If luxury is what you like and decadence in the most tasteful manner is what you search for in a hotel, then look no further than The Houstonian Hotel. Here, you will find some of the country’s most friendly and efficient staff, most elegantly refined décor and ambiance, and probably the most delicious food in all of Houston. Rated number one hotel and resort in all of Texas by Travel & Leisure 2 years in a row, The Houstonian is a not-to-be missed experience if you’re in the Lone Star State!
Welcome to The Houstonian. Though you might not expect Houston, Texas to have such an exquisite hotel, you’ll be more surprised to learn how charming and welcoming this establishment actually is. With a combination of lodge and southern summer time relaxation, it’s a mix unlike any other. But before we get into all the charming and magical aspects of this 4-star retreat, let’s talk about the hotel’s start, and what makes it so special.
The Hotel & Its Amenities
Opening its doors in 1980, The Houstonian spans over 18 acres, and boasts a spa, health club center, more than 3 swimming pools, and features their signature restaurant, Tribute, inside the hotel itself.
This is just scratching the surface though. The Forbes four-star property has invested an estimated $65 million in renovation and expansion over the forty-three years it’s been around. It’s also a member of the preferred hotels & resorts, where it extends over 27 wooded areas. A rare commodity in the Houston area.
Something else that’s noteworthy about the hotel is that it is independently owned and operated – something you might not guess with an establishment of this size and high level of prestige. Which may just be one more reason you will want to stay here: keep your investments local.
The hotel is also safely secured, with a guard at the front gate of the hotel, you will feel like you’ve stepped into your own private and luxurious abode, rather than a hotel.
If you’re wanting to stick close to downtown, you’re in luck. The Houstonian is only 15 minutes away from the hustle and bustle of H-Town; but this is just far enough away to feel tucked away in a peaceful and tranquil environment.
Another fun fact is that The Houstonian partners and is adjacent to Memorial Park, where PGA level golf competitions are held. If you’re a golf enthusiast you might want to take advantage of swinging the club around a bit in the morning, before you head to the The Houstonian’s members’ club in the afternoon.
Here, you can take your pick of dozens of different activities, ranging from gym equipment, yoga classes, aerobics classes, and more. Inside The Houstonian Club, you have your choice of their Refuel Grab Go snack stand (for hotel guests & club members only), or The Kitchen Restaurant & Bar (which again, is for hotel guests and club members only).
Not enough choices for food? Obviously you’ll want to check out their Pie Shoppe & Bakery at the hotel, in addition to The Kitchen Restaurant.
And if this weren’t enough to suggest that this hotel and resort is its own little world, there’s a whole lot more.
The hotel offers their signature spa, Trellis. Here, you will find the most high end services, products, and luxury amenities that any spa could possibly offer. In fact, if you want to take advantage of their private pools, saunas and Jacuzzis, you can only do so if you spend at least $200 on services at the spa itself.
Inside the spa you will also find a hair salon, and a manicure & pedicure salon as well. No service has been missed here.
And of course, if you’re planning a special day in the Houston area, The Houstonian is the only place you should consider having either the actual wedding, the rehearsal dinner, or the honeymoon.
The Houstonian specializes in wedding venues, and their professional, refined etiquette and polished precisian in such manners is beyond impeccable. In fact, the hotel offers a bridal suite, called “The Pearl Suite”, which connects to their Legacy Lounge for bridal festivities. Sending special amenities to their ‘Houstonian couples’, they are beyond welcoming, gracious and attentive in every way imaginable for those celebrating the most important day of their lives.
According to hotel’s team, The Houstonian hosts many types of events – not just weddings. Some of their favorites include social and corporate business events, bar/bat mitzvahs, baby showers, corporate meetings, conventions and retreats.
Why The Hotel is So Special
We’ll get to my own experience at The Houstonian momentarily, but first, it’s important to know what the hotel thinks about itself. When asked why guests should stay here, one member of The Houstonian says,
“The Houstonian as you’ve experienced, offers guests unique Southern hospitality, unlike anything that can be found in the city. We are in the heart of Houston, but feel like we’re tucked into 27-acres. Spectacular amenities, luxury products and exclusive access to one of the top fitness centers in the nation make this a special place to stay. For those staycationing, it’s a chance to escape into the city.”
And just how spectacular is their fitness center? A fun fact to note is that if you were to try a piece of equipment, class or activity once a day at the Houstonian Club, it would take two years to experience all that is offered. That’s pretty impressive.
