Inside & Out: Hôtel Swexan Opens in Dallas' Harwood District

The Harwood District on the north end of downtown Dallas just welcomed a new architectural addition—along with a swanky new place to meet, eat, and stay—with the opening of the Hôtel Swexan.

The flagship boutique hotel from Dallas-based Harwood International has that unusual name for a reason. It was inspired by the idea of “Swiss meets Texan,” a nod to the company’s founders and their generations of Swiss-Texan family heritage.

“We’re thrilled to officially open this new hotel and share the next chapter of Dallas luxury with the world,” General Manager Julian Payne said in a statement celebrating the hotel’s Thursday opening. “We look forward to providing our visitors with a top-tier level of service that defines the Hôtel Swexan name, fostering connections, creativity, and showcasing what makes Dallas truly special.”

Tower designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma

The Hôtel Swexan was designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. [Photo: Harwood International]

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.

“Our partnership with Harwood International started with Rolex and we’re excited for our latest building with Harwood No. 14, as well as our facade design for Hôtel Swexan,” Kuma said in a statement.

Kuma dropped a hint of future buildings he’ll design in the district, saying, “Others are on the horizon.”

‘European style’ meets ‘Texas warmth’

Fit for a queen (or two) at the Hôtel Swexan. [Photo: Harwood International]

Harwood said the hotel’s interior design was “inspired by the world’s grandest cities, combined with the founders’ travels and passion for art and design, taking their favorite elements and traditions from cultures worldwide.”

Combining what Harwood calls “timeless European style and handsome Texas warmth,” Hôtel Swexan’s 134 guest rooms were designed to offer a residential feel, complete with five-fixture baths, Le Labo products, and floor-to-ceiling windows that offer sweeping views of the Dallas skyline. Eight unique suites are on offer for guests who prefer a little more room in which to experience their style and warmth.

Five ‘culinary concepts’ from a Texas steakhouse to a nightly martini bar

Stilwell’s at the Hôtel Swexan. [Photo: Harwood International]

Hôtel Swexan is offering five culinary concepts, with a Texas steakhouse named Stillwell’s as “the headlining act.” Open to both guests and locals, Stillwell’s pays homage to the female heroine for which it is named, Hallie Stillwell. The restaurant will exclusively serve “HWD” Harwood Premium Beef, a new sourcing vertical that’s been years in the making, Harwood said. Stillwell’s wine list was curated by Master Sommelier Barbara Werley.

The hotel’s other food and beverage concepts include Isabelle’s, a tea enclave with a Parisian-inspired patio that transforms into a nightly martini bar; Library at Babou’s and Babou’s, a two-story library “that gives way to an unexpected, vibrant cocktail lounge with DJ sets”; and on the Swexan rooftop, two attractions reserved for hotel guests only: Pomelo and Leonie, which offer international cuisine and drinks.

The hotel’s 20^th floor offers a 75-foot infinity pool, with the sixth floor reserved as a grand event space and the 8^th floor featuring a state-of-the-art fitness center.

Hôtel Swexan is the first hotel project for Harwood Hospitality Group, which owns and operates several restaurants throughout the 19-city block Harwood District, including Happiest Hour, Saint Ann Restaurant & Bar, and Dolce Riviera. In April, Dallas Innovates wrote about the opening of Fig & Favor, a new local market concept that’s part of the district’s “Walk to Life” neighborhood.