Years after reopening after being vacant, the Statler Dallas Hotel has been nominated for national recognition.
The iconic downtown Dallas fixture is a finalist for the 2025 Historic Hotels of America Annual Awards of Excellence in the category for 76 to 200 rooms.
General Manager Kirby Kiner says the hotel is known for a number of things including its rich history.
“The hotel is really known for its art collection,” Kiner said. “A mural that was in the original grand dining room. It’s 40 feet long and it’s right behind our concierge desk,” he said.
Besides the massive art collection, the Statler Dallas is also known for some of its music history including a story where Elvis Presley was refused a room because the front desk did not think he could pay for it.
“Ike and Tina Turner actually performed at the Statler in 1976,” Kiner said. “After an argument in a limousine ride back to the hotel, Tina decides to leave Ike once and for all,” he said.
The Ashton Hotel in Fort Worth is a finalist in another category and San Antonio is also represented in Texas.
The Statler Dallas reopened after a $175-million renovation a few years ago after sitting vacant for nearly 20 years.
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