Graduate by Hilton has officially opened its doors in Dallas, marking the brand’s first hotel in Texas. Located directly across from Southern Methodist University, the 93-key hotel has mid-century modern architecture and Texas ranch-style design. Property highlights include a lobby lounge, outdoor pool and terrace, flexible event spaces and a signature restaurant, Los Charros Tex-Mex Smokehouse.
“Introducing the Graduate brand to Texas—one of the country’s largest and most dynamic markets—is a major milestone for us,” Parker Henderson, brand leader, Graduate by Hilton, said in a statement. “A Graduate in Dallas’s Highland Park was a natural fit, as the property brings our collegiate-inspired hospitality to a neighborhood that reflects our core values of lifelong learning. It also kickstarts the brand’s Texas expansion with another property slated to open in Austin.”
Led by AJ Capital Partners, the Nashville-based developer and designer of the property, Graduate Dallas is a restoration of the former Lumen Hotel. While preserving the building’s original geometric, mid-century architecture, the reimagined space has locally inspired design elements—warm, textured interiors like tanned leather and velvet sofas, cowhide ottomans, shearling armchairs and handwoven textiles.
“Bringing a Graduate to Texas—particularly in the heart of Highland Park, one of Dallas’ most storied neighborhoods—has been a longtime goal,” said Ben Weprin, founder of Graduate Hotels and CEO and founder of AJ Capital Partners. “This is a community full of character, tradition, and creative energy, and we’re honored to bring this project to life in a way that reflects all of that through design, storytelling, and the nostalgic traditions that live on at SMU.”
A large-scale vintage postcard of Exall Lake, a nod to one of Dallas’s historic leisure destinations, hangs above the hand-carved reception desk, which features a galloping herd of wild mustangs in tribute to the nearby university. Star-shaped pendant lights and millwork enhance the space, while cacti and native fauna bring the outdoors in. A large communal table and coffee counter provide a space for guests, students, and locals to work, gather, and connect.
Los Charros Smokehouse, the hotel’s signature restaurant, pays homage to los charros—Mexican horsemen known for their ornate attire and bold spirit—an influence that carries through in both the menu and design. The industrial-meets-rustic setting has reclaimed wood, patinated corrugated steel and textile elements drawn from the hotel lobby, including a ceiling mural inspired by hand-woven rugs. In the middle of the space is a communal dining table with red-painted finishes, complemented by a bar outfitted with saddle-style stools that nod to Texas ranch life. Punched tin sconces and custom bolo-tie light fixtures add character and reinforce the cowboy aesthetic.
Guestrooms combine mid-century modern influences with a fitting red, white and blue color palette. Grass cloth wall coverings and navy-striped upholstered beds are complemented by design details, such as custom pillows embroidered with nods to the nearby university and locally inspired artwork. Bespoke details include custom ceramic bedside lamps and lounge chairs upholstered with the state Flower, the bluebonnet. Original tilework was maintained across all guest bathrooms, enhanced with bold blue accents and custom horse-print wallpaper.
AJ Capital Partners is renovating another historic hotel — the Hotel Boulderado in Boulder, Colo., in partnership with longtime owners Frank and Gina Day. Upon completion, the property will join the Graduate by Hilton collection, serving the University of Colorado's Boulder campus.