Few hotels have generated more controversy than the Omni, which was built right next to the convention center by the city of Dallas—and against the objections of Big D's other hoteliers, who were miffed that their tax dollars were used to build a rival. But the bet seems to have paid off: In 2013, the city became the fifth-most popular convention city in the United States, a rank it hadn't come close to holding in years, and many laud the Omni for this development.  The important thing is that conventioneers—and tourists—think the Omni is pretty swell, too. Opened in 2011, it features an unusually convivial lobby, with fireplaces in the lounge bar, two good restaurants, and state-of the art guest rooms. That means lights will pop up at toe-level whenever you have to dash to the loo in the middle of the night, windows that are floor-to-ceiling, cushy beds, and an iPhone dock on every nightstand. That comes with all the trimmings of a hotel meant to attract meetings, including a spa, a glamorous pool deck (with sauna), a more-than-usable fitness room, and a business center. You can feel virtuous staying here, too, as the U.S. Green Buildings Council has awarded it Gold-level LEED certified status, making it the largest such building to get that designation outside of Las Vegas.