The fact is, you can be a local Houstonian, and stay at The Houstonian. To stay here is a vacation in and of itself. There’s no need to go outside the hotel’s grounds to have a completely magical experience. Which is exactly what I had for the three days I was here…
My Experience
Arriving at The Houstonian on a Thursday evening, I knew as soon as I pulled onto the premises, I was in for an unparralled experie nce. Met with the sight of a stunning live oak tree, it wasn’t quite dusk yet and the tree was already completely illuminated.
I took a gander at The Manor House, which I learned later use to host brunches many years ago, and even housed Jack Nicholson (supposedly) while in the area shooting a movie decades ago.
Upon entering the elevator leading me up from the parking garage to the main lobby, I noted a distinct and aromatic fragrence, which I later realized was exclusive to their elevators. It was heavenly.
The lobby, also known as the Grand Room, housed a 30-foot stone fireplace, and a floor-to-ceiling painting of a large buck.
Right away, my impression of staff was beyond anything I could possibly have ever envisioned in terms of friendliness. It’s as though they literally went around the entire globe to hand pick the most delightfully cheery people. Every single member of staff had a perpetual smile on their face, and consistently made me feel welcome, as though I were more than just a guest to them, and treated me with the utmost respect, courteousness, and hospitality. Southern hospitality to be most specific. While the majority of the staff may not be from Houston, or even Texas originally, they have all adopted the traditional warmth and southern etiquette one would expect from any good ‘ole southerner.
The lobby area was ample and had a rustic lodge feel. Ideal for fall and winter gatherings, it’s perfect for business meetings or a cozy cup of coffee in the morning before heading to the pool in summer.
The hallways of the entire hotel feature stunning carpeting and beautiful paintings illuminated by individual light fixtures.
The Rooms
But of course, we must talk about the room. My room was a divine Premier King room, overlooking the woods. With the sun flickering through the curtains all day long, the greenery from the floor-to-ceiling windows coupled beautifully with the royal blue walls of the guestroom. The bedding was luxurious, the sofa comfortable, and the bathroom unforgettably spacious and convenient.
Tastefully decorated, with most certainly the largest big screen TV I’ve ever seen in my life, the housekeeping service was like nothing I’d ever experienced before. My own personal soaps were tucked neatly into a little cloth with a built in pouch when I came back to my room one morning, and placed neatly in the shower.
My shoes, which I’d left a bit haphazardly on the floor before jetting off to breakfast my first morning there, were lain in a perfect row under my suitcase by the maid.
My towels were always fresh (sometimes more than once a day), and there were always chocolates and turn-down bed service at the end of each evening.
The Spa
Trellis Spa is located just a few paces from the hotel building. A little brick road (though not yellow) leads you along your way to the stunning and luxurious haven known for its tranquility and relaxation. With several different pools, Jacuzzis, saunas, a dim-lit tranquility room, and an abundance of services on offer, there is no possible way to stay at The Houstonian without taking advantage of Trellis. I did. And I was blown over by the service and execution of my prestigious facial.
My esthetician, Mary, was so cautious and knowledgeable about which types of products to use on my face, taking into consideration my skin condition.
According to Mary, the type of facial I received was a “Tolerance Facial”.
“The service features Natura Bisse’s NB Ceutical collection which is specially designed to treat sensitive skin. Some of the products used in this treatment include the Natura Bisse NB Ceutical Eye and Lip Makeup Remover, Tolerance Enzyme Peel, Diamond Cocoon Hydrating Essence, and Tolerance Recovery Cream.”
She goes on by telling me about the facial itself and how it was executed,
“The facial consists of skin preparation, including cleansing and exfoliation. We then treat the skin with a neuropeptide concentrate which is applied to the face, neck and décolleté followed by a sculpting massage and mask application. The treatment is concluded with the application of a toner, moisturizer, and sun protection.”
One member of staff at The Houstonian adds,
“In addition to being the largest luxury spa in the state of Texas, the breadth and experience our providers are bringing to our guests is what really makes the Trellis experience special. With many here for over 10 years, our providers are at the top of their fields.”
The spa’s staff all have taste uniforms, and luxurious spa bathrobes and slippers are provided to all guests. The locker rooms are also quite spectacular with private shower rooms, lockers for each individual, and even a vanity style seating are in the ladies’ room where they can fix their hair and makeup. Even hairspray and other handy tools are available for the guests to use.
No detail has been left unthought.
