The new Omni Dallas Hotel, just across the river from Oak Cliff, should be a winner for Dallas and a boost for Oak Cliff shops and restaurants.

This is the first hotel in Dallas to be directly connected to the convention center, via above-ground, air-conditioned walkways. The hope is that many more conventioneers will be in Dallas in the future.

Sign up for our newsletter!

* indicates required

In addition to the ever-changing light show on the exterior of the Omni, the interior contains some wonderful surprises. Works by local artists are featured in the common areas and local food is sold in the gift store (a shout-out to Oak Cliff’s own Dude, Sweet Chocolate). And I can’t wait to go to a meeting at the Oak Cliff, Bishop Arts or Fair Park Rooms. But the highlight is a view of downtown Dallas from the pool deck at night. Even if the exterior lighting of the Omni is not on, you have a 180 degree view of downtown Dallas, from the Reunion sparkly ball to the Flying Red Horse. If you are lucky enough to be there when the exterior lights are reflecting off the buildings that border the Omni, it’s quite an experience to be enveloped by that light show.

As the Dallas weather changes, you may want to try the Owners Box sports bar. With more than 70 TV screens and some incredible-sounding cocktails, this could turn into the next “scene” in Dallas. For the more laid-back, there is Bob’s Steak & Chop House. Prediction: This hotel will rejuvenate downtown.