Royal Sonesta Houston to Begin a $25 million Renovation

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. June 11, 2013

June 11, 2013 - Just days before the Royal Sonesta Hotel Houston celebrates its one-year anniversary, the property will embark on an extensive, $25-million renovation that will position the Galleria/Uptown-area landmark as one of the premier hotels in the city and the state. The endeavor will focus on interior spaces, spanning the lobby, all 485 guestrooms, food & beverage outlets, 50,000 square feet of meeting & event venues, plus a substantial enhancement of existing amenities, such as the rooftop swimming pool.

"We are excited to announce one of the largest and most impactful hotel renovations in the city, creating a luxury property that will stand alone in its look and feel," said general manager Monte Hansen. He continues, "Houston, known as a center for the energy, medical and space industries, is not only forward thinking, but also culturally vibrant with a diverse mix of Texas attitude and international flair. The design will encourage our guests to look at Houston from a different point of view. Many aspects of the renovation, from the sculptural light fixtures to the contemporary lobby and guest room art, reflect the influence of science and technology. This is not merely a facelift, but rather a dramatic reinvention of this world-class hotel."

The Royal Sonesta Hotel Houston is ideally situated at the gateway to the Uptown District and just steps from the famed Galleria complex. Within walking distance of the acclaimed shops and restaurants of Post Oak Boulevard and Westheimer, the property will maintain its striking, modern façade that features 23 stories fronting the 610 Loop. Rebranded on July 16, 2012 as the first and only full service Royal Sonesta in Texas, it is located in close proximity to an extended stay, sister property, Sonesta ES Suites Houston. Royal Sonesta Houston will kick off the renovation on June 28 with the majority of work slated for completion by early fall 2013. All efforts have been made to create a schedule that will keep guest impact to a minimum during construction.

The renovation is perfectly timed to take advantage of tremendous growth in Houston and the immediate community. The Galleria area, a primary and preferred business and entertainment core, is at the axis of the city roughly equidistant from key destinations including downtown, the Texas Medical Center, Museum District, Montrose/Midtown, Reliant Park and the Energy Corridor. Visitors enjoy the convenience of being in the heart of one of Houston's most well maintained and pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods with nearby leisure attractions such as Uptown Park, the 1,500-acre Memorial Park and Highland Village. And soon, additional phases of the BLVD Place mixed-use development and River Oaks District, a $450-million, 15-acre project under construction, will introduce additional high end dining and retail just blocks from the hotel's doorstep.

Royal Sonesta Hotel Houston tasked award-winning, Dallas-based design firm, Looney & Associates, whose work includes The Osprey at Beaver Creek in Colorado, the Ventana Inn and Spa in Big Sur, CA, the Park Hyatt New York in Manhattan and in the Houston area, The Woodlands Resort & Conference Center, to transform the building by interjecting a modern fusion of style and substance that would reflect the city from a fresh perspective view while reinforcing a brand platform that instills a strong independence and individuality for each Royal Sonesta. Rather than relying on heritage and overt Texas references, the scheme is decidedly international, urban, chic and flavored by the principles that make Houston a leader in energy, medicine and space exploration, as well as a cosmopolitan, future-leaning destination.

Looney & Associates has sought to create an environment that is contemporary without being cold through an artful use of contrasting textures and a warm color palette, in addition to a mix of metal finishes and wood tones. One of the major challenges of the project was addressing scale by introducing intimacy and concentrated energy in vast public spaces, while creating perceived volume related to ceiling heights in the guestrooms and hallways.

Two expansive lobby areas - one currently in a great room format for the hotel and a second adjoining reception/pre-function area for the meeting & event facilities - are being dramatically retooled in the new design while preserving significant architectural features. In the hotel portion, the striking alcove ceiling will remain, a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows will become a feature with decorative screening and a dedicated reception area with back-lit desk will be created. The current bar is being reconfigured to accommodate a grab-and-go concept with a carefully curated selection of sundries and keepsakes. The new bar will be relocated to become a focal point of a central lounge anchored by custom carpeting that incorporates a science and astronomy theme. The meeting & event reception area will be reoriented to highlight the grand, soaring staircase and open mezzanine with the addition of seating vignettes that activate the formerly bare space. The myriad of flexible function and ballrooms will also be upgraded to state-of-the-art. Predominant colors throughout the first floor will include an earth mix of chocolate, taupe and cream with pops of sapphire. Lighting elements will be impactful and sculptural, incorporating star-like qualities. Custom carpeting will depict Houston as viewed from space.

An all-new experience will be provided to travelers on the guestroom and club floors beginning with elegant hallways favoring a soothing color scheme of grays paired with chrome lighting and furniture accents. An orbital carpeting pattern will segue to a honeycomb geometric in the mod rooms that will cocoon guests in stylish comfort with premium bedding and significant furniture that evokes a residential rather than institutional feel. The installation will not only maximize the space, but the sleek and functional, low profile pieces, which include a sectional sofa in the king rooms, will visually elongate and heighten the accommodations. The adjoining bathrooms will also be substantially remodeled, continuing the residentially-inspired fit and finish.

For travelers seeking a break and an escape, the current rooftop pool with separate jacuzzi will be elevated to urban resort status thanks to new furniture and surfaces. The changes will create a guest retreat during daylight hours and support the dual use of the rooftop level as an event space in the evenings. The adjacent, 24-hour fitness center will also be refreshed with the latest and greatest equipment.

About Sonesta Collection

Sonesta Collection is a distinctive international collection of upscale hotels, resorts, cruise ships and extended stay hotels. Every property reflects the energy, style and spirit of its location. Locally inspired and artfully presented cuisine, luxurious accommodations and passionate personal service create an authentic and memorable guest experience. Discover Sonesta Hotels & Resorts in Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Hilton Head Island, Houston, Miami, New Orleans, Philadelphia, Sint Maarten (2), Chile (3), Colombia (4), Ecuador, Panama, Peru (7), and Egypt (13). Sonesta Hotels & Resorts are opening soon in: Bee Cave (Austin), TX and Doha, Qatar. Sonesta ES Suites is an all-suite extended stay hotel brand managed by Sonesta. Each property features rooms with a dynamic work area designed for today's traveler, locally inspired food and beverage and flexible common space for connecting with others. You will find Sonesta ES Suites in Andover MA, Atlanta GA, Auburn Hills MI, Burlington MA, Charlotte NC, Columbia MD, Dublin OH, Flagstaff AZ, Houston TX, Malvern PA; Myrtle Beach SC, Orlando FL, Parsippany NJ, Princeton NJ; St. Louis MO, Schaumburg IL; and Somerset NJ.