Hotel Lumen

Named after the unit used to measure of the perceived power of light, its website boldy proclaims that "the story of hotel Lumen is light." And how. From the moment you walk in, two-story floor-to-ceiling windows let there be light. Across the way from SMU, boutique is scrawled all over it. Rooms exude modern charm while sticking to mid-century motif. Dark chocolates and cremes oppose emphasis on illumination, in a good way. On-site resto bar Social, with polished brass, red velvet, and rich wood, is a must destination for media and artist types. Brilliant.