Houston, Texas, often overlooked in the tourism market, is a true hidden gem, boasting a plethora of museums, quirky bars, delightful restaurants, and luxurious hotels.
Among these, the Four Seasons Hotel stands out with its prime downtown location and recent multi-million dollar renovation to celebrate its 40th anniversary.
The hotel manages to retain its characteristic Texan charm while infusing elements of modern luxury.
A highlight of the hotel is the addition of Topgolf Swing Suites, as well as Bayou and Bottle, a unique bourbon and whiskey bar featuring the longest bar in Houston, a stunning 30-seat marble piece.
Guests can enjoy the chic interior’s open layout complemented by intimate nooks, creating an inviting yet sophisticated atmosphere.
Surprising aspects of the hotel include an apothecary-style perfumery from the prestigious Krigler, a perfume house established in 1904.
Under the guidance of Ben Krigler, the great-great-grandson of the founder, the hotel offers workshops for guests to create their own scented candles and perfumes.
Another exclusive feature for visitors is Vivrelle’s luxury accessory collection available on the property, allowing guests to borrow pieces from renowned brands such as Dior, Prada, and Gucci, ensuring a glamorous look for their nights out in Houston without the hassle of overpacking.
With over 400 rooms and suites in various categories, guests may initially feel overwhelmed when selecting their accommodations at the hotel.
However, every room promises quality and comfort – even the entry-level downtown room offers 29 m² of space alongside a king-sized bed.
The hotel’s penthouse suite is a substantial 1,935 m², reflecting the saying, “everything is bigger in Texas.”
The renovation showcases warm color undertones, elegant brass features, and leathered seating, with blue carpeting and couches drawing inspiration from the striking Texan skyline.
Furniture is custom-made by Houston-based designer Eric Brand, while bathrooms are fully marbled and feature luxury amenities from Diptyque.
The culinary experience at Four Seasons Hotel Houston is nothing short of extraordinary, with two acclaimed restaurants conceptualized by world-famous chef Richard Sandoval.
Bayou and Bottle offers a more casual dining experience, perfectly suited for catching your favorite sports, with an impressive drinks menu featuring over 200 whiskies.
Their bourbon tasting flights provide an opportunity to explore high-quality spirits while indulging in exciting Texan dishes such as wild boar sausage accompanied by bacon-morita jam.
In contrast, Toro Toro serves as the hotel’s fine dining Latin American steakhouse, known for its massive portion sizes.
Guests can savor steaks complemented by Argentinian chimichurri and grilled shishito peppers, with standout offerings including a staggering 52-oz prime tomahawk steak meant to serve three.
Toro Toro also features lighter fare, including sushi rolls and ceviche, catering to diverse culinary preferences.
To cap off an evening, visitors can retreat to the speakeasy-style Bandista, a 1920s-inspired lounge hidden behind an elegant bookcase.
With seating for around 20 guests, advanced bookings are essential.
Bandista offers innovative cocktails influenced by molecular biology, such as the colada cosmico, a futuristic take on the piña colada served with coconut space dust.
The hotel’s spa area creates a tranquil escape from the urban bustle, adorned with sand-colored hues and sheer curtains reminiscent of a beachside retreat.
One of the spa’s signature treatments is the Southern scrub and sip, featuring a Texan-made body scrub composed of bourbon, brown sugar, and gingersnap-pecan scent, concluded with a glass of limited-batch Garrison Brothers Single Barrel Cask Strength bourbon whiskey.
Guests can also enjoy a refreshing dip in the soothing rooftop pool, perfect for beating the Texas heat.
As the fourth-largest city in the United States, Houston offers an abundance of attractions for visitors.
The Houston CityPASS is a convenient way to explore the city’s highlights, including a visit to the Houston Museum of Natural Science, known for its impressive dinosaur exhibits and modern, immersive science displays that appeal to all ages.
Another family-friendly destination is the Downtown Aquarium, which combines a fascinating marine-life collection with an amusement park setting.
Art enthusiasts will find joy at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, home to an extensive collection featuring works from renowned artists such as Kusama and Hirst; however, due to its vastness, exploring its multitude of exhibits demands at least half a day.
For those seeking a vibrant and immersive art experience, the Art Club at POST Houston is a must-visit, showcasing large-scale installations and digital art in a unique environment.
This creative space also hosts trendy club nights set against the backdrop of new media artwork, making the entire POST complex worth exploring, especially its independent food halls featuring acclaimed dining options like ChòpnBlọk, serving mouthwatering West African cuisine.
For a fun indoor experience near the hotel, guests can visit Puttshack, a high-tech mini-golf venue designed for enjoyment with family and friends.
This fully air-conditioned venue boasts vibrant mini-golf courses and a delicious street food menu, including Korean barbecue bao buns and Puttshack poutine.
With four colorful courses to challenge your skills, Sundays offer an especially enticing all-you-can-putt experience.
Four Seasons Hotel Houston offers accommodations starting at $550 per night, inviting guests to experience the charm and luxury of one of America’s most underrated cities.
image source from：luxurylifestylemag
