The current Penthouse suite (with larger windows) on the top floor of the original Adolphus tower can be had for about a thousand bucks a night. It has one bedroom, a library/study and living room. It is the only utilized space on the floor, the rest is currently unused, according to staff.
A publication by the Adolphus circa 1985 held by the DPL indicated that the top floor was designed for and reserved for Adolphus Busch and family.
One would assume that this suite would historically have been used by the many famous people who have stayed there, from George W Bush to Queen Elizabeth II.
There is conflicting info here, but this has been a fun task and was a great question!
Using the info printed from '85 below, it states the Busch suite was above the Skylight suites. Hmmm...
It would seem that Adolphus would want the big windows.
Note the "beer bottle" on the right.
A closer view, looks like the shingles need some help:
There is a very nice online aerial photo showing the rooftops on the
DPL site from 1955. Catalog search term "Bird's-eye-view of the Adolphus Hotel."
Quoted text from the '85 publication:
...Rising in stately tiers to the 12th floor are the Terrace Garden Suites. All are particularly spacious; many have wet bars. And true to their name, all offer a private outdoor patio....up to 1000 square feet of polished red tile grace with garden settes and formal landscaping. Here, as many as 60 people can be hosted to cocktails...served with sweeping vistas of vibrant downtown Dallas.
On the 19th level-looking out from the original mansard roof-are the hotel's commanding skylight suites. Each displays tasteful English decor, accented by slanting glass walls of pure blue Texas sky.
On this same level, incidentally, a corner suite harbors a bit of Adolphus history in its curiously round closet: For this little room was, in fact, the base of the notorious "beer bottle turret" that rose from the building in 1912.
The hotel's single Penthouse Suite, accessible by private elevator, dominates all of the top floor. Originally the personal residence of Adolphus Busch, it remained closed to the public for many decades. Today, however, this exquisitely restored hideaway is available as the pinnacle of hotel accommodation.
Current marketing of the Penthouse Suite:
"The lavish penthouse is a true skyline sanctuary with hardwood floors, alluring Asian art, and cozy alcoves."
Another view, circa 1920:
Adolphus Busch (1839 Germany - 1913 Germany,
Interred at St Louis) Father of 13 children
Jim Wheat posted the picture below from 1932. The Roof "Garden" opened in 1931 and held a variety of events from entertainment to having very large hairdressers conventions with hundreds of women getting new hairstyles. In early days the Roof was named "Bambooland Ballroom."
Edited 15 time(s). Last edit at 04/02/2010 07:59AM by Joel Parks.