DALLAS—The Dallas Hilton Inn opened in 1967 with a private 10^th floor nightclub with a view of the growing skyline and a Trader Vic's restaurant in the north wing. The location, 5300 E. Mockingbird Lane, at the crossing of Central Expressway and Mockingbird Lane had access to downtown and Dallas Love Field Airport.

It was a favorite with the well heeled in Dallas. With the palm-tree framed courtyard surrounding the swimming pool and celebrity sightings, it was the place to stay. However, some concepts of the 1960s stayed in vogue and some were not so lucky. By the late 1980s, the Dallas Hilton Inn was not part of the Hilton chain and closed in 1991.

The Maharishi Mahesh Yogi was finding new ways to sell his message of enlightenment through transcendental meditation and bought the hotel in 1993. However, the concept never took hold and the hotel's path followed a few more twists and turns.

Today, the hotel has returned to the Hilton brand, as the inaugural member of the Curio Collection, renamed the Highland Dallas. It has a new Top Chef contestant chef for its restaurant, Knife, and a reinvigorated air about it. The 198-room hotel has a spa, salon and upper-story Infinity pool.

“As a former Hilton property, the Highland Dallas returned to the portfolio in 2014,” Mark Nogal, global head of Curio–A Collection by Hilton, tells GlobeSt.com. “Having this Hilton family history made The Highland a natural choice for the first property to join Curio–A Collection by Hilton. The property has its own identity as a modern, individualistic hotel with local elements integrated throughout its design, amenities and services. The design itself was inspired by iconic Dallas venues. The Curio collection is known for giving owners the ability to maintain their vision, while having the full support of Hilton. Individuality is the common thread for our Curio properties.”

The Highland is located across from the expanding Southern Methodist University including the George W. Bush presidential library and the Meadows Museum, as well as the light-rail station with retail component, Mockingbird Station. And, the location is near the tony Highland Park residential neighborhood and young hipster Lower Greenville area.

Instant Insights /

1960s Icon Returns to Hilton Brand as Highland

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