Living in Fort Worth comes with all sorts of perks: a thriving cultural scene, flourishing restaurants, and unique hotels, a trifecta that makes for a perfect staycation. The Kimpton Harper Hotel is one of those hotels. It’s a Michelin Guide-recommended spot that draws on its historic building, a tailored, quietly bold ambiance, fantastic views, and amazing service to create a space that will truly allow you to take a break from the daily grind.
As you stand on Main Street in downtown Fort Worth and look up at the historic Farmers & Mechanical Bank building, you’ll note the iconic architectural work of Sanguinet & Staat, complete with gargoyles and a classic revival style that reaches 24 floors into the Fort Worth Skyline. Now listed on the National Landmark of Historic Places, the building was renovated in 2021 and became a boutique hotel featuring a perfect blend of contemporary and mid-century design, perfectly complementing the building's history while maintaining a unique vibe, like other Kimpton properties are known to do.
When you arrive for your staycation, you’ll be whisked up to the 24th floor, which serves not only as a reverse lobby but also the penthouse whiskey bar, Refinery 714, where you’ll be able to enjoy sweeping views of Fort Worth, and on a good day, even AT&T Stadium in Arlington. “From 5 to 6 pm every single day, we have a daily social hour, which we treat guests to complimentary wine and light bites from the refinery menu, and the 24th floor during the Golden Hour is just astounding,” says a Kimpton hotel representative.
After checking in, it’s up to you how you want to spend your days. One thing that should absolutely be on your itinerary is Sundance Square. The Kimpton Harper Hotel is only a five-minute walk away from the shops, galleries, restaurants, the Fort Worth Water Gardens, and Bass Performance Hall. You can browse through shops like Cary O’Keefe, Colección Mexicana, enjoy live music, or see a show at Circle Theatre.
Of course, the Stockyards should be on your weekend itinerary. The historic district is perfect for anyone who wants a glimpse of Fort Worth during its booming banking, cattle, and oil era, and no matter how many times you visit, it never gets old. There’s also the Fort Worth Cultural District, and sure, while you may live here, taking a staycation allows you to explore your favorite museum, visit a museum for the first time, or wander through Trinity Park on a good weather day.
You’ll have to eat while on your staycation, and there are great options in Sundance Square, but if you’re staying at The Harper, don’t miss the chance to dine at Il Modo, the award-winning contemporary Italian restaurant that calls the building home. Chef Irene Garza has just kicked off a new menu, and it’s full of surprises without sacrificing the high quality that Il Modo is known for. “I want guests to feel taken care of from the moment they sit down. This menu is meant to feel inviting, energetic, and memorable, like a beautiful meal with real heart behind it. My goal is for people to taste the passion in the food, feel the warmth of the experience, and connect with the dishes in a way that feels personal,” says Garza.
A must-try new dish? According to Garza, that would be the pork chop with the whisky thyme glaze. “It has that perfect balance of comfort and craft, which is really what I wanted the menu to capture overall. It is the kind of dish that feels familiar at first, but once you taste it, there is a lot of depth and personality there,” she says.
A new menu isn’t the only thing happening at The Harper this summer: Through July 14, 2026, Refinery 714 will become The Lane Lounge, where Lane boots style, signature blue cocktails, live music, and World Cup match viewing will come together for a summer guests will never forget.
For more information, visit theharperfortworth.com