Heaven In Houston

Houston has a lot of nicknames, but the one we prefer (and is officially recognized by the United States Postal Service) is “Clutch City.”

While it stems from the Houston Rockets winning back-to-back NBA championships in 1993–1994 and 1994–1995, the slang term “clutch” meaning something awesome is an apt descriptor for the city. 

With more than 2.3 million inhabitants (the country’s fourth largest), Houston offers a diverse and ever-growing array of activities from sports, the arts, dining and beyond — all enveloped in the city’s characteristic friendliness and charm. Four Seasons Hotel Houston, fresh off the heels of a multi-million-dollar transformation, serves as the ideal base to bask, explore and enjoy.

Set in downtown — home to a booming arts scene that includes ballet, opera and theatre — rooms at Four Seasons Hotel Houston aim to capture a fresh and modern aesthetic blended with a friendly Texan vibe. Dark oak wood, rich saddle leather and antique brass details are set against deep sky-blue fabrics to emulate both a calming and contemporary feel to the property’s 289 guest rooms, 115 suites and 64 residential suites.  They say everything is bigger in Texas and that feels about right with the Presidential and Penthouse Suites — the hotel’s largest accommodations, whose sweeping views of downtown, expansive wet bar and personal gym with weights, a Peloton bike and interactive fitness MIRROR makes it almost impossible to leave. Of course, the hotel’s resort-style pool — tiled in Turkish travertine — beckons. Make a day out of it (the Pool Deck Café offers exquisite poolside drinks and dining) and be treated to tasty surprises like smoothies, chilled towels, frozen grapes and popsicles.

Seeking to eat beyond the pool? Guests will be dazzled by Toro Toro, the award-winning global pan-Latin steakhouse from Chef Partner Richard Sandoval which serves as a tribute to Houston’s diversity. Situated on the third floor, diners are greeted by the impressive stone bar featuring floating, blackened steel shelving with backlit onyx lightboxes and a custom-made bar light curving along with the shape of the bar. Dark oak wood flooring, earthy green and rust accents and distressed blue and saddle leather accents emulate an undeniable Texan feel.

Offering a blend of Central and South American dishes, the steakhouse serves Brazilian rodizio-style churrasco steaks, exotic game and seafood along with shareable starters that include empanadas, tacos, sushi and ceviche crafted from an open “suviche” bar. Don’t miss the 52-ounce mezcal-flambéed prime tomahawk and the churrasco mixed grill skewer (Brazilian-style picanha steak, rib eye, Peruvian chicken Cusco, lamb chops and South Texas antelope.)

Head to Bayou & Bottle for a nightcap. Whiskey aficionados will be thrilled with the over 200 bottles to choose from (there are also whiskey flights for those who do not want to commit to just one). If bourbon is your spirit of choice, Bayou & Bottle offers personalized bourbon lockers to store your favorite bottle. For those wanting to learn more, the hotel’s Bourbon Tastings with Certified Bourbon Stewards is where to start. You'll also want to pay a visit to Bandista, the newly opened speakeasy for a very upscale clandestine nightcap. 

A long day of work or play deserves a reward and the hotel’s exquisite spa is just the place to relax and unwind. With three treatment rooms and a couple’s suite, signature treatments like the Travertine Aromatherapy Massage, Men’s Herbal Organic Facial and The Bourbon Scrub & Sip (a Texas-themed treatment that culminates with a glass of limited-batch Garrison Brothers Single Barrel Cask Strength bourbon) will leave you rejuvenated and refreshed. And don't miss the new Krigler boutique, featuring an impressive collection of scents worn by royalties and celebrities since 1904.

For those with an exercise agenda, the 2,500-square-foot Fitness Center, which also offers direct access to nearby biking and jogging paths, is guaranteed to fulfill all fitness needs. POWA by Sphere — a soccer-inspired fitness class led by former pro soccer player Michael Chabala, adds teamplay into the workout. Those wanting a virtual experience sports will enjoy the Topgolf Swing Suites that offer a myriad of game options like Zombie Dodgeball, Top Pressure (think golf meets darts!) and Quarterback Challenge. 

The vibrant city of Houston is well worth exploring, starting with nearby Downtown Theatre and Cultural District, 16 blocks that include Alley Theatre, Hobby Center for the Performing Arts and Tranquility Park — built to commemorate the Apollo 11 moon landing in July 1969. Space fans wanting a more in-depth experience should take the 30-minute drive to Space Center Houston where they can observe Mission Control in action. Sports lovers will find plenty to choose from but for those seeking something truly special, the 2022 Rodeo season (RODEOHOUSTON) which runs from Feb. 28 – March 20, will be celebrating its 90th anniversary with an entertainment lineup that includes country, EDM, Latin pop, R&B/pop, Norteño, pop, rock and Christian. The hotel concierge will be happy to assist with the coordination of these and all other excursions. 

The inviting and luxurious embrace of The Four Seasons Hotel Houston promises to make any trip, whether short or long, a memorable one. With everything there is to do (plus, did we mention the incredibly plush beds?) I suggest you plan for a very long stay.

Four Seasons Hotel Houston is located at 1300 Lamar St., Houston. For more information, call 713-650-1300 or visit fourseasons.com/houston.