Love the Lawrence

Yes, The Hotel Lawrence is a bit rough around some of her edges, but we had a wonderful stay!

The rooms are very nice, and loved the bathroom set up. The bed was one of the most comfortable that we have ever slept on in a hotel.

We stayed on the 10th floor, and enjoyed the view of the down town area.

The staff was wonderful. Very friendly and helpful. We had no complaints at all about our stay.

When in Dallas we will stay here again.

Great value, great location!

The Lawrence was built in the 1920's and the rooms are naturally smallish, but they have been marvelously refreshed with state of the art baths and accessories. For about $75/night, this place is the best bargain in Dallas! From my window, I could see the grassy knoll and the Texas Book Depository where the Kennedy assasination took place. It's 2 blocks to the West End and all of it's restaurants and bustle. I highly recommend it to business travellers and budget types alike!

First time...LAST time

This hotel had potential, but did not live up. My wife and I just stayed there on January 15, 2005 for our Tenth Wedding Anniversary. That evening, the heater went out. We called three separate times for help, but maintenance never showed up (apparently he went to the wrong room). So, instead of an enjoyable evening together, we sat around in the cold waiting for someone to turn on the heat (on a 23 degree night). It finally came back on around 4:00 AM. The next morning, we were told that no adjustment could be made since we had booked and paid online through a popular hotel-finding web site (we're really sorry, but we can't do anything about it). I was extremely disappointed and certainly not overly impressed by the hotel in the first place. We will not be revisiting the establishment.

I love this hote

I am disturbed by the negative comments I have seen here about the Lawrence. This is simply a great hotel. I think many of the posters have never been to Dallas before. For a downtown Dallas hotel this place is tops and you CANNOT beat the price. It is indeed a boutique hotel and is VERY old. The rooms are very small yet individualy decorated. The lobby and stair cases are very 1940's. You can stay at the Anatole for 300 a night and not find the same charm and quaint surroundings. As for their restaurant the Founders Bar and Grille... it is superb! Some of the best food in Dallas. All in all this is the best bet for staying in "expensive" downtown Dallas. This comment is from a guest who stays in Dallas frequently on business.

Won't be back

The Lawrence is tired and in need of some capital improvements. I've stayed at the hotel5 or 6 times in the last two years based on cheap internet rates but won't be back. The rooms are small (particularly the bathrooms) and I find the staff to be less than helpful. The breakfast looks extensive but I never find anything worth eating. The charge for local calls is annoying as well.

A great surprise!!

I made my reservation at the Hotel Lawrence because I found there website. Then I saw some of the reviews here and I have to admit I thought about canceling. Thank goodness I didn't! The staff was really friendly and offered to help me on anything and everything I needed. The restaurant was really a nice modern place to eat and the location was definitely the best. I walked out the door to find myself in the heart of downtown with restaurants and shopping everywhere around plus all the museums I was able to visit. Finally the rooms were great. Perfect for the boutique style name they are described as and more comfortable atmosphere than at most hotels I have to stay out on business trips. I am thankful I wasn't swayed after this site... I would have missed out on finding a pretty great hotel.

Not as good as I expected

Rooms were fine and liked the cookies and milk. I was very disappointed in the breakfast. Instead of the advertised breakfast buffet, we were given vouchers for the coffee shop around the corner. We were told that this was only for this week. The food was good but not what I was looking forward to. The voucher didn't cover the cost of our breakfast either. We went to work out. The workout room was even smaller than our hotel room (which was a little small but sufficient). The room was hot so we had to open the door while we exercised. There were offices on the same floor and the workers came and complained about the noise from the television. Afterward, we went to our room and packed. When we tried to leave, one of the elevators had been taken out of service. We waited at least 5 minutes for an elevator. I went back into the room to call the front desk to find out what was going on. The phone would not work. Will not be staying there again. Would be very upset if I had not paid a discounted rate.

A few problems here!

First off, let me just say that if you're there to study anything to do with the JFK assasination, then the location is fantastic. The hotel has a really nice nightly ritual of serving cookies and milk in the lobby, and the staff are generally friendly. BUT... when I first arrived and wanted to go to the hotel's restaurant (heavily advertised in the rooms and the only place close for a meal at that time) I was told that it was closed off for a private function! In order to get something to eat I'd have to order room service and that cost me an extra 20% not including the tip! When it arrived, it was not as the menu described and was without any cutlery. The girl said she'd bring me some back and she never returned!! Housekeeping did not refill any coffee sachets, take any used coffee cups or even empty the bins! On the last morning I was there housekeeping came into the room despite the Do Not Disturb sign clearly on the door and I was unexpectedly caught in a towel. In my opinion, these were pretty basic issues that I felt had been better dealt with in other hotels and even hostels within the States.

Older but friendly and comfortable

Our overnight stay at the Lawrence was very pleasant. The rooms are tiny but comfortable and clean, and the bathrooms have been recently renovated. Though the bathtub was uncomfortable, the Body Wash shower was nice with good water pressure. The rooms have coffeemakers, ironing boards, and hairdryers, and the complimentary breakfast buffet includes make-it-youself waffles! I also enjoyed the fresh chocolate chip cookies in the lobby. Would definitely stay there again.

Very nice, friendly hotel

Just ret'd from business trip to Dallas. My review totally echoes that of the London reviewer. I had the option of staying at the Adolphus, but I wanted to find something different. I enjoy smaller, boutique hotels and based on the reviews of the Adolphus, I thought I might find myself paying for the name. The rooms at the Lawrence are on the smaller side, but very nicely decorated and cozy. The mattress was a little on the soft side for me, but I was still very comfortable. Check out the hotel website for a peek. What really made a difference at this hotel -- the friendly, relaxed staff. You felt like you were longtime acquaintances. Another great feature --complimentary shuttle service w/in 3 miles. When you tip the driver, it ends up being less than half what the cost of a taxi would be. Also -- the breakfast is more than continental -- waffles, yogurt, cottage cheese, fruit. I'd stay at the Lawrence again.