Dallas Marriott Las Colinas offers an unexpected touch of Venice right in the heart of Texas. The Las Colinas Marriott was the perfect place to spend a hot August weekend. As temperatures hovered at 103 degrees, our AC went out in Dallas. What a blessing to move into a spacious Parlor Suite at the nearby Marriott Hotel for the weekend. We were thankful to take the hotel up on their offer to stay there. With our AC on the blink, the timing couldn’t have been better. Plus, we wanted a first-hand look at the improvements from their recent multi-million dollar renovation. As one of the first hotels built 19 years ago in the upscale, master-planned community of Las Colinas in Irving, Texas, the Dallas Marriott Las Colinas sits on the shores of Lake Carolyn.
As most Texans know that being close to a large body of water automatically makes the temperature 10 degrees cooler. Maybe it just feels that way, since looking at a lake is so soothing.
Authentic Italian Gondolas Cruise Lake Carolyn
Photo: Jo Ann Holt
The thriving community around the Marriott offers an unusual but delightful sight, with authentic Italian gondolas taking passengers to cruise its canals. While we didn’t have time for a gondola cruise, it was fun watching them go by from our window. Almost like being in Venice! We vowed to return for a cruise on Lake Carolyn sometime soon.
All guest rooms, public and meeting spaces, the restaurant, bar/lounge, and Marriott’s signature “Great Room lobby” were completely renovated. Their new look showcases our rustic Texas heritage and Las Colinas’ ranching industry, also drawing inspiration from the region’s rolling hills. Favorably impressed from the moment we entered the spacious lobby, we admired their choice of materials like South Texas limestone brick and Post Oak end tables.
We felt at home immediately, welcomed by a friendly team of hotel employees who exuded real Southern hospitality. While touring the lobby area, we were thrilled to discover how close the hotel terrace is to Lake Carolyn. Large windows throughout the hotel offer spectacular views of the lake.
Colors Reflect Bluebonnets, Texas Sunsets
Photo: Dallas Marriott Las Colinas
True to the Texana theme, guest room color palettes reflect the bluebonnets that dot our prairie landscapes. They also feature shades of orange like those that paint the skies at sunset. All 364 guest rooms, including three presidential suites, were renovated. Designers used wood, metal, and leather reminiscent of the ranching history of Las Colinas, adding a contemporary twist to reflect Marriott’s modern aesthetic.
Touring the hotel with Sales Director Ronnie Anderson, we were enchanted by views from rooms with balconies overlooking Lake Carolyn. A Concierge level and lake view hospitality lounge, like our Parlor Suite, also boasted great views of the lake. The Parlor Suites are perfect for small functions, business meetings, or family stays. They can be configured to include up to two bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and sofa bed. With more than 750 square feet of living space, two bedrooms, and three-baths, the three Parlor Suites are the largest sleeping rooms in the hotel. One room has a king-sized bed while the second bedroom has two Queen-sized beds. The suite’s luxury furnishings include a spacious parlor with a 55-inch flat-screen television, an eight-seat dining table, a fold-out sofa, and kitchenette.
Las Colinas Lively Entertainment Scene
Photo: Dallas Marriott Las Colinas
Nightly room rates start at $259.95 and vary according to the season. Daily meeting room rates for Boardrooms are $500-$800. One section of a ballroom is $1,000-$1,500; full use of space $25,000. For more information, call 972-831-0000 or visit their website.
The Irving Convention Center is a 10-minute walk from the hotel. The center anchors a new visitor and entertainment district, the Metroplex, between the hotel and the center. Visitors to the district enjoy top touring concert artists, plus local music, movies, eateries, art and culture within one small footprint in the heart of Irving’s Las Colinas. The Toyota Music Factory is garnering rave reviews with its indoor/outdoor amphitheater, The Live Nation Pavilion. An Alamo Drafthouse Cinema and a 50,000-square foot festival plaza are also featured. Numerous restaurants are scattered throughout the area. Serene Lake Carolyn winds its way throughout the area.
