Story By Erin Zollars and Sol Tucker
Photos By: Sol Tucker
Plano, TX–
It’s pretty easy to say there is a new sheriff in town when it comes to accommodations in the Plano, Texas area called Legacy West. It goes by the name Renaissance Dallas at Legacy West. Not only is it cementing a solid foundation as one of the best in the area, it has quickly become one of the hottest places to stay in suburban areas of Dallas.
Designed to be the anchor of the three billion dollar project at the Legacy West Complex, the 15 story 304 room hotel is a modern upscale design and includes more than 26,000 square feet of conference and meeting space. Highlights of this feature will include a little about the high-energy lobby and bar, “Texas Tea” gourmet market, and their on-site Asian-fusion restaurant, OMA and the third floor amenity deck with a swimming pool, bar concierge lounge, fitness center and outdoor event space.
When you walk into the lobby of the Renaissance, you are immediately wowed by some of what they put into the thought process of making this hotel a reflection of the Moon Family ownership and the key parts of the Texas landscape that makes up Dallas. The gold reflections of light shine off the majestic computer boards that depict the Texas Instruments influence from years ago.
As you walk the remainder of the lobby the modern, jaw dropping art and sculptures are all around. Even the stairwell, made of lighted glass stairs to the ballroom floor, boasts origami steer heads. Asian influences combined with Texas flare that is synonymous with many of the properties around Dallas and Fort Worth are show-cased throughout the property.
Walking up the stairs to the ballroom and meeting spaces, you will begin to think you have entered an art gallery rather than your traditional conference space. Take the Toyota art masterpiece on the wall, from far away you can see the entire front of a classic Toyota Land Rover, which ties in to the Toyota USA headquarters just right up the street.
There are comfort nooks for calls and private meetings scattered throughout the property. These nooks are art pieces in themselves with old phonebooth inspirations and a phone pad on the outside of the glass door to the nook.
One of the coolest pieces of artwork is their old floppy disks on the wall turned into a painting, which again ties in the tech background that North Texas has been known for over the years.
If you find the unique decorations of the hotel exciting, wait until you get to unwind for the night.
The sleek modern rooms come with free Wi-Fi, flat-screens and iPod docks, as well as minifridges, and tea and coffeemakers. Suites feature living rooms with sofa beds. Club quarters offer turndown service, along with access to a lounge serving complimentary breakfast. Room service is available 24/7, with some of the best offerings from its restaurant OMA.
Inside of each room they have again added the East meets West flare with the bedding. Pillows are covered with the Samurai and cowboy print independently. This allows you to transform into your own character for bedtime and create an experience that no one else offers in the DFW.
The bathrooms feature lavish sink and shower areas with ambient lighting. A zen experience to be as relaxing as being in a spa.
Before you unwind for the evening we suggest taking in a sunset at the pool. The pool is located on the 3rd floor on the southwest side. Cabanas line the sides of the pool paired with a hot tub. Enjoy happy hour specials from the bar. The cocktails are a direct reflection of the influences of the hotel. With an active bar and ample seating, this is a terrific spot to wind down.
For those who do not want to miss a workout while on the road the gym at Renaissance Dallas has everything a corporate gym would offer. The gym has at least 20 cardio machines along with free weights, TRXcords and medicine balls.
The executive lounge with outdoor seating is top notch and one of the only lounges of its type in North Texas. Sit back and unwind with drinks, fresh fruit and snacks.
For dining and lounge options, the Renaissance has created a restaurant named OMA, which will be much different than any of the other dining options surrounding the hotel. The lavish bar and lounge area with an outdoor patio may have you reconsidering your reservations you made elsewhere before seeing what this property has to offer.
One of the features of OMA we liked is the bold combination of Asian influences with traditional Texas.
A few must try items from their sharing menu are the Marbled Deviled Eggs and the Squash Blossom Tamales.
If you are looking for a great red meat entrée try their Cowboy Ribeye for $39. It’s a bigger piece of steak then you would get from the place across the street and possibly $25 cheaper too. Great choice along with the Smoked Brisket Ramen, which is one item you are not going to find anywhere else, with its 64 degree egg, braised greens and the perfect amount of brisket make it more than desirable for those craving noodles and beef all in one meal.
For dessert, a must try is the Citrus Tart and the Baked Peach. They are unlike any other options you will find for dessert in the area.
There is plenty of parking available at the hotel for those who are just opting to come and dine or have a few drinks for the evening. Unlike some parking garages, it links directly to the main lobby with very little walking and allows you to pass through another great set of art and Asian inspired lanterns and samurai’s printed on the walls. Self-parking is $17, valet $24 per day.
Overall the Renaissance rivals some of its biggest competitors in Downtown Dallas and your expectations will be along the lines of a Ritz Carlton or Four Seasons Property. If your next trip has Dallas calling your name, we highly suggest stepping a little north of the city and see what the Renaissance Dallas at Legacy West has to offer before everyone else does.
Address: 6007 Legacy Dr, Plano, TX 75024
Phone: (469) 925-1800
Price Range $$$
Average Room Night $179
