New renovations and fresh takes on luxury Texas entertaining make Houston a vibrant destination for innovative Texas meetings.
Houston’s George R. Brown Convention Center and its surrounding area have undergone a $175 million renovation that adds a 100,000-sf lobby and more than a dozen public art installations by local artists therein. The development also includes a new 97,000-sf pedestrian plaza, called Avenida Houston, that runs five blocks in front of the convention center. The landscaped plaza is designed to tell the story of Houston’s industrial and natural history, and also includes an event space called the Wharf. Connected to the convention center via two indoor skywalks is the 1,200-room Hilton Americas-Houston Hotel, which offers an additional 91,500 sf of flexible meeting space, as well as a spa and health club.
The 289-room Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa is located on an 18-acre retreat and offers 289 guest rooms with floor-to-ceiling views. Groups have complimentary access to the 200,000-sf Houstonian Club and its weekly fitness classes, three resort pools and 35 certified personal trainers. Other highlights at the Houstonian are trainer-led 15- to 30-minute icebreaker “team reset” activities, Mediterranean-inspired spa treatments, and, coming this spring, a selection of “Culinary Experience” menus.
“We want to let the world see how a luxury property defines Texas entertaining,” explains General Manager Steve Fronterhouse. “We know what Texan parties feel like. We string outdoor lights, hire a country guitar duo and set fresh sage linens with signature Texas floral inside and out. Our chefs set up their grills for the finest rib eye steaks and redfish on the half shell. Everything from the food presentation to the friendly service gives a unique nod to Texas and groups love it.”
Other accommodation options include the 266-room Hotel Sorella Citycentre, where Murano glass chandeliers, custom graphite-colored ceramic floors and F&B pairings set the vibe.
“The pedestrian-oriented Citycentre District that Hotel Sorella anchors continues to grow and evolve since its 2009 debut,” says Nancy Alonzo, director of sales and marketing. “The past year has marked numerous debuts on the dining, retail and entertainment front with several more just announced for spring openings.”
