Dallas is a sprawling city in North Texas, the anchor of a metropolitan area that stretches across multiple counties and includes Fort Worth and dozens of suburbs. It grew as a railroad and highway hub, and that legacy shows in how you get around: the city covers a very large area, and its districts are connected by freeways and by the DART rail and bus network rather than by walkable streets alone.
For a visitor, the practical question is where to base yourself relative to what you plan to do. Accommodation clusters in a few distinct parts of the city and its surroundings, and the right choice depends on whether you want to be downtown, near the airport, close to the amusement parks, or in a quieter suburban setting. This guide covers the areas the sources identify as the main places to stay, and what each one suits.
Best areas to stay in Dallas
1. Downtown Dallas
Downtown is the city's core, home to Dealey Plaza and the museum in the former Texas School Book Depository building, as well as concentrations of restaurants, businesses and residential apartments. It is the most central base if you want to be within reach of the city's historic sights and its high-end accommodation.
It suits first-time visitors who want to be in the middle of things and travellers looking for upscale places to stay. The source notes that Downtown offers more high-end accommodations than other parts of the city.
2. North Dallas
North Dallas, along the I-635 corridor and North Central Expressway, holds the heaviest concentration of hotels in the city. This is a car-oriented, spread-out part of Dallas rather than a walking district.
It suits travellers who want a wide choice of accommodation and don't mind driving or using transit to reach the sights. If you are basing yourself here, plan on the freeway or DART to connect you to the centre.
3. Northwest Dallas
Northwest Dallas, along I-35E, is the other main cluster of hotels in the city, alongside North Dallas. Like its northern counterpart, it is built around highway access.
It suits visitors who want easy road connections and a broad range of places to stay, and who are comfortable treating the car as their main way of getting around.
4. Irving
Irving sits closer to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, one of the largest and busiest airports in the world. The source suggests some travellers may find it more convenient to stay here because of that proximity.
It suits travellers with early flights, long layovers, or a trip that involves both Dallas and Fort Worth, since the airport sits between the two cities.
5. Arlington
Arlington is named in the source as an option for travellers who want to be near the amusement parks.
It suits families and anyone planning their days around those parks rather than around central Dallas. Expect to rely on a car to move between Arlington and the rest of the metroplex.
6. Northern suburbs: Lewisville, Carrollton, Plano and Richardson
The northern suburbs are a further option for a base, connected to the city by the region's highway network and DART services. They are quieter and more residential in character than the central districts.
They suit travellers with a car who prefer a suburban setting, and anyone visiting friends or family or working in the northern part of the metroplex rather than sightseeing in the centre.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: look to the highway-oriented hotel clusters in North and Northwest Dallas, where the heaviest concentrations of accommodation give you the most choice.
- Mid-range: the same North and Northwest Dallas corridors, plus the northern suburbs, offer a broad spread of options if you have a car or are happy using DART.
- Splurge: Downtown is where the source points for high-end accommodation, and it puts you closest to the central sights.
Best area for a first visit
Downtown is the best base for a first visit. It is the most central option, it holds the city's best-known historic sights, and it is where the source says you will find the more high-end accommodations. From there you can reach the rest of Dallas by DART or by car without committing to a suburban base.
Frequently asked questions
Where are the largest concentrations of hotels in Dallas?
The heaviest concentrations are in North Dallas along I-635 and North Central Expressway, and in Northwest Dallas along I-35E. Downtown has fewer but more high-end places to stay.
Should I stay near DFW airport instead of in Dallas?
Some travellers find it more convenient to stay in Irving, which is closer to DFW airport. It is a reasonable choice if your trip centres on the airport or spans both Dallas and Fort Worth.
Where should I stay if I am visiting the amusement parks?
Arlington is the area the source names for travellers heading to the amusement parks.
Can I stay outside the city and still visit Dallas?
Yes. The northern suburbs of Lewisville, Carrollton, Plano and Richardson are named as options, and the region is connected by highways and DART rail and bus services. A car makes this far easier.
Compare live prices for each of these areas with the booking tools on this page before you decide where to base yourself.