Avion Takes Helm of Hilton DFW Lakes, Bolstering DFW Conference Market

GRAPEVINE, TX – March 23, 2026 – In a significant move highlighting the continued strength of the Dallas-Fort Worth hospitality sector, Avion Hospitality has been selected to manage the Hilton DFW Lakes Executive Conference Center. The decision comes on the heels of the property's recent acquisition by Highline Hospitality, a national investment platform, and marks a major expansion for Avion in the highly competitive North Texas market. The deal brings Avion's national portfolio to 40 hotels and underscores a strategic bet on the future of large-scale corporate events and business travel in the region.

A Strategic Play in a Powerhouse Market

The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex remains one of the nation's most dynamic economic hubs, and its hospitality market reflects that energy. Fueled by robust corporate growth and unparalleled global connectivity through Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), the region has become a critical destination for meetings, conventions, and corporate gatherings. Avion Hospitality's move to manage the Hilton DFW Lakes is a direct reflection of this trend, securing a premier asset in a market with deep and sustained demand.

“Benefiting from an irreplaceable location a short distance from the airport, the Hilton DFW Lakes Executive Conference Center is the premier destination for meetings and events for area business travelers,” said Robert Burg, president and chief executive officer of Avion Hospitality. “With its global connectivity through DFW International Airport and one of the nation’s strongest corporate and meetings demand bases, the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex remains a key strategic growth market for Avion Hospitality.”

The 397-room hotel is not just another airport-adjacent property; it is a full-fledged conference powerhouse. Boasting over 60,000 square feet of IACC-certified meeting space, including versatile ballrooms and amphitheaters, it has long been a go-to venue for major corporate events. Its position within Grapevine, a city that has cultivated its reputation as a corporate convention hub, further solidifies its strategic importance. This new management agreement places Avion at the center of a thriving ecosystem built for business.

A Partnership Forged for Growth

This transition is powered by the partnership between Highline Hospitality, the new owner, and Avion Hospitality, the new management team. Highline, a firm known for its cycle-tested investment strategy, focuses on acquiring properties where it can create significant value through operational improvements and strategic capital investment. The firm has rapidly expanded its portfolio to 18 hotels, representing nearly $1.5 billion in assets, by identifying high-quality assets in strong markets. The acquisition of the Hilton DFW Lakes is a prime example of this strategy in action.

“The Hilton DFW Lakes Executive Conference Center represents a high-quality asset with exceptional meeting infrastructure and a strong reputation in the marketplace,” noted Chuck Pomerantz, managing director for Highline Hospitality. “We are pleased to partner with Avion Hospitality to build upon the hotel’s foundation and continue delivering a best-in-class experience for guests, meeting planners, and the Grapevine community.”

For its part, Avion Hospitality, founded in 2022, has quickly established itself as a significant national operator. The Plano-based company emphasizes a hands-on approach, intentionally maintaining a low ratio of assets to property support staff. This philosophy allows Avion to dedicate more resources and tailored strategies to each hotel, a key factor in its selection by institutional owners like Highline. This latest addition not only grows Avion’s portfolio but also deepens its relationship with Highline, as the firms recently partnered on the Pittsburgh Marriott North.

Elevating an Iconic Grapevine Landmark

The Hilton DFW Lakes is more than just a strategic asset; it is a foundational piece of Grapevine's history. Opened in 1983, it was the city's first hotel and convention center, setting the stage for Grapevine's transformation into a premier destination. Its unique design, sprawling across 40 scenic lakeside acres, blends the comprehensive services of a conference center with the amenities of a full-service resort.

Over the years, the 4-diamond, award-winning property has been institutionally owned and well-maintained, receiving significant capital investments that have kept it competitive. Guests and meeting planners consistently praise its convenient location, extensive recreational offerings—including indoor and outdoor pools, pickleball courts, and a private lake—and the professionalism of its staff. Highline Hospitality has already signaled its intent to continue this legacy of improvement, with plans for targeted renovations focused primarily on the hotel's extensive meeting and event spaces.

This commitment to investment will further enhance the property's ability to attract top-tier events. By modernizing its core offering, the new ownership and management team aims to build upon the hotel's strong reputation and solidify its status as a leader in the regional conference market for years to come. The goal is not to reinvent the property, but to elevate what has already made it a success.

Fueling the Local Economic Engine

The impact of a thriving conference center like the Hilton DFW Lakes extends far beyond its property lines. It serves as a powerful economic engine for the city of Grapevine. The thousands of corporate travelers and event attendees it draws each year bring significant buying power, supporting a wide array of local businesses, including restaurants, retail shops, and the city's famed wineries. This influx of visitor spending is a cornerstone of Grapevine's economic model, which leverages tourism to fund city services and maintain a high quality of life for residents without an over-reliance on property taxes.

The new management agreement between Avion and Highline provides a clear and stable path forward for this vital community asset. By combining Highline's investment prowess with Avion's specialized management expertise, the partnership is poised to maximize the hotel's potential. This ensures the Hilton DFW Lakes will not only remain a competitive force in the hospitality industry but will also continue to be a major local employer and a crucial contributor to Grapevine's economic vitality and regional prestige.