I confess that I had not done all of my homework before arriving in Dallas and checking in to what I had assumed was the "Jewel" Hotel. That's what everyone was calling it. So, of course, I had envisioned a frothy, romantic boutique of a place.

Imagine my surprise when I entered the lobby of The Joule and encountered an industrial chic motif complete with a two-story-high black iron gear as the focal point.

Joule, pronounced jewel, is a unit of energy, familiar to those of a scientific mindset, not so much to those who think more in terms of Harry Winston or Bulgari.

The unusual moniker reflects the hotel ownership — billionaire Tim Headington, founder of Dallas-based Headington Oil. With the energy connection finally obvious, the decorative oil derrick influences, the overhead wind turbines and other mechanical touches made so much more sense and even offered a sophisticated appeal. Add to the mix paintings by Andy Warhol, David Levinthal, Richard Philllips and more. All from Headington's private collection.

Managed by Starwood Hotels as part of that group's Luxury Collection, the Joule opened in May 2008 and has since won numerous accolades including kudos from Wallpaper Magazine, Travel & Leisure and Elite Traveler. No surprise then that sophisticated business travelers fill the swank 129-room downtown hotel to capacity most week nights.

Famed interior designer/architect Adam Tihany created the warmly contemporary interiors that gently update the 1920's Neo-Gothic structure. Historic preservation issues notwithstanding in the former Dallas National Bank building, The Joule issues a modern-day vibe that is colorful and appealing.

The Houston group that bunked there recently, while attending the opening of Salon Cerón at the neighboring Neiman Marcus, found the cushy lobby bar and the Charlie Palmer restaurant and bar welcoming antidotes to the Main Street hustle and bustle.

On the upper floors, guest rooms offer a European esthetic, clean lines, an economy of space, rich fabrics and all the high-tech amenities expected in a top-notch hotel. The real fun in The Joule is with its suites — the Demi Joules boasting circular beds, the two-story Loft Suites and the grand two-bedroom Penthouse Suite offering expansive views of the city.

Guests will be drawn to the 10th floor where the infinity swimming pool cantilevers eight feet over Main Street, letting guests test the illusion of swimming off the edge . The PoolSide bar and cafe was rated as one of the "Hottest Hotel Rooftop Bars" by Travel & Leisure.

All of this plus a fitness center, a wine shop and trés attentive doormen make The Joule a special stopover for travelers.