The Joule Hotel in Dallas, Texas has given Main Street in Downtown a kick in it's step again. Starwood Hotels just recently converted this Dallas skyscraper into a 16 story boutique hotel. The original neo-gothic building was constructed in 1920 and was designed by Herbert M. Greene. It was previously known as the SPG Building, and was vacant for awhile before Starwood moved in.
If you have seen pictures of this hotel, I think you can guess what makes it so unique. They have designed a rooftop pool that literally extends 8 feet out and over the sidewalk 10 stories below. And the front of the pool is seamless glass, so you can swim and hover over people walking 100 feet below you! I haven't tried it yet......
At night the pool is packed: they have private lounges, with music and dj's.... and it is a fun place to people watch, and take in the great weather in the middle of a downtown trying to move forward.
On the Tenth Floor
Photograph: Mr. Bleu Sky/flickr
Photograph: the urban fabric/flickr
Photograph: Diorama Sky/flickr
Much of the exterior has retained it's historic architecture, save for the pool that you can see hanging over the 10th floor.
This is the lobby to the Joule. I love the huge industrial gear behind the front desk. This lobby has quite a contemporary art collection.
Once inside the lobby, directly to the right, is the restaurant Charlie Palmer at the Joule. I ate there when it first opened and I had the best tuna tartare I think I have ever had.
The game room in the Penthouse Suite
A guest bath
A guest room
The PERFECT bath belonging to the Penthouse Suite
A view into the downtown of the City of Dallas
The Joule at night
What's missing in this picture? The party!
