A NOTE TO OUR READERS:
"The W Hits Big D" is from the September 2007 issue of Southern Living. Because prices, dates, and other specifics are subject to change, please check all information to make sure it's still current before making your travel plans.

In this case, "W" stands for "wow." Imagine a slick high-rise building in downtown Dallas steps away from the American Airlines Center. Inside await 252 ultramodern guest rooms, a restaurant, relaxing spa, infinity pool, hip nightclub, and all the coolest people. This is the new W Dallas-Victory, the hotel company's first Texas location. It's the talk of the city. We had to see for ourselves what all the buzz is about.

Scene
The hotel greets you with lots of dark mood lighting, minimalist furnishings, vast ceilings, and pretty people milling about. There's a custom rooftop heliport for those who drop in by air instead of by car. In the lobby's Living Room Bar, oversize leather sofas and chairs surround Texas limestone tables. Even if this isn't your thing, it's the kind of place you want to see once.

Nights
When it comes to the Ghostbar on the 33rd floor of the hotel, it's pure Vegas, baby. A see-through, glass platform bar looks down on the city. When I was there, Vince Vaughn walked into the room. That's the kind of joint this place is. Brushing elbows with celebrities is the norm.

Sleeping at the W is quite comfy. Some rooms boast 11-foot ceilings, flat-panel TVs, and Bliss products. The bath opens to the bedroom, with a curtain for privacy, giving the space an open feel.

Extras
You can't go wrong when dining at Craft, the James Beard Award-winning restaurant that originally hails from New York. You'll find the seasonally changing dinner menu à la carte and served family style.

Bliss Spa is a great place to unwind with a treatment. Although, at the W, unwinding is pretty easy to do. Just sit back, and enjoy.

W Dallas-Victory: www.whotels.com/dallas or 1-877-946-8357.

Price Break
Rates start at $269 for a standard room, but deals can be found--especially on the Internet--through September and during all major holidays. That's when the W often has discounted rooms available.