A brand new hotel and a new brand has opened in a new urban neighborhood. Hotel Sorella CityCentre, the Valencia Group’s flagship, is located in Houston’s affluent Memorial area and less than five miles from the Westchase and the Energy Corridor business districts. In the heart of a 37-acre mixed-usage development, Hotel Sorella sits amongst trendy loft apartments, upscale brownstones and Class A office space. The open-air plazas and artfully designed green spaces enhance the pedestrian-friendly CityCentre.
On a Thursday afternoon, we drove outside the Loop and easily spotted CityCenter at I-10 West and Beltway 8. The lobby is on the second floor and can be accessed by a bank of elevators or by walking up the floating staircase. Beside the front desk is the stunning Monalisa Bar that overlooks the outdoor courtyard with a rooftop infinity pool surrounded by draped cabanas. Many of the staff are multi-lingual and all of them were eager to describe the hotel’s amenities.
The hip Hotel Sorella has 244 contemporary, European-inspired guest rooms including 30 suites and one Presidential Suite. Everything is bigger in Texas and the rooms measure 400 square feet. The floor to ceiling windows look out on the plaza or Westside views and white linens on the beds and dark wood floors create a soothing environment. A work desk, 42” plasma television, coffee pot, 24-hour room service, and a walk-in shower provide all the creature comforts.
An open business center had three computers — including a Mac and a printer. Wireless Internet is available at no charge in guest rooms and public areas. The morning paper can be picked up at the front desk and read while enjoying the free Continental breakfast that is served in the lobby. Guest needing a ride, within a five-mile radius of the property, can take the hotel’s complimentary town car.
For dinner, we decided to try Bistro Alex inside the hotel. Its restaurateur, Alex Brennan-Martin, of the New Orleans’ family, offers a Texas Creole menu. Try the smoked pheasant gumbo Ya Ya, boudin blanc crusted black drum and café au lait cheesecake. Make a reservation, because even on a weeknight, the place was packed with patrons.
Back in our room, we enjoyed a glass of wine and admired the view of the grounds. Our only disappointment was the length of our stay. One night is not enough time to indulge in everything that Hotel Sorella and CityCentre have to offer.
Hotel Sorella CityCentre
800 West Sam Houston Parkway N.
Houston, TX 77024
www.hotelsorella-citycentre.com
Diversions
Across the plaza from Hotel Sorella is the 140,000 square foot Lifetime Athletic Club where you can schedule a haircut and massage or burn some calories doing a serious workout. The Exercise Facility has more than 400 pieces of cardio and resistance equipment. The Aquatic Facility has an indoor lap pool, indoor leisure pool, outdoor swimming pool, saunas and a whirlpool. The Gymnasium boasts basketball and squash courts, an indoor climbing wall and volleyball. Relax in a steam shower or sip a soothing smoothie at the Cafe and Nutrition Store. Guests of the Hotel Sorella may purchase a day pass for $10.
No need to drive to dinner because CityCenter has several restaurants on the premises, including: Eddie V’s Prime Seafood, RA Sushi, Yard House, and Straits Restaurant. CityCentre is becoming the spot to be and more restaurants, including Cyclone Anaya’s, Ruggles Green, and Brio Tuscan Grill, are slated to open later this year.
Take in a movie and dinner at Studio Movie Grill where you can order a hamburger and a beer. Servers will take your order before the show begins and deliver the food--usually before the opening credits. If you need some popcorn during the show, press the coaster light and the staff will fulfill your request.
Details
CityCentre is located on what was formerly Town and Country Mall. Everything, except a parking garage, was removed and replaced by new structures. For directions, visit www.citycentrehouston.com