Travel Texas: Where to Stay in Dallas? The Magnolia Hotel

Traveling to Dallas? Stay in the iconic Dallas Magnolia Hotel, right in the heart of downtown Dallas

You can’t come to Dallas without seeing the iconic Pegasus displayed across the city. It’s Dallas’ unofficial mascot. Why a Pegasus? Well, the Magnolia hotel is one reason why. In 1934 a brilliant neon Pegasus icon was placed on top of the Magnolia headquarters building. For years this building was the tallest building in Dallas and could be seen from miles away.

Dallas Magnolia Hotel

While the original Magnolia company changed hands over the years the Pegasus stayed on top of the building in downtown Dallas. The original red Pegasus stayed lit until 1999 when the symbol was replaced with a shiny new version. While the original was placed in storage for many years it was eventually renovated and is now at street level in downtown Dallas (it’s the Pegasus in this photo).

Now when you visit Dallas you’ll find Pegagus all over the city, from street signs to murals. But I was really excited when I got the opportunity to stay at the Magnolia hotel recently, at the heart of where the Dallas red Pegagus started.

This glass artwork is located behind the front desk.

Nearly 100 years old, the hotel is in the renovated Magnolia headquarters building. A Dallas landmark, the hotel is in the Main Street District of downtown Dallas.

After having lived in a 100 year old building in downtown Fort Worth, I found myself ecstatic to find similar details at the Magnolia. Including the Letter Box and the detail of the ceiling near the elevators.

Just look at that detail, and the gorgeous molding.

You’re greeted right when you walk in the doors by a large red Pegasus, but you’ll also find smaller Pegasus details throughout the hotel. Like these on the elevator doors.

My stay at the Magnolia hotel was for a conference. Not only was I able to enjoy my hotel room, but also breakfast and the conference rooms at the hotel. One morning there were yellow roses on each table. Yellow roses are another beautiful Texas nod, the Yellow Rose of Texas.

Dallas Photo Ops

The view from my room included a great shot of the Dallas eye. This 30 foot sculpture is a fun piece of artwork in downtown Dallas and perfect for photos.

I mean who doesn’t want their picture taken in front of a giant eye? (The last time I was there the eye was blocked by a private event, but photo ops are possible at other times.)

Seriously, how cute is my niece hanging out in front of the giant eye? I think this is a Dallas photo op you shouldn’t miss.

This Gatsby spot was just one that I found while wandering around! The novel is one of my favorites and I fell in love the G on the doors. Adding it as another of my must spots for Dallas photo ops!

Wild Salsa has this really fun #GetWild photo op in front of their restaurant. Want some more Dallas photo op ideas? Check out these other downtown spots.

Dallas Public Art

I love just walking around downtown Dallas. You’ll be surprised at all the places public art appear! From sculptures in front of buildings to  sculptures literally on some buildings.

Dallas Shopping

Did you know the original, flagship Neiman Marcus is in downtown Dallas?

While staying at the Magnolia, I had to look up a little more about Pegasus. Mythical winged divine stallions, Pegasus are one of the most recognized creatures in Greek mythology. While they are usually depicted as pure white, and not red, Pegasus is a child of the Olympian god Poseidon.

I have to share another photo of my niece. Not only is she cool enough to pose with the Dallas eye, she also rocks her Pegasus t-shirt.

More Texas travel? Get my tips for taking a trip to Magnolia Market in Waco.

Looking for hotel inspiration? Read about my stay in Portland!

Check out the Pegasus Cupcakes I made inspired by my stay at the Magnolia Hotel!