HotelChatter

What to expect from the first of the new and improved properties: first and foremost, the entire guest experience is supposed to stimulate all the senses. That means sounds ("sounds specifically created for Le Meridien by Sony/BMG"), smells (you'll encounter a scent called LM01 created by perfume designer Le Labo), and tastes (expect a pretty serious breakfast program designed by chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten). And then there's this:

Le Méridien room keys will open more than just doors. They will open new perspectives. The collectible key cards featuring commissioned art work by select contemporary artists will also act as passports to cultural centers near select Le Méridien hotels. The Le Meridien Dallas keys will allow guest access to the Dallas Museum of Art.

Intrigued? The idea here is to appeal to a more creative guest (oh, you know that's you) — but if you're more down for hanging out in your room, take comfort in knowing that the Le Meridien Dallas North rooms will be some of the largest in the city. All 258 rooms have the new Le Meridien signature beds and offer full size sofas in each room's sitting area — that is, if you're interested in sitting around instead of taking advantage of the hotel's fabulously close proximity to the heavenly Dallas Galleria.

In terms of design, the Dallas property was under the direction of Graham Downes, who was also the mastermind behind the Hard Rock San Diego. The rooms look a little bit...well, pink, but a lil' pink never hurt anyone. They look contemporary and chic without being too cold. We're diggin' it.

The hotel is currently accepting reservations online for arrival on or after April 15, 2009 with rates starting at $199, though we're told the official debut of the property is May 15th.