The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa
"Set the scene. Where are we?The Houstonian is not a place one stumbles upon just by happenstance; rather, you're probably here for a wedding or huge family event. An urban oasis by the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, the sprawling grounds, which are lush with beautiful botanicals, and have amenities galore. Cool. Who's staying here?Runners, swimmers, and cyclists, plus laid-back travelers waiting for a wedding or a party to start. Thoughts about your room?The Deluxe Corner King is traditionally decorated and outfitted with a queen sleeper sofa and a small sitting area—perfect for mingling with family or friends before a wedding. How about the little things in your room. Anything worthy of a mention?There's free wifi, L'Occitane toiletries, terry cloth robes, and Keurigs. What's the deal with room service?You can snack on savory dishes, including a board ($22) featuring Texas cheeses, cured meats, flatbread, Marcona almonds, and olives. But the real thing to try here is the chocolate chip cookies. The recipe is from former First Lady Barbara Bush, who gave the hotel's pastry chef permission to recreate them; the Bushes lived in the Manor House estate in the late '80s and early '90s. When that building became a restaurant, they moved into room No. 172. Today you can buy her famous cookies at the little onsite market (three for $2). Run us through the other amenities.If you're looking for a proper sit-down meal, the historic Manor House Estate Restaurant drips with Southern charm. There are a number of pools—a sports pool, a resort pool, a garden pool—as well as a 175,000-square-foot health and fitness club offering everything from tennis to Pilates. Finally, the spa has more than 20 treatment rooms. So what's the bottom line?This property is a welcome urban oasis. And with so many amenities and facilities, it's a great place for an event, be it big or small." - Diana Oates
