The grand dame of Dallas hotels has been undergoing the most sweeping changes since Adolphus Busch, co-founder of Anheuser-Busch, first erected the Beaux Arts hotel in 1912. Under the direction of Dallas design firm Swoon, the Studio, excess ornamentation that was overlaid in the 1980s was removed, so the hotel feels historic, not dated. A raft of added and renovated amenities is drawing in a new generation of Dallasites. Spa Adolphus and City Hall Bistro are brand new. The storied French Room and its bar and Pool Adolphus got makeovers before reopening. Afternoon tea returns January 5. And in the final stretch, February will bring a retail outpost called Commerce, offering Texas-based goods as well as international designers; The Barbershop at The Adolphus, a collaboration with Brass Tacks; and a Viennese-style coffee shop, Otto’s. [links]