By Gabi de la Rosa
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wo thousand ninteen is the year to explore. Explore new places, new food and new experiences. You could plan an epic itinerary to a far-flung location or take in new experiences a little closer to home. Houstonians have an advantage when it comes to tourism, because living in the fourth largest city brings with it a wealth of attractions and over 20 million visitors to the Bayou City each year. We’ve curated a list of three perfect staycations in Houston, so that you too can experience your city in a new way - why should tourists have all the fun?
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oss your car keys to the valet and plan on leaving it for a while, because Hotel Sorella’s prime location in Houston’s mixed-use development CityCentre will make leaving completely unnecessary. The upscale hotel is steps away from all the shopping and dining anyone could ask for and offers a sleek modern aesthetic with Texas charm. Hotel Sorella recently garnered a 2018 Conde Nasté Traveler Readers’ Choice Award, and it is easy to see why. Large rooms, f loor-to-ceiling views, workout facility and complimentary breakfast are just a few of the amenities the hotel has to offer. Don’t forget to pack your sunscreen, because you will want to spend some time at the hotel’s rooftop pool deck with a drink in hand. Both Monnalisa Bar and the hotel’s in-house restaurant Radio Milano will have you covered for a fantastic meal or craft cocktail during your stay. Live music and entertainment are also a staple at Monnalisa Bar, especially on weekends, so don’t forget to check the schedule before you book your visit. Once you’ve had your fill of the rooftop pool, step out and explore CityCentre. There are many great dining and shopping opportunities – definitely something for everyone. After some window shopping, why not keep it casual and head over to Grimaldi’s Pizza. The handmade dough is made fresh daily from a secret family recipe and cooked in a coalfired brick oven which gives it a unique f lavor and crisp crust. One of the menu standouts is their famous calzone; stuffed with ricotta and mozzarella, it is a crowd favorite.
Hotel Sorella
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f travelling to Italy is on your bucket list, a visit to Hotel Granduca will have you feeling like you are already there. Hand painted murals, rustic and antique décor, as well as exposed wooden beams and mosaic tiles will transport you to a private villa in Italy, which was the goal of luxury real estate developer Giorgio Borlenghi. The award-winning boutique hotel has 122 rooms and suites that offer a residential-style stay complete with top-of-the-line kitchenettes and oversized closets. Everything from soft slippers, a f luffy robe and overstuffed pillows are part of the luxurious experience at Hotel Granduca. As every Houstonian knows, location is everything in this sprawling city, and the hotel’s prime location in Uptown Park, minutes away from The Galleria and River Oaks District, can’t be beat. Although many of the city’s best restaurants are just a short car ride away, I cannot overstate how a meal at Ristorante Cavour inside Hotel Granduca will make your stay complete. Executive Chef Maurizio Ferrarese was born and raised in Italy and his attention to detail and f lavor make every bite one to remember. One of the seasonal menu standouts is the Crema Cavolfiore – a creamless caulif lower soup topped with Italian Venezia Sasanian Sturgeon Caviar. You can imagine what is in store if you are starting off your meal with soup topped with caviar. Choose a wine from one of the 600 vintages available and then sit back to enjoy a gastronomic delight in beautiful surroundings. The outdoor patio at Hotel Granduca is just as beautiful as the interior with lush landscaping and abundant seating. It is a great place to enjoy afternoon tea or a drink from Bar Maltesta while sitting poolside. If you want a more casual alternative to Ristorante Cavour, II Giardino is open from lunch until midnight – perfect for enjoying a drink or a meal al fresco.
Hotel Granduca
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ven the name Four Seasons evokes a feeling of luxury – the ubiquitous hotel known for its celebrity clients and sumptuous amenities makes it an ideal location for a Houston staycation. Located in Downtown, the hotel is minutes away from Houston’s famed Theater District, one of the largest in the U.S. second only to New York City. Catch a concert, a play or even a Broadway production during your stay. Although the Four Seasons offers a resort-style pool, spa and fitness center you might find yourself wanting to spend the most time in the Topgolf Swing Suite. The virtual golf experience is the first game simulator of its kind in the world and is fun from the first swing. During your Topgolf experience you’ll have full access to both restaurant and bar menus. Take advantage and play until your heart’s content or until your time runs out. Don’t worry if golf isn’t your thing, there is a list of rotating games such as Baseball Pitching, Quarterback Classic and Zombie Dodgeball which are all
fun, competitive and entertaining. Celebrity Chef and restaurateur Richard Sandoval has made a name for himself all over the world and now he has placed his stamp on the Houston dining scene. Bayou & Bottle is a bourbon bar with both outstanding food and drink choices – much of it made in-house. Pull up a seat to the longest bar in Houston or dine tableside – either way you are in for a treat from a menu that is an eclectic mix of f lavors. Enjoy everything from Tex-Mex favorites like chips and guacamole, to Korean BBQ wings or a Tres Leches milkshake served in a glass cowboy boot. Eating at Bayou & Bottle is as much eye candy as it is a fantastic meal. It is easy to see why Houston is experiencing a resurgence in tourism and has become a hot spot for travelers. Pack a bag, make some reservations, start exploring and fall in love with your city all over again.
four seasons