For years KERA (PBS TV station out of Dallas/Ft. Worth) has advertised a European boutique hotel in the heart of Dallas. Every time I saw the advertisement for Hotel St. Germain, I dreamed of going.
Mike and I finally had a chance to stay at this lovely hotel recently. It was all it advertised itself to be. Lovely decorated public room with gold details, soft mint colored walls, Limoges porcelain, fresh flowers, and potted plants everywhere! The door was opened by a French-Canadian gentleman who greeted us in French.
The location of the hotel was perfect. It is across from Stanley Korshak at The Crescent. It is within walking distance to several great restaurants including the Old Warsaw (next door), Capital Grill (across the street), Morton’s, and Fearings.
We had hoped to dine at Hotel St. Germain’s restaurant, but their chef was away, so we went to Fearings at the Ritz-Carlton.
Benoit took us to our room, Room 2, on the second floor. The hallway walls are painted a white and bluish green stripe, and it is filled with old photos, books about France, and lovely gold frames.
Room 2 was decorated in a lavender color. From the silk bed drapes to silk covered chairs, painted wainscoting, draperies and silk ribbons on the dressing table sconces, the color scheme was carried out. The decorations were romantic, elegant and oh so very French. Even the room key sported a lavender tassel and big brass keys. The bathroom was large, bright, up-to-date and very clean. I walked across the bathroom floor barefooted and was impressed that my feet stayed clean.
The public rooms were beautifully decorated and spoke to my heart. Soft gray greens and pale blues with tasteful gold accents were the main colors. Silver urns held fresh flowers. Marble topped tables were at the ready for a champagne cocktail or hors d’ oeuvres plate. Silk covered chairs and settees offer respite for the weary traveller. The dining area had coffered ceilings and the most amazing bay window with beautifully ornate muntins.
There is a smaller, private dining room off the main dining room. It is my form of Heaven on earth. Painted in a pale mint green, the walls are lined with narrow shelves which hold collections of Limoges china. What a breathtaking way to display these lovely pieces, while still keeping them accessible for use.
The home was built in 1907 by the John P. Murphy family. The house continued to be owned by the family for nearly 50 years. The current owner saved the home from being razed in the 1990s and lovingly reclaimed the property, turning it into a European-style boutique hotel.
On the outside, the house is pretty and the gardens are lovely. There is a small orangery on the east side of the property. It looks like a little fairy house, with a twinkle light chandelier. On the same side of the house are beautifully landscaped gardens and a New Orleans style patio complete with water fountain, tables and chairs and plants and planters everywhere.
The service was impeccable. A note and cheese plate were in our room when we arrived. It was soon followed with glasses of champagne in crystal flutes. Upon return from our dinner out, our bed had been turned down and a small plate of chocolates were on the nightstand.
Even Mike, who is not into old things like historic homes and antique furnishing, was right at home. The decorations, gardens, and service came together to make this a relaxing and comforting overnight experience.
The hotel is a busy wedding spot. It is easy to see why, since the vignettes would be lovely in photographs.
I think you will be pleasantly surprised to find a nice getaway in such a great location.
