Thompson Dallas Elevates Luxury with Iconic Penthouses and Little Daisy French-Inspired Restaurant

Photo Credit: Gus Schmiege

Thompson Dallas has quickly established itself as one of the most significant additions to the Texas hospitality scene. Housed in The National, a $460 million restored historic downtown Dallas landmark originally designed by George Dahl, the property reflects a seamless blend of architectural heritage and modern luxury. From the moment it opened, Thompson Dallas redefined what it means to stay in the heart of the city, delivering an unmatched combination of design, art, dining, and lifestyle experiences.

Photo Credit: Gus Schmiege

The opening of Thompson Dallas in November 2020 marked the arrival of the first Thompson Hotels property in Texas. With 219 rooms, including 52 suites and two spectacular penthouses, the hotel immediately captured attention with its sophisticated design.

Interior designer Caroline Todd, alongside Cindy Zelazny of Interiors Limited, created striking spaces featuring walnut and brass headboards, deep blue lacquered walls, and custom leather furnishings. Guestrooms average more than 700 square feet and include Frette robes, Sferra linens, DS & Durga amenities, and duvets designed exclusively for the hotel. Every detail was intended to offer the ultimate in comfort and elegance.

Photo Credit: Gus Schmiege

Among the hotel’s most iconic spaces is the fourth floor National Ballroom, which spans 14,000 square feet of uninterrupted space framed by soaring 20-foot ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows. This versatile event venue reflects both grandeur and functionality, offering private suites and direct load-in access for large-scale gatherings. On the ninth floor, two acres of indoor-outdoor space provide a resort-style pool, full-service spa, and state-of-the-art wellness center, making the property not just a hotel but a lifestyle destination for locals and travelers alike.

Photo Credit: Gus Schmiege

Art plays an essential role in shaping the hotel’s identity. More than $2 million in art and furnishings, sourced from renowned galleries like Frieze London and PAD London, were personally selected by Caroline Todd. Guests can find photography by David Yarrow, sculptures by Raul Maurao, and paintings by celebrated Dallas artists such as JD Miller and David Bates throughout the property. This deep integration of art and design reinforces Thompson Dallas as a cultural hub.

Photo Credit: Nathan Schroder

The dining program has also been a cornerstone of the hotel’s success. Initially, Catbird set the tone as the glamorous tenth-floor restaurant, lounge, and rooftop bar. Joining it more recently is Little Daisy, which officially opened on March 4, 2024. Located on the ninth floor, Little Daisy brings a French-inspired culinary concept to Dallas, blending Parisian café culture with Louisiana and Texas influences. Under the direction of Executive Chef Jeramie Robison and Director of Restaurants, Bars and Events Jared Givens, Little Daisy offers a menu that transitions seamlessly from breakfast to brunch, lunch, and dinner.

Photo Credit: Nathan Schroder

Guests can begin the day with Steel Cut Oatmeal topped with berry compote, Buttermilk Pancakes with Texas strawberry jam, or the Daisy Omelette filled with chèvre, piquillo peppers, and mushrooms. Baked Feta Shakshuka and the Croissant Breakfast Sandwich add a playful twist to the morning menu.

Brunch favorites include Avocado Toast with housemade ricotta and chili crunch, the Little Daisy Benedict with sauce choron, and the hearty Brunch Bowl with smoked short rib, grit cake, and bourbon peach gastrique. Chef Robison’s signature Gumbo also makes an appearance, rich with blue crab, smoked chicken sausage, and crispy oysters.

For midday and dinner, options span from fresh salads like the Poppy Seed-Strawberry Salade and Texas Tomatoes & Lemon Zest Melons to pasta dishes such as Bucatini Bolognese and Riesling-Glazed Parisian Gnocchi. Handhelds like the Thompson Burger, Rotisserie Chicken Caprese Panini, and Blackened Fish Sandwich bring casual sophistication, while entrées like Wild Caught Striped Bass and Prime NY Strip Steak Frites elevate evening dining.

Desserts change with the seasons but highlight Southern and French inspirations, including the Texas Peach Bumby with champagne sabayon, Strawberry-Dark Chocolate Pie with basil blossoms, and house-made ice creams and sorbets.

The beverage program remains robust, with French wines, Champagnes, and inventive cocktails such as the Hemingway Daiquiri, Nitro Espresso Martini, and signature Marguerite Parfaite. Iceberg Hour, the daily martini happy hour, and weekly live music round out the atmosphere, offering a lively nod to Parisian café culture in the heart of Texas.

Photo Credit: Nathan Schroder

The design of Little Daisy is equally captivating. Caroline Todd of Todd Interiors infused the space with custom chairs by A.Rudin, luxurious textiles, brass lamps, and hand-painted bar tiles. A ceiling-spanning custom wallpaper by Meredith Stringfellow and vintage lithographs by Jean Cocteau add layers of artistry, alongside early 20th-century spirit posters and original works by Dallas artist Betsy Belcher. The result is a restaurant that feels both timeless and contemporary, further enhancing Thompson Dallas’s position as a culinary destination.

Photo Credit: Nathan Schroder

Adding to the hotel’s prestige, the penthouses at Thompson Dallas officially opened in February 2021, offering the highest accommodations in Texas. Situated on the 49th floor, these two 2,000-square-foot suites serve as the pinnacle of luxury. Guests are welcomed with private VIP check-in, exclusive elevator access, and the dedicated services of a personal concierge throughout their stay. Each penthouse is meticulously designed with mid-century modern furnishings, including iconic Vladimir Kagan sofas and Randolph & Hein rosewood veneer chairs.

The interiors feature elements such as Windsor Smith patterned wood floors, metallic custom wallcoverings, lacquered shelving, and indulgent soaking tubs with panoramic views of downtown Dallas. Both penthouses include living rooms, bars, fireplaces, dining tables for eight, and spa-like bathrooms with marble vanities, steam showers, and advanced lighting and sound systems. With rates starting at $10,000 per night, the penthouses represent the ultimate Dallas escape for tastemakers, celebrities, and discerning travelers seeking privacy and exclusivity.

Photo Credit: Gus Schmiege

Penthouses guests enjoy curated culinary experiences from Thompson Dallas’s restaurants, including Catbird and Little Daisy, as well as top-floor dining at Monarch and Kessaku, helmed by Michelin-starred Chef Danny Grant. The integration of art extends to the penthouses, with works by David Yarrow, Tyler Shields, and J.D. Miller, alongside sculptures and paintings that complete the residences’ gallery-like ambiance.

Photo Credit: Gus Schmiege

From its debut, Thompson Dallas has been more than just a hotel. It represents the evolution of downtown Dallas, bridging its historic legacy with modern sophistication. The addition of the penthouses and the opening of Little Daisy further elevate its stature, offering unparalleled experiences that combine culinary innovation, design excellence, and unmatched hospitality. For locals, it is a vibrant cultural and social hub; for travelers, it is a destination unlike any other in Texas. With its continuous evolution, Thompson Dallas sets a new standard for luxury in the Lone Star State.