A new hotel is coming to the 19-city block Harwood District on downtown Dallas’ north end—one that’s a little bit Swiss, a little bit Texan, and a whole lot of gleaming, mirrored modernism.

Harwood International’s flagship boutique hospitality property, Hôtel Swexan, is slated to open next summer, the Dallas-based global real estate firm announced. The hotel’s name was inspired by the idea of “Swiss meets Texan,” a nod to Harwood International founders’ generations of Swiss-Texan family heritage.

Operated by Harwood Hospitality Group, the hotel’s design reflect “the founders’ travels and passion for art and design,” and will offer guests “an immersive European-inspired journey throughout the multi-faceted, transformative spaces,” the company said.

The 22-story modern tower is the third building in the Harwood District designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, and reflects his philosophy that buildings should enrich the connection between architecture and its surrounding landscape.

Hôtel Swexan [Photo: Wade Griffith/Harwood International]

Interior will combine classic and contemporary, with a twist

Harwood’s design team is executing the hotel’s interior design, “combining the classic with the contemporary and a twist on conventions,” with inspiration from the world’s greatest cities.

The hotel’s interior architectural details are meant to evoke a classical 19th-century Parisian residence-turned-hotel. They will include “comfortable yet elegant furniture” and hand-carved stone and wooden fireplaces on every floor of the hotel.

“With a combination of exquisite design, an exceptional location, and a nod to our company’s Swiss Texan heritage, the first-of-its-kind destination will introduce a new level of style and distinctive Swiss-inspired luxury to our great city,” said Jessica Young Reid, director of marketing at Harwood International. “We believe the hotel will add a vibrance to the community, which has always been central to our company’s mission. We hope the space will become a best-loved culinary, cultural, and nightlife destination right in the heart of Harwood District.”

‘An immersive life-as-art guest experience’

To complement its artful architectural exterior, Hôtel Swexan will be infused with art inside as well. The hotel’s grand foyer will serve as a backdrop for unique artworks that will change year-round, Harwood says.

In the hotel’s grand lobby and surrounding spaces, three different “immersive dining experiences” will be offered, including all-day high tea and martini bars, a two-story library cocktail bar, and a hidden underground lounge.

The hotel’s 134 guest rooms will have a residential feel, Harwood says, with five-fixture baths and floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of the Dallas skyline. Six suites will be located on a dedicated “grand premier suite floor,” and four additional suites will include two garden balcony suites. 

Rooftop infinity pool with Moroccan, Boho-style surroundings

The Hôtel Swexan’s 20th floor rooftop infinity-edge pool should be a lure for guests and visitors alike. Spanning 75 feet, it will be surrounded by a “Moroccan, Boho-style space” with a pool bar and sit-down dining concept. Panoramic city views will go with the food, drinks, and pool-dipping.

Ballrooms, a signature steakhouse, and more

A 12,000-square-foot meeting and event space will take up the sixth floor, featuring two grand ballrooms and three private meeting rooms.

The seventh floor will feature a private social club and the hotel’s signature steakhouse, Stillwell’s, which will be open to the public nightly.

Hôtel Swexan will create over 300 jobs, Harwood said. Along with the new Harwood Hospitality Group restaurant openings, the group will create over 500 new jobs in 2023. 

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