Ask a concierge: Dallas

At the Hyatt Regency Dallas, concierge Julie Eenigenburg has spent five years helping visitors find the best things to see, do and eat in this bustling Texas metropolis. Here she offers advice for business travelers.

What’s one essential thing business travelers must pack when they’re heading to your city?

Travel-size sunscreen. You’ll always have a need for it in Dallas, where the sun shines throughout the year. But don’t expect year-round warmth. While summers are hot, winters can be windy and chilling. You’ll definitely want to pack light, breathable clothes in spring and summer and a coat in the fall and winter.

What are your top restaurant recommendations for a business lunch or dinner?

For a great view and a memorable meal, go to Five Sixty by Wolfgang Puck (300 Reunion Blvd.; Ph: 214-571-5784). The restaurant sits atop Reunion Tower, an iconic Dallas landmark reaching 560 feet into the sky. Floor-to-ceiling windows and a revolving floor provide 360-degree views of the city. Puck’s menu offers contemporary interpretations of Asian dishes. And if you’re staying at the Hyatt Regency Dallas, you can’t beat the commute; the tower is connected to the hotel’s lower lobby. Before or after dinner, stop at our hotel bar Monduel’s for a glass of wine, craft beer or a specialty martini.

What’s one thing that always surprises guests about your hotel?

 They can take a local history lesson right here. We have a wonderful collection of historical photographs, memorabilia and artwork on display, including a large mural commemorating the La Reunion Colony, the inspiration for the naming of Reunion Tower. Many of our meeting rooms are named for significant people or places in Dallas history.

If business travelers only have a few hours for leisure, what must they see in your city?

 Within minutes of our hotel, guests can see why Dallas has one of the hottest art and culture scenes in the country. The revitalized Dallas Arts District—which includes the Dallas Museum of Art, the Nasher Sculpture Center and the Crow Collection of Asian Art—is easily accessible via the free D-Link bus, which picks up from nearby Union Station. History buffs should visit the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, which chronicles the assassination and legacy of President John F. Kennedy. It’s housed in the former Texas School Book Depository, where evidence of a sniper was found after JFK was shot.

What’s the best option for outdoor exercise in your city?

Klyde Warren Park is a 5.2-acre urban green space built over the recessed Woodall Rodgers Freeway in downtown Dallas. It’s got plenty of trails for running and walking, as well as an abundance of free fitness classes: boot camp, yoga, tai chi, Zumba and even ballroom dancing. Also, if you’re staying with us on a Thursday morning, join our staff-led running tour of the city.

 

Business know-how Concierge Julie Eenigenburg’s top tips for getting business right in Dallas: Be early or right on time for meetings. Get ready for firm handshakes—all around, and from both men and women—at the beginning and end of business meetings. In meetings, expect local colleagues and clients to get down to business quickly and to be direct when making requests or negotiating deals.