Graduate by Hilton has opened its first Texas location with a 93-room hotel across from Southern Methodist University in Dallas. The new hotel occupies the former Lumen Hotel building in Highland Park and brings together mid-century modern design with Texas ranch-style interiors and Graduate’s signature collegiate aesthetic. –
“Introducing the Graduate brand to Texas—one of the country’s largest and most dynamic markets—is a major milestone for us,” said Parker Henderson, brand leader, Graduate by Hilton. “A Graduate in Dallas’s Highland Park was a natural fit, as the property brings our collegiate-inspired hospitality to a neighborhood that reflects our core values of lifelong learning. It also kickstarts the brand’s Texas expansion with another property slated to open in Austin.”
The hotel was developed and redesigned by AJ Capital Partners, the Nashville-based company behind the Graduate brand. It preserves the geometric architecture of the original building while incorporating materials like tanned leather, velvet, shearling, and cowhide. Public spaces are open and accessible to the neighborhood, reinforcing a community connection.
“Bringing a Graduate to Texas—particularly in the heart of Highland Park, one of Dallas’ most storied neighborhoods—has been a longtime goal,” said Ben Weprin, founder of Graduate Hotels and CEO and founder of AJ Capital Partners. “This is a community full of character, tradition, and creative energy, and we’re honored to bring this project to life in a way that reflects all of that through design, storytelling, and the nostalgic traditions that live on at SMU.”
Design elements throughout the hotel include a large postcard mural of Exall Lake above a carved reception desk with a mustang motif, referencing SMU. The space features star-shaped pendant lights, native flora, and a communal table with a coffee counter intended for guest and community use.
The hotel’s restaurant, Los Charros Tex-Mex Smokehouse, serves a menu inspired by both barbecue and Tex-Mex traditions. Its name refers to Mexican horsemen and is reflected in the décor, including saddle-style bar stools, reclaimed wood, and textile-inspired murals. A communal red dining table and bolo-tie light fixtures reinforce the Western motif.
Guest rooms are outfitted in red, white, and blue and feature navy-striped beds, grass cloth wallpaper, and embroidered pillows referencing SMU. Bluebonnet-upholstered lounge chairs and custom ceramic lamps add local character. Original tile remains in the bathrooms, updated with horse-print wallpaper and bold accents.
Graduate Dallas is part of Hilton Honors. Members who book directly through Hilton can use points and cash combinations, receive member discounts, and access digital features through the Hilton Honors app.
