Slumber Party: Dallas Hotels Worth Checking Into

Dallas is booming economically, and that means good things are happening all around the city. Visitors have rich choices of things to do, places to eat and drink, and many options for hotels. For LGBT travelers, it also means there are lots of gay-friendly accommodations. Check out EDGE's favorite hotels to suit different tastes, budgets and locations.

W Dallas - Victory

W Dallas - Victory was wise to situate itself in the Victory Park development when it opened back in 2006. The hotel is an anchor in this neighborhood northeast of downtown Dallas. It's the go-to spot to lay your head when you're catching a concert or other mega event at the American Airlines Center, one of the country's best arenas having hosted all the top divas - from Beyonc� and Lady Gaga, to the Dixie Chicks and Madonna.

The W also is the Big D's ultimate gay-friendly high-rise, with huge guest rooms and prime views. Texas-style d�cor signals the context, with details like cowhide and snakeskin furnishings in the rooms as well as in the cozy Living Room lounge and Cook Hall restaurant. In true gay-fabulous fashion, the hotel's upper floors are home to a Bliss Spa, enormous fitness center with skyline views, and 16th floor outdoor swimming pool made for afternoon repose.

Service couldn't be friendlier, with savvy concierge Frank Everet ever ready to deliver the W's "whatever/whenever" approach with hot tips for things to do around town. That could be anything from setting you up with visits to the nearby Dallas Museum of Art, reserving a table at the perfect restaurants, or sharing advice on which Oak Lawn clubs to hit.

Warwick Melrose Hotel

Housed in a stately red brick building erected almost a century ago, the Warwick Melrose Hotel has loads of character inside its renovated walls. It's also the prime accommodation in Dallas's gay neighborhood of Oak Lawn, with easy access (and free shuttle service) to other worthwhile areas like Uptown and Turtle Creek.

For a largely residential neighborhood, this 184-room, 21-suite hotel is remarkably roomy -fitting in a state full of cowboys who don't want to be fenced in. The d�cor is more classic than contemporary, but it works for the old-school vibe. On that note, there's also traditional dining at the Landmark Restaurant, and better still, throwback cocktails (think gin fizzes and Moscow mules) plus nightly live entertainment in the Library lounge.

Being in the gayborhood and staffed by lots of friendly Texans, the Warwick makes for an interesting balance of vintage upscale Dallas, classic hotel service, and an all-welcoming appeal for LGBT travelers. Much like the city itself, the hotel embodies a cordial middle ground that represents the best Big D has to offer.

Hotel ZaZa

Tucked in the sweet Uptown spot between Oak Lawn and downtown is this large boutique hotel. Hotel ZaZa is also gay-friendly thanks to both its staff and fashionable interiors, including its unique "Magnificent Seven Suites," with names like "Rock Star," "Leonardo" and "The Last Czar," each outfitted down to a thematic tee. To feel even more down-home, book one of the bungalows, which occupy a 1930s historic home and come with a "butler's pantry" stocked with snacks and drinks.

The ZaZa's Dragonfly restaurant offers a mix of well-made Texas comfort food and nicely varied cocktails that suit the funky-chic d�cor. Plus a good part of its menu is available at the pool, which is strictly 21 and over since it doubles as an outdoor lounge with DJ.

Belmont Hotel

Sometimes a getaway is an opportunity to feel like a local for a few days, and there's no better place to make that happen than at the Belmont Hotel. This boutique property occupies a renovated 1946 motor hotel on a hill in the burgeoning hipster Bishop Arts District - home to all manner of cool shops, galleries and restaurants. But its location on the far side of the Trinity River is exactly what gives the Belmont its homey feel.

(Local tip: Drop by gay-owned Bishop Ranch for a well-curated shopping experience.)

Room d�cor is a mashup of mid-century and cozy Texas-centric furnishings and art. Wi-Fi is included, along with other amenities like free shuttle service, health club access and a sunny outdoor pool area. Plus you'll save time looking for a good barbeque with Smoke restaurant in-house, or chilling with a martini on the Bar Belmont patio. If only our real homes felt this relaxed.