In the town built by black gold—the hotel's name is taken from an international unit of energy—a massive piece of oil machinery slowly turns beside the check-in desk. That's a special welcome for the J.R. Ewing, Jr. types this hotel attracts, but for those whose wealth isn't derived from petroleum profits, the big wheel looks like another piece of art. It's in good company with sculptures, paintings, and prints (and even a genuine Andy Warhol). All were placed just so by famed designer Adam Tihany to create a hip, rich-looking, and contemporary space with nooks to explore—a bookstore here, a shiny-white coffee shop there, and of course, a hopping bar.


Alas, the cool vibe doesn’t extend to the rooms which are plush (Frette linens, Bose Sound systems, Bulgari toiletries) but a bit standard in looks: shiny lacquered furnishings off-setting, neutrally toned furnishings. Yawn—though some mattresses are interestingly rounded in a few rooms, if you’re into oddity. The new tower, opened in October 2013, is a hair cushier and has larger rooms than the old one, which is set in an old bank building (its original lobby mosaics are spectacular), but otherwise they have a similar feel. Also on property is the only ESPA Spa in the states, a rooftop infinity pool surrounded by rentable bungalows, and a well-equipped gym.