From a champagne aerialist to a mermaid in a giant martini glass, it was an unforgettable evening at the grand opening party of the Hotel ZaZa Memorial City.
An invite-only crowd of more than 700 attendees turned out for the splashy soiree at the 17-story building. Upon entering, partygoers were handed passports by a crew of greeters dressed as airlines pilots and flight attendants. Guests were then sent on a mission to collect a stamp at several stops throughout the property, then turn in their passports at the end of the evening for the chance to win prizes, including complimentary hotel stays.
There were thrills around every corner, as the journey began at three designated first-floor destinations: onsite restaurant Tipping Point, the pool area, and the ZaSpa.
At Tipping Point, shirtless male entertainers — spray-painted gold — mingled with attendees, who had the option of snacking on paella or sipping the free-flowing blue-hued Bubble Berry champagne cocktails and drinks from an open bar.
The fun at the adjacent pool area included a mermaid swimming in a giant 10-foot martini glass, Veuve Clicquot Lounge, pics at a photo booth, and DJ spins.
The ZaSpa welcomed guests with miniature cups of tea from Sugaraire Organic Cotton Candy. Served with a small puff of the confectionery treat on top, in flavors from rose gold to jasmine, the candy dissolved into the hot drink, adding a perfectly sweet touch.
Heading up to the tenth floor, guests strolled through the Magnificent Seven Suites while enjoying various cocktails and desserts served in each.
But the hub of the party was on the fifth floor. A buffet in the foyer, featuring fare from smoked Boursin-Gouda grits to pancetta-wrapped pork tenderloin to waygu beef, provided fuel as tunes by DJ Kenny Flip and an electric violinist kept the party bunch on its toes in the Great Expectations Ballroom. Amping the entertainment up a notch were a troupe of burlesque dancers and a champagne aerialist on a rotating perch provided by J&D Entertainment.
To keep partiers energized, patty melts, onion rings, and amaretto chocolate milkshakes were served as late-night snacks.
At 10 pm, a parade of ZaZa staff passed out sparklers and light-up wands, making the packed house forget it was a school night with much of the crowd staying until nearly 11:30 pm.
“There’s nothing like a ZaZa party,” said president of hotel operations Matthew Nuss. “This was a celebration we’ve been looking forward to since we opened December 1. It has been an absolute privilege to share with our guests and friends.”
Hotel ZaZa Memorial City opened its doors on December 1, 2017. The 14,000 square-foot property has 159 rooms on floors 1-10, including eight of Hotel ZaZa’s trademarked Magnificent Seven Suites, and rental apartments on floors 11 through 17, managed by real estate investment and development company, MetroNational.
Sister Houston property, Hotel ZaZa Museum District, opened in 2007. Hotel ZaZa also has a property in Dallas, with Hotel ZaZa Austin slotted to open the first quarter of 2019 at 400 LaVaca.
Toasting to the new hotel were ZaZa owner Charlie Givens and his wife, Laurie, Austin Alvis, Jason Johnson, Mary Ann and David McKeithan, Julie Comiskey, Shelley Taylor Ludwick, David Peck, Chita Craft, Cecilia and Emerson Hankamer, Lori Freese, Jeff McShan, Debbie Festari, Dr. Roland Maldonado, Stacy and Luis Gomar, Megha Tejpal, Dominique McGhee, Chris Beverly, Lisa Gochman, Stuart Rosenberg, and Dancie Ware.
Stacy Johnson, Jason Johnson.
