1/2 miles away) an advance reservation may be required. I’ve have never had an issue booking a room.
Customer Service
As I wrote earlier, Homewood Suites has never presented me with any situation out of the ordinary and customer service has been polite and helpful. At last request they would not accept my dogs, so phone ahead if traveling with pets. Other Homewood Suites locations have offered me movie rentals or video games, but on my last stay I do not remember that convenience still being offered. Cribs and hi-chairs are offered for families with small children.
Safety and Location
The grounds are exceptionally quiet, as is the surrounding area. I lived within about hundred paces of this location for two years and can vouch for the general safety of the area. The grounds are well manicured and if you have rowdy kids they might enjoy running amuck in the acres of land that rest adjacent to the grounds. Though located directly off of Highway 114, the location remains very quiet. For those unfamiliar with the area, Las Colinas is a district in Irving, Texas, just NW of downtown Dallas and just East of DFW Airport. Adults will enjoy strolls along the Las Colinas canals, though due to financial hardship the area is not a hub of entertainment as it was a decade ago. Crime is very low and though I’m typically reticent to walk alone at night, I would have no qualms recommending a stroll to any visitor at any hour of the night. (Not something I would say about most other non-suburban neighborhoods in Dallas.)
Airports
DFW Airport is approximately eight miles away, and I typically pay about $17-$25 for a taxi to the area. A shuttle is less expensive, as driving this route in non-peak traffic is at the most a fifteen minute hike. Love Field is located less than twenty minutes away, but as DFW can be accessed directly off of Highway 114, Love Field is not as convenient a location.
Website
For more info on this location: http://www.homewood-suites.com/en/hw/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=DALLCHW
The typical Las Colinas visitor
Having the opportunity to mingle with many travelers who stayed at the Homewood or the more high-end Omni Mandalay, the average visitor is typically in town for a conference or seminar. Las Colinas is still the home for many insurance companies, medial administration offices, tech firms and financial institutions. Due to it’s proximately to D/FW Airport and the ability to facilitate many visitors, conferences are common. Daytime visitors, especially during lunchtime are frequent.
Read on if you’re interested in the history and points of interests in Las Colinas
Having lived near the location for so long, I am quite familiar with the oddities of Las Colinas. Conceived as a major business park and entertainment center by business guru John Carpenter, the area attracted several Fortune 500 companies and elite tenants. Firework shows, gondola rides along the winding man-made canals, and boat shows were typical fare in the mid 80s. Mr. Carpenter constructed an above ground monorail type transportation system that was designed to quickly move the customers and employees between the sites of the many high-rise buildings in the area. Initially conceived to travel to DFW Airport, the rail now operates free-of-charge for a few hours a day--mainly to shuffle people to the few remaining fast food restaurant in the area. (Or that seemed to be the agenda on the days I rode the system.) At night the area, once a flood of activity, is practically a ghost town...though still charming and romantic. A recent surge of interest in Las Colinas has brought new growth, and I predict that Las Colinas will provide more entertainment--similar to the 80s heyday--in the years to come. Some Dallassites still drive to the area to stroll about, and the canals are a favorite backdrop for wedding photography.
Two apartment communities are located in the district center, an upscale high-rise and a 'Mediterranean style' apartment complex. The grounds of both communities are beautifully maintained and a walk around the large man-made Lake Carolyn is a nice jaunt. (Though I spied several fisherman during my stint in Las Colinas, any serious fishing in my opinion, would be something of a joke.) Having lived in both buildings, I grew accustomed to being so near the water, but I realized after leaving the area that any body of water in Dallas is something precious.
While visiting be sure to check out:
On foot from the Homewood, all within a 1-5 minute walk:
"The Mustangs of Las Colinas" -- Huge sculptures that still pull tourists to this day. Unremarkable to me, the average day still draws a crowd so I may be under appreciating the site. The Mustang Cafe is also a popular eatery.
Spa Atelier -- A high-end full service salon. One of the best in all of Dallas. Due to the Spa’s location to the Omni Hotel, expect to shell out the cash.
Jinbeh Japanese Restaurant -- My favorite sushi house in town!
Texas Bar and Grill -- I'd avoid the food, but as one of only two late night bars, Texas Bar and Grill is a decent place to grab a beer with the ‘good ole boys’ and play a round of pool.
Thai Chili -- Average food at best, this Thai cuisine will do in a pinch. Good lunch specials and romantic outdoor dining at night.
Mayuri -- Voted one of the best Indian restaurants in the entire D/FW area. Reasonably priced, this Indian is about as authentic as any in the area.
Italian Cafe -- A bar full of regulars from the apartment communities, you might feel left out if you don't know anyone. Try shimming up to the bar and start talking...this place can get pretty crazy (by Las Colinas standards) near closing time. Comprised mainly of upwardly mobile singles, if you like your booze, you'll be happy here. The ‘Cheers’ bar of Las Colinas.
The Grand Treviso -- If you can sneak into the lush sixth floor outdoor pool, you will enjoy a swim with impressive scenery of Downtown Dallas.
The Granada Market -- These guys have a nice little deli, a small grocery area, cigarette and cigar sales and outdoor tables to read your daily paper.
Kiss 106.1 -- Dallas’ most famous radio DJ, Kidd Kraddick hosts his morning program out of an accessible windowed office off the canals. Morning visitors can take a peek.
The Necessities
The area also has a massage therapy center, dry cleaner and a mailing center. One would never need to get in a car if Dallas drivers and the vastness of downtown intimidates an out of town visitor.
If you find yourself in town, the Homewood Suites shouldn’t disappoint
And oddity, Las Colinas should be visited at least once.... but more than likely you'll be happy to get back home. I've met visitors who rave about the place and others, like my boyfriend, are mystified by the 'bubble effect' of the area. If you find yourself in town, The Homewood Suites is located very near the district center, a suitable choice of lodging at an affordable price. I’m comfortable when I’ve stayed there and have recommended the Homewood to visiting friends and family.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
bostonlover
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Location: Dallas, TX USA
Reviews written: 31
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About Me:
Mother to two spoiled rotten Boston Terriers
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