The Statler in downtown Dallas was named a finalist for the 2025 Historic Hotels of America Annual Awards of Excellence, placing the landmark among the most celebrated historic properties in the country.
It is one of only three Texas hotels to earn the honor this year, alongside The Ashton in Fort Worth and The Menger Hotel in San Antonio. Winners will be announced on Oct. 30 during the awards gala at Seattle’s Fairmont Olympic Hotel.
Honoring Historic Excellence
Historic Hotels of America, the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, recognizes hotels that not only preserve history but also continue to contribute to the cultural life of their communities. The annual awards highlight properties that demonstrate leadership, stewardship and preservation. Finalists were chosen from more than 700 nominations submitted nationwide.
Lawrence Horwitz, executive vice president of Historic Hotels of America, described the awards as a way to celebrate the “dedication and passion of the thousands of individuals working at these iconic and legendary historic hotels,” according to the program’s official announcement.
A Dallas Landmark Since 1956
The Statler first opened in 1956 as the Statler Hilton Dallas, immediately becoming a cornerstone of downtown’s modern skyline. Designed by architect William B. Tabler, the building introduced advanced construction methods, including a cantilevered reinforced flat-slab system and one of the first curtain wall designs of thin glass and porcelain-coated metal panels.
At its debut, the hotel featured 1,001 rooms, a rooftop heliport and a 2,200-person ballroom — making it the largest convention hotel in the South. Its reputation for modern amenities was equally striking, boasting in-room televisions, elevator music and lower-level conference facilities long before those features became industry standards.
Preservation And Renewal
After years of dormancy, the Statler was redeveloped in 2015 and reopened as part of Hilton’s Curio Collection. Today, it includes 159 guest rooms, 219 residences, four restaurants, retail space and a restored ballroom that doubles as a live music venue. The property’s preservation has been credited with helping spark renewed interest in downtown Dallas.
Its cultural footprint extends beyond its architecture. The hotel’s subterranean speakeasy, Bourbon & Banter, was recently named one of the Top 25 Most Historic Bars, Taverns and Speakeasies in America by Historic Hotels of America, highlighting its continued relevance in Dallas’ hospitality scene. The moody cocktail lounge, hidden behind a 1950s-era phone booth, reflects the hotel’s layered history while attracting new generations of Dallas nightlife seekers.
“The historic hotels nominated include historic inns, boutique hotels, lifestyle hotels and legendary resorts,” Horwitz said in the official announcement. “These historic hotels represent small towns and large cities, as well as historic districts. They keep the stories from the past alive and make staying or celebrating special occasions at these historic hotels memorable experiences for guests.”
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