Omni Lights Up Dallas Skyline With Friendly Debate

DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - Vegas, baby, Vegas. You just might think that when you take in the new Omni Convention Center Hotel, because frankly, there's a lot to take in. "That's the first time I've seen it with the crazy lights, so I haven't had a full opinion of it yet," explained Jeff Crawford of Dallas.

The new addition to the Dallas skyline shines bright. Some say too bright. "All that power seems kind of wasted," said Dallas resident, J.W. Ney.

The hotel is a sea of colors that dance in the night. Not unusual for Dallas since it was one of the first cities to light up its skyline, and now, just about every new building gets a splash of color. But the Omni has more than a splash and it's sparking a friendly debate. "I like the lights. I thought it was nice," said Dallas transplant, Happy Comly. "But my friend said, I think it looks ridiculous. I think it looks trashy."

Despite the occasional eye roll, the majority of people we spoke to actually lit up with joy over the hotel's design. "I love the building. I think it's fabulous," beamed Michelle Driscoll as she walked past the hotel. It's bright, it's colorful, it's beautiful and it's just what downtown Dallas needs," she added.

Dallas resident, Mary Lane-Moore couldn't agree more. "I think it's gorgeous. It's a perfect addition for downtown. The change in the light show every night is really interesting," added Moore.

A spokesman for the Omni Hotel said the designers are still tweaking the lights, so they are reserving comment until after December 1.  However, he warned not to expect any major changes to the existing light show.

So the next time you trip the light fantastic at the new Convention Center Hotel, take in a good eyeful before giving someone a good earful. It just might have you saying, Dallas, baby, Dallas.