A Festive Staycation at The Ritz Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas
- Scott
- Dec 8
- 6 min read
There is something magical about getting into the Christmas spirit without ever leaving your own city. This year our family decided to do exactly that with a holiday staycation at The Ritz Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas. The resort recently completed an impressive transformation after formerly operating as the Four Seasons and now reflects the elevated elegance and warmth the Ritz Carlton brand is known for. It is also steeped in local history as the longtime home of the Byron Nelson golf tournament which gives the property a sense of heritage and charm.
Arriving to Holiday Magic
The moment we stepped into the lobby we were greeted by none other than Santa himself. The boys stared at him with that perfect mix of surprise and excitement and right away we felt the holiday season wrap itself around us. The lobby glowed with beautifully trimmed trees, twinkling lights, and that familiar Ritz Carlton ambiance that always feels both luxurious and welcoming.
Our Villa Room Overlooking the Pool
We were staying in a recently refreshed double villa room that felt spacious, serene, and beautifully updated. The patio overlooked the pool and hot tub, allowing us direct access to both from our room. The room blended modern comfort with classic Ritz Carlton design, and a detail we especially loved was the Diptyque toiletries. It is such a luxurious touch and instantly elevates the experience, making even the everyday moments feel indulgent. After settling in we ventured out to explore everything the resort had prepared for the season.
Exploring the Club Lounge
The Club Lounge was one of our favorite spots during the stay. Located on the 2nd floor of the main building, the space feels elevated yet welcoming with a heightened sense of exclusivity. It blends comfort with thoughtful service and localized touches that make the experience feel special from the moment you walk in.
Guests enjoy a dedicated concierge, personalized programming, and gourmet culinary and beverage offerings throughout the day, all served in a well appointed lounge with beautiful views overlooking the resort pool. The team is warm and attentive in that signature Ritz Carlton way and made each visit feel personal. Club Lounge access includes 2 adults per room reservation and must be selected for the entirety of the stay. Charges apply nightly and may vary, but for our family it added an effortless rhythm to the weekend. Breakfast, snacks, and evening presentations became natural pauses where we could regroup, relax, and enjoy something delicious before the next festive activity.
The Ritz Alpine Chalet Collection
One of the highlights of the holiday offerings is the Alpine Chalet Collection. The resort transforms its cabanas and daybeds into private winter chalets that feel like a pocket of the Alps in the middle of Las Colinas. Guests can enjoy food and beverages along with festive movies to celebrate the season. Even though the weather turned rainy and windy during our stay the team seamlessly moved the movie experience indoors so guests could still enjoy the magic without interruption.
The chalets are available on Saturdays and Sundays from November 29 through December 21, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and require reservations.
Luxe Alpine Escape Chalets: These luxury cabanas begin at $350 plus tax and service. They feel incredibly cozy with rich textiles, warm lighting, and a beautifully styled atmosphere.
Gilded Glow Hideaways: These transformed cabanas begin at $250 plus tax and service and offer an elevated yet intimate holiday setup perfect for couples or small families.
Starlight Mini Chalets: The daybeds are converted into petite chalets for $50 plus tax. Food and beverage are not included but it is an accessible and fun way to join in the holiday spirit.
Each chalet includes seasonal treats like s’mores, cheese fondue, charcuterie, and Moët & Chandon. Guests can also add luxe enhancements through Bachendorf’s for an even more elevated evening.
Dinner at Knife
After exploring the holiday chalets we headed to Knife, the resort’s Italian inspired steakhouse led by award-winning Chef John Tesar. This newest expression of his celebrated Knife concepts blends the heart of Italian cooking with the bold flavors and spirit of Texas. It builds on the success of Knife Steakhouse in Dallas and Plano and the Michelin-starred Knife & Spoon at The Ritz Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes.
Chef Tesar draws inspiration from his upbringing on the Upper East Side of New York City where his love for American and Italian cuisine first began. That influence comes through in thoughtful pasta dishes, house-aged steaks, and rich sauces that honor the heritage of Italian cooking. The space feels warm, stylish, and ideal for a family dinner that still feels special.
Since we had already enjoyed appetizers in the Club Lounge we kept dinner to mains:
The boys ordered the meat lovers pizza which arrived with the perfect crisp crust and plenty of flavor.
Thomas ordered the 44 Farms filet (6 oz) with parmesan potatoes, which were silky and indulgent.
Scott ordered the cacio e pepe pasta and added chicken, which turned out to be a simple but standout dish.
We skipped dessert knowing we had s’mores waiting in the room and it ended up being the perfect balance for the evening.
Movie Time, S’mores, and a Visit from Santa
Back in the villa we found holiday coloring books and classic Ritz Carlton teddy bears waiting for the boys. The resort surprised us with a sweet visit from Santa which absolutely made their night and Santa even made s’mores with the boys! We ended the evening with a family movie (Christmas Chronicles 2) which felt like the perfect cozy finish to a festive day.
Breakfast in the Club Lounge
Morning began with breakfast in the Club Lounge where we enjoyed wagyu short rib omelets, fresh pastries, and mimosas. The service was kind, the food was thoughtful, and it made for such an easy and enjoyable start to the day. It was hard to get the boys to pry themselves away from the lounge but we were able to!
The Gym and Sports Facilities
The sports amenities at the resort are truly unique and one of the standout features of staying at The Ritz Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas. Guests receive access to The Nelson Golf & Sports Club, a premier athletic and wellness destination that elevates the experience far beyond a traditional hotel gym.
The club offers a full fitness center with everything from free weights to cardio machines, along with spacious studios and high-end equipment. Scott had a complete weight session during our stay. Meanwhile, the boys made the most of the racquetball and basketball courts which gave them the perfect outlet to burn energy and have some fun.
What makes this especially impressive is that these amenities belong to an exclusive members-only sports club, yet they are available to all hotel guests. It adds tremendous value to the stay and makes the property ideal for fitness lovers, families, and anyone who enjoys having a wide range of activities right on site.
Tea with Santa
Tea with Santa quickly became one of the most memorable moments of the weekend. Held inside Bar Juniper, the holiday tea transforms the space into a warm and elegant seasonal setting. The event runs Saturdays and Sundays from November 29 through December 20 with 2 seatings each day at 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
The tea service includes seasonal savories, festive sweets, and sparkling bubbles for adults. The boys loved their trays of kid-friendly bites and holiday pastries and the entire experience felt indulgent without being overly formal. The best part is the time families get with Santa. Children enjoy personal visits and storytime with him in an intimate and very sweet setting.
Our boys listened closely as Santa read Twas the Night Before Christmas just for them. It was calm, warm, and filled with that unmistakable holiday magic.
Checking Out and Final Thoughts
Soon it was time to check out. Our stay never felt rushed yet was filled with moments that reminded us why we love the holiday season. The Ritz Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas combines history, luxury, warmth, and thoughtful festive experiences in a way that makes it perfect for families looking to slow down and reconnect.
We left feeling happy, relaxed, and already talking about making this festive staycation a new family tradition!
Hotel Details
The Ritz Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas: 4150 N. MacArthur BlvdIrving, TX 75038
Phone: (972) 717-0700