The recently discovered Grape Room originally belonged to Col. William Stewart, who purchased the hotel in 1938 and is best known for creating the elegant Penthouse on the eleventh floor.  It is believed that the Colonel used the Grape Room, named for the intricately-carved grapes in the woodwork, as a private library.  Its existence unknown for many years, the secret Grape Room has been untouched since its installation in the 1930’s.  Nestled among the guest rooms on the second floor, it features a massive stone fireplace carved with pheasants as the focal point, the original chandelier and rich, old ornate woodwork paneling, which was brought over by boat from the Chart-Hills school in London, England. 

Chef Ewald Scholz will provide patrons of the Grape Room with the excellent service and delicious European fare for which he is known.  A 30-year Dallas institution in fine dining, Ewald’s was voted “Best Austrian-American Fare in Town” by the 1997 Zagat restaurant survey and now features a new wine list and an expanded menu. 

“We are excited and amazed about this new discovery,” said Gary Bruton, general manager of The Stoneleigh Hotel.  “This beautiful, historic hotel has many hidden secrets, and it may surprise us all again and again.”

Built in 1923, The Stoneleigh Hotel is a member of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s “Historic Hotels of America.”  The 11-story, classical European-style hotel contains 153 newly renovated rooms, including 68 luxury suites.  Located north of downtown Dallas in the popular Uptown neighborhood near prestigious Turtle Creek, Martinez explained that The Stoneleigh is close to the city’s finest parks, shops and museums, and is a short walk from the historic McKinney Avenue Trolley line.  For more information or reservations, please call (214) 871-2523, extension 417.