“It’s the only high-rise structure in Southlake,” general manager Mike Hutchison said of the hotel building. “Rather than open quickly, we were concerned with getting it right.”

In the midst of a “soft” opening since June 18, local guests and travelers — up to 80 percent occupancy to date — experienced the unveiling much ballyhooed Copeland’s of New Orleans franchise restaurant on the ground floor of the five-story, 248-room luxury hotel on Monday, Aug. 20.

The hotel lobby faces southeast, spanning almost 4,800-square-feet with a regal chandelier in black and clear crystal forming a crown configuration near the ceiling, golden plush seating, huge circular columns, three shades of marble, including various works of art, sheer and neutral window treatments, white and gold embellishments, deep-toned woods and first-class extras throughout.

Illuminated fountains mark the front entrance and restaurant terrace.

Investor Dwight Curry of Hobbs & Curry LLP in Arkansas said that the guest rooms are the foundation of the hotel’s overall transitional style, which blends classic features with a contemporary twist with elements that reflect Town Square’s surroundings.

Rooms have complimentary wired and wireless Internet access, laptop-size combination safes, coffeemakers, refrigerators, 32-inch or larger flat-screen/LCD/HD televisions with game or PC ports and the MP3-compatible radios are preset to major local stations.

A lavish fifth-story concierge floor has a private entry, a spacious hospitality suite with a broad city view and adjoining balcony with outdoor seating and conversation groupings near the business center.

The ground floor incorporates 15,000-square-feet of double-insulated meeting space, including 8,000-square-feet of palatial ballrooms with cascading and ascending lighting effects and giant chandeliers. Two ground and concierge floor business centers have attendants, and one offers light refreshments.

At Copeland’s, guests can expect to see torches, a “fire-and-ice” fountain near one of four entrances, two patios, two secluded dining areas, towering windows with east and west views and an ice-railed bar flowing with vodka dispensed on tap at 5 degrees.

Also on the ground floor, a 24-hour Precor-equipped fitness center sports 12 machines wired with cardio monitoring and cable TV, including the 100-plus channels (21 HD and HBO) offered on each of the hotel’s 300-plus flat screen TVs. The space has a cork-tiled floor, framed wall-sized mirrors, a range of free weights and a water cooler.

Just steps away, Anne Marie Adams’s third swanky Terrace Retreat Spa opened Aug. 15, with lobby and street entrances.

Hutchison said that the yearlong delays did not prevent the rescheduling of most bookings and corporate functions, and adds that he believes the delays have been worth the wait.