$150–200

The SpringHill Suites Downtown/West End (1907 N. Lamar St., 214/999-0500, www.marriott.com [1], $169 d) is in the heart of the Historic West End and just blocks away from the city’s Arts District. If you’re looking for a hotel among the bustle of an entertainment scene, this a good place to stay. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, and offer an ideal place to relax after a day of sightseeing and shopping. Amenities include an outdoor pool and free breakfast (a hot buffet or “Grab-n-Go” options).

Don’t count out the Grand Hyatt DFW (2337 S. International Pkwy., 972/973-1234, www.granddfw.hyatt.com [2], $169 d). Sometimes you gotta get a hotel near the airport, or in this case, at the airport. Aside from offering the ultimate convenience to your flight (the hotel provides free transportation to all terminals via the airport’s high-speed train system or an ordinary ol’ shuttle bus), the Hyatt features Wi-Fi access, fancy rooms with quality bedding, granite-top desks, minibars, robes, and a free fitness center with heated pool.

The only bad thing about Westin Park Central (12720 Merit Dr., 972/385-3000, www.westin.com/dallas [3], $159 d) is its bizarrely isolated location. Despite being on a major freeway in a busy spot, the hotel itself is an urban island without walking access to restau-rants or typical urban amenities. Once inside, however, you’ll have everything you need in a reliably high-quality package, including top-notch bedding, a free continental breakfast, Internet access, and a heated rooftop pool.

The Warwick Melrose Hotel (3015 Oak Lawn Ave., 214/521-5151, www.warwickmelrosehoteldallas.com [4], $179 d) is a 1924 historic Dallas landmark located in the city’s fashionable Oak Lawn area north of downtown. The Melrose’s clean comfort and style is apparent in each of its 184 distinct extra-large guest rooms featuring mahogany furnishings, minibars, marble baths, terry-cloth robes, and incredible views of the downtown skyline. The Melrose has attracted international celebrities for eight decades and has a reputation as one of the city’s best hotels. Its award-winning Landmark Restaurant specializes in spectacular Asian food, and its comfy Library Bar is a Dallas tradition offering 100 types of martinis along with live entertainment and late-night dining.

The Fairmont Dallas (1717 N. Akard St., 866/540-4427, www.fairmont.com/dallas [5], $159 d) is a worthy downtown option. Located near the business and arts districts, the Fairmont is somewhat slight on amenities (you have to pay for Internet access and break-fast), but its location is ideal for exploring Dallas by foot. And the hotel itself is stylish, with a fitness center, outdoor pool, and on-site Starbucks café. Also notable is Hotel Lawrence (302 S. Houston St., 214/761-9090, www.hotellawrencedallas.com [6], $139–179 d). The historic hotel is an inviting option in the downtown business district, providing a charming mix of old and new. The rooms are small, but the amenities are impressive, including a free breakfast buffet, complimentary Wi-Fi access, and cookies and milk each evening. Note: Parking is available by valet only.