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    turn up the AC

    New European-style hotel checks into historic downtown Houston locale

    Holly Beretto
    Apr 29, 2019 | 11:20 am
    AC Hotel Houston Marriot Downtown
    Houston's new AC Hotel is only the second in Texas.
    Rendering courtesy of AC Hotel/Marriot

    Downtown’s hotel scene is getting a new player. AC Hotel by Marriott Houston Downtown will be the city’s first AC — and only the second in Texas. The space at 723 Main St. is slated for an end of June opening.

    The AC will be housed in the space that was formerly the Houston Bar Center Building, which dates to 1914 and was originally commissioned by famed Houston entrepreneur Jessie Jones. It was designed by Alfred Finn as the headquarters of Gulf Oil. It’s currently undergoing an historic midcentury-modern exterior and interior renovation.

    Inside, the 195-room hotel will feature a restored 1914 silent movie theater called the Zoe Ballroom, which will host unique events at the property.

    The idea, according to press materials sent by the property, was for AC Hotel Houston Downtown to “blend European soul with Texas friendliness, where every element is tailored for modern travelers’ needs.” AC should also mirror Houston’s distinctive energy and laid-back vibe.

    Interior design and furnishings will reflect minimalistic European style, including guest rooms with “floating” furniture. Meanwhile, public spaces feature wood and stone finishes accented by chrome. Locally commissioned artwork throughout the property will complete the sophisticated signature look.

    Additionally, the hotel has its own signature scent, a blend of cut grass and root, fig leaf and stem, gum resins, amber elements, and fir balsam, which will be present throughout the property.

    Rooms feature eco-friendly Korres bath products, 50-inch TVs with premium channels, flexible workspaces, and mini fridges. There’s free WiFi throughout the property, as well as 24-hour fitness and business centers.

    Snacks will be available in the AC Kitchen, and hand-crafted cocktails along with a nightly selection of tapas-inspired small bites will be the focus of the AC Lounge. The Lounge will be integrated with the Zoe Ballroom. The hotel also will feature a media salon and a coffee house.

    The AC Lounge will feature handcrafted cocktails, Texas craft beer, and tapas, a nod to AC’s heritage as a Spanish hotel brand. Décor will reflect AC’s minimalistic European style while adding Texas touches throughout to give guests a sense of place, while luxury in-room amenities include eco-friendly Korres bath products.

    A signature scent will be present throughout the hotel, featuring a blend of cut grass and root, fig leaf and stem, gum resins, amber elements, and fir balsam.

    hotels
    news/real-estate
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    guess who

    This affluent Houston enclave is the richest small town in Texas

    Amber Heckler
    Dec 5, 2025 | 9:14 am
    Bellaire, Texas
    Facebook / City of Bellaire, Texas
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    Affluent Houston neighbor Bellaire is cashing in as the richest small town in Texas for 2025, according to new study from GoBankingRates.

    The report, "The Richest Small Town in Every State," used data from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey to determine the 50 richest small towns in America based on their median household income.

    Of course, Houstonians realize that describing Bellaire as a "small town" is a bit of misnomer. Located less than 10 miles from downtown and fully surrounded by the City of Houston, Bellaire is a wealthy enclave that boasts a population of just over 17,000 residents. These affluent citizens earn a median $236,311 in income every year, which GoBankingRates says is the 11th highest household median income out of all 50 cities included in the report.

    The average home in this city is worth over $1.12 million, but Bellaire's lavish residential reputation often attracts properties with multi-million-dollar price tags.

    Bellaire also earned a shining 81 livability score for its top quality schools, health and safety, commute times, and more. The livability index, provided by Toronto, Canada-based data analytics and real estate platform AreaVibes, said Bellaire has "an abundance of exceptional local amenities."

    "Among these are conveniently located grocery stores, charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and plenty of spacious parks," AreaVibes said. "These local amenities contribute significantly to its overall appeal, ensuring that [residents'] daily needs are met and offering ample opportunities for leisure and recreation."

    Many popular Houston restaurants are setting their sights on this wealthy enclave. Detroit-style pizzamakers Gold Tooth Tony’s opened its second pizza joint in Bellaire in 2024. And most recently, Michelin-recognized Tex-Mex restaurant Candente announced it would open a second location just down the street from Gold Tooth Tony's at 5101 Bellaire Blvd.

    Earlier in 2025, GoBankingRates ranked Bellaire as the No. 23 wealthiest suburb in America, and it's no stranger to being named on similar lists comparing the richest American cities.

    suburbshoustonbellaireaffluent households
    news/real-estate
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