Just a short two-step away from Dickies Arena, a state-of-the-art event and performance venue, and nestled comfortably in the aptly named Cultural District is the newest hotel in the city of Fort Worth – Hotel Dryce.
Hotel Dryce is self-described as “an authentic gateway to a diverse city, providing an experience that’s unpretentious and unhampered by tradition. An independent hotel operated by passionate locals, inspired by community, and dedicated to showing you what makes Funkytown go.” Partners in this new hotel venture, Jonathan Morris, an entrepreneur turned tv-host, and Allen Mederos, owner of event space Sanders Hitch near the Stockyards, envisioned a comfortable, yet cool, atmosphere. Dryce delivers on that promise.
Upon arrival at the unassuming corner lot, guests are struck by the boutique hotel’s contemporary lines of the converted dry ice building. The aesthetics can be attributed to the talented design of Sarah Pederson of Mana Collected and the intricate woodwork by Brother Sister Design and 6572Build, with natural green foliage by locals Greenhouse 817. Local art ranging from mixed media to beautifully illustrated paintings are on proud display in each of the five different types of rooms ranging from “The Practical,” a more economical option, to “The Suite,” which is a swanky bedroom complete with personal bar and separate living area. In addition to the tastefully curated guest rooms on the second and third floors, the first floor boasts 900 square feet of lounge space that comfortably lures guests into the scenic courtyard with views of the city and a dry-ice pit.
Not to be outdone, the quintessential bar is slightly reminiscent of a youthful but sexier ‘Cheers’ bar because it truly does feel as if “everybody knows your name.” You could easily sip a cocktail with Taco Heads owner Sara Castillo seated next to you. Each of the drinks was thoughtfully crafted prior to opening, and a newly named bar director at the helm, Kimberly Schow, promises to launch a delicious happy hour menu to accompany the smooth libations.
Stop by for a visit or stay a few nights. General Manager Jada Nicome ensures they will always have special touches such as merchandise available to purchase like family-owned Morgan Mercantile’s lush bathrobes and some quality bath products. Travelers in search of non-commercial lodging and locals alike will feel “at home” here. Everything in the hotel is a subtle nod to a more progressive Fort Worth than visitors may be accustomed to. Yes, there is an appreciation of the cities notable cowboy culture, but also every other thing that makes Fort Worth unique, including that indescribable “vibe."
