four to make ready

Houston's hottest downtown hotel books best-in-world spot in coveted Condé Nast Traveler's awards

Four Seasons Houston Bandista speakeasy bar

Bandista, Four Seasons Houston's speakeasy, is literally a hidden gem.

Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Houston

Houston is one of America's most travel-friendly cities — both for residents and travelers — and our hotel scene is booming. A prestigious travel magazine has taken notice and anointed a downtown institution as one of the world's best.

Four Seasons Houston appears in in the top 50 of Condé Nast Traveler's annual Readers' Choice Awards, specifically at No. 19 overall.

Celebrating its 35th year, the annual list collates the best hotels, airlines, cruises, and islands — all chosen by the magazine's readers from around the world.

Condé Nast calls out Four Seasons' "prime central location" in the city and the all-marble and mahogany interior, which "manages to straddle the line between Texas traditional and contemporary." (Kudos to Houston-based designer Lauren Rottet of Rottet Studio and New York's firm Meyer Davis for those touches).

As CultureMap reported, Four Season Houston — known here as "Houston's living room — transformed its room and suites last year, creating new fresh spaces for everyday visitors and visiting celebs, sports stars, dignitaries, business tycoons, and more (the Penthouse Suite is a must-see).

More additions include Toro Toro steakhouse, which has become a downtown dining destination thanks to Richard Sandoval, known as the “Father of Modern Mexican Cuisine,” who opened the restaurant. The equally buzzy Bandista speakeasy bar — CultureMap food editor Eric Sandler notes its posh setting and that it "does quite a bit to up the drama" — and a new grand ballroom for A-list events add to the big updates.

“We are beyond thrilled to receive this recognition from the savvy readers of Condé Nast Traveler,” Tom Segesta, Four Seasons general manager, notes in a statement. “With the completion of our transformation, we are prouder than ever to be Houston’s downtown destination and to welcome guests from near and far.”

To toast the accolades, the hotel is offering the H-Town Stay & Play package, which includes a $100 nightly resort credit, two signature cocktails at Bayou & Bottle or The Pool Deck, an extended 3 pm checkout, and overnight valet parking.

Joining Four Seasons Houston are three hot Austin hotels that fared quite well in the list:

The Driskill (No. 3)
JW Marriott Austin (No. 8)
Four Seasons Hotel Houston (No. 19)
Hotel Granduca Austin (No. 29)

Snagging a coveted spots in the top five, the historic Driskill earned a nod as the most "authentically Texas" hotel. The magazine notes its "iconic limestone-and-brick facade," and "light, bright guest rooms" with details such as the "Civil War–era pistols that have been repurposed into lamps." The famous 1886 Chocolate Cake also earned a mention: "It costs $8 per slice, and is worth every penny."

CultureMap Houston editor Steven Devadanam contributed to this story.

Flying High

Texas airport lands new lounges and exclusive check-in from American

New American Airlines Flagship check-in area at DFW International Airport

Rendering courtesy of American Airlines

American Airlines has new lounges — and more — in store for DFW travelers.

Fresh off welcoming thousands of travelers for the World Cup, American Airlines has unveiled a batch of luxe upgrades coming to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. Two new lounges — including the largest Admirals Club in the airline's history — and American's "Flagship" check-in experience are on the horizon for DFW.

The brand-new Admirals Club will encompass 37,000 square feet of space near the Skylink station in Terminal C. Travelers can expect new "enhancements," such as ample space for relaxing, chef-inspired menu offerings and all-day food choices, and a premium beverage program.

"Thoughtfully designed with a variety of seating options, premium amenities and dedicated areas for work and relaxation, the lounge will serve as a modern home away from home for travelers connecting through American's largest hub," the release says.

The new club will join the first phase of DFW's long-awaited Terminal C expansion, which was unveiled earlier this summer. It includes new state-of-the-art electronic boarding gates, concessions, upgraded amenities, and more.

American will also build a Provisions by Admirals Club lounge in DFW's future Terminal F, which is expected to open in 2027. The release is mum on details, but says the Provisions lounge will serve as an efficient grab-and-go space for travelers to find high-quality food, drinks, and other travel necessities "in a streamlined setting."

And, finally, American will bring its exclusive "Flagship" check-in experience to DFW later this year. The dedicated space allows travelers to privately check in for their flights. It will be located near Terminal D's D30 security checkpoint, offering travelers easy access to security screenings and personalized assistance from American staff.

"We're investing in every stage of the premium travel journey at DFW, beginning the moment customers arrive at the airport," says Heather Garboden, American’s Chief Customer Officer. "Our Flagship check-in experience offers a more tailored and streamlined start to the journey, bringing together dedicated service, premium amenities and greater convenience for our most loyal and premium customers."

DFW will become the fourth U.S. airport to boast American's Flagship check-in experience; the others are in Chicago (ORD), Los Angeles (LAX), and Miami (MIA). London Heathrow Airport is the only other American hub that offers the Flagship feature.

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