And while you’re waiting for your services, you might want to try some complimentary tea and cookies in the waiting room. Or, if you have additional time, you can go into their lunch room, where you’ll find open seating, a full menu and sunlight which sweeps throughout.
The Pools
While photography or videography of any kind is not allowed at the resort area, let me assure you – it’s spectacular. With three different pools to choose from, there is a resort style family pool where there is even a slide to make you feel like a kid again; an Olympic style swimming pool to get your laps in; and, my favorite, was a modest, heated swimming pool where only adults are allowed.
The resort area features their Arbor Grill, where you can chow down on a delicious cheeseburger and fries, and sit outside before laying out under the Houston heat.
Each pool also offers dozens, if not hundreds of freshly folded towels in a cabinet-style compartment, and bottles of water to keep you hydrated in the Texas heat.
The Other Perks
Check out more than one of The Houstonian’s gift shops on site, where you can find just about anything and everything you could want or need
While staying here, I was invited to a wedding last minute (literally 24 hours before), and needed to find a dress and shoes. The hotel staff was so accommodating, they arranged their driver to take me to the local mall and scheduled a pick-up time for me. It made my life so much less stressful than it could have been by chauffeuring me to and from the hotel, as I had no car.
They were calm, gracious and beyond kind in trying to help me, even offering to call a private tailor in case I needed one. Things like this proved their tried and true measures in trying to please their guests at any and every measure.
And if all of this weren’t enough to entice you, let’s not forget about The Covery, which features none other than the coveted and highly popular cryotherapy service. There are also boutique gift shops located both inside The Houstonian club and inside the hotel lobby – just in case you want to pick up some pure gold jewelry, golf socks, or a signature leather tote (among many other items).
The Restaurants
While I really only had the experience of dining at Tribute, this was enough to confirm that I was eating the best food and experiencing the best service in all of Houston.
With 5-star servers with 5-star quality food, there was nothing here that wasn’t pleasant in which to partake.
My first evening at the hotel, I had the pleasure of having an incredibly romantic meal which included steak, tortilla soup, some superb wine, followed by strawberry shortcake – in the shape of Texas.
The following morning, I treated myself to one of the most fabulous breakfasts I’ve ever had. Eggs, sausage, fresh squeezed orange juice, and the piece de resistance: Bananas Foster.
The restaurant doesn’t just offer exceptional service and food though; the ambiance in the evening is romantic, chic and classy. It almost has the ambiance and vibe of something from the ‘60s – but with modern décor.
While in the daytime, the gorgeous greenery that seeps in through the long, bay windows offers a tranquil, sunny disposition to the restaurant.
The Fitness Club
The Houstonian Club is not just exclusive to hotel guests, you can actually become a member here. And it might just be worth it. The entire space encompasses 2 levels, has 2 different dining venues, offers yoga, aerobic and other classes; and has a jogging/walking track. The gym itself has more equipment than any standard facility, and with trained professionals at your disposal, you’ll be sure to find something here that you will be able to utilize.
Another fun fact about The Houstonian that you might not know: President George H.W. Bush once lived here. But that might be another story for another time.
Why Stay
The Houstonian isn’t just a hotel. It’s an experience all its own. I literally spent 3 days in Houston only at the hotel, and only a few hours at the mall. I never saw the actual city. What I can tell you is that I missed nothing. My experience being isolated at this hotel was the best vacation I could have ever asked for. Swimming during the day, getting to spend time at the spa in the evening, with the options of having my hair and nails done if I saw fit, going to their fitness center to work out or take a class at any time of day that I may have felt like, or even just popping into their restaurant for a stellar steak dinner – all of this was worth the world to me. The coffee shop in their grand room was most definitely the best coffee in all of Texas, and their bathrobes were litearlly the best bathrobes I’ve ever worn at any 4-star hotel in the word. That’s why I went home with one.
Staying at The Houstonian is magical. And their illuminated tree in the front of their hotel is proof of that. With it quite literally being the most romantic thing I’ve ever seen in real life, you won’t be sure if you’re in a fairy tale, or just the most charming Southern environment you’ll ever see.
Overall, you will not be disappointed when staying at The Houstonian. In fact, you’re expectations will be surpassed as were mine. I can genuinely say, that in all the places I’ve stayed traveling around the whole world, this is one of the best hotels out there, and frankly, the best I’ve experienced to date here in the United States.
So what are you waiting for? You know you want to experience a spectacular 5-star facial, or a try some fancy Southern-style food. The guest rooms are calling for you…are you ready to book? Just make sure when you do, you let them know that Lisa sent you!
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