alessandra is a-list

Stylish downtown Houston hotel books high spot in national best design list

Hotel Alessandra scored high marks for design in a national publication.

Photo courtesy of Hotel Alessandra

So, it’s not just the travel writers who are lavishing the love on Houston. Interior Design magazine put out a list of “cool and captivating lobbies,” and downtown’s Hotel Alessandra took the number-two spot on it.

Locals know that Alessandra pairs traditional glamour with modern sophistication. The property gives the guest an incredible sense of entry with a dramatic staircase leading to the second-floor lobby. The reception desk features a Reinhard Görner photograph as the backdrop to the custom-made brass and marble desk.

Alessandra’s sister property in College Station, Cavalry Court, came in at 20 on the national title’s list, which features 22 properties that have intriguing interiors, without going overboard when it comes to design.

Both Alessandra and Calvary Court are part of the Texas-based Valencia brand, known for creating spaces that are elegant, contemporary and luxurious. Recently opened, Alessandra and Cavalry Court were designed in partnership with Rottet Studio. Over the last decade, founding principal and president Lauren Rottet, FAIA, FIIDA has led theHouston-based architecture and interior design firm to accolades including Top 3 Most Admired Design Firms in the world.

Rottet is the first woman in history to be recognized as a Fellow member by both the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the International Interior Design Association (IIDA).

“Typical of Rottet, this project evolved as a hybrid: traditional glamour paired with contemporary implementation,” read Interior Design’s description of Alessandra. “The reception area is capped by a coffered ceiling, its knife-edged planes fitted with LED strips. A Reinhard Görner photograph backs the custom desk of brass, myrtle burl, and marble.”

hotels

Heights charm

Spacious Heights home with modern touches hits market for $1.9 million

TK Images for Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty

1039 Harvard Street is a custom home in the center of the Heights. It's listed at $1.995 million.

In the heart of the Houston Heights is 1039 Harvard Street, a 4,300-plus-square-foot home that must be seen to be properly appreciated. It is listed by David Atkins of Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty.

Photo by TK Images for Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty

1039 Harvard Street is a custom home in the center of the Heights. It's listed at $1.995 million.

The home instantly fits within its surroundings, with spacious living areas and modern amenities that will appeal to many homebuyers. 1039 Harvard Street blends function with form, offering several gathering spaces, four oversized bedrooms, spa-like baths, and a stunning backyard pool.

The spacious master bedroom is a private oasis, with a framed separation prior to entering the sleeping area. It creates a space to enjoy morning coffee or a mid-day read while overlooking the pool. The Hunter Douglas Vignette Modern Roman shades add to the room’s calming feel. Its adjoining bathroom is like stepping into a spa, with a deep Jacuzzi tub that sits within an open shower area. Built-in dressers line the wardrobe closet, which offers plenty of storage space and a vanity.

An upstairs TV lounge is perfect for kids’ movie nights or an adult gathering. Meanwhile, a center corridor is lined with built-in bookshelves and a tech closet from which to run a modern home.The east-facing bedroom has a window seat for lounging, and its bathroom offers a frameless shower enclosure and quartz counters. The front bedroom has its own bath, and the two middle bedrooms have a shared, ensuite Hollywood bath. On the top floor, a game room offers another place for entertaining.

The home’s kitchen features a waterfall island as its centerpiece, complete with Asko dishwasher and deep sink. There’s a gas fireplace in the living room, and the open floor plan allows for plenty of space and natural light.

Outdoors at 1039 Harvard Street is just as impressive as the inside. Patios offer space for outdoor dining and entertaining, while the in-ground Platinum Pool is a great way to cool off in Houston’s heat.

Located in the center of the Heights, 1039 is close to Harvard Elementary School, as well as the neighborhood’s many amenities. This is truly a home that is move-in ready, and will make its owners want to stay a while.

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