Hotel Derek isn't the only Galleria-area hotel getting a bit of a face lift: Royal Sonesta Hotel Houston's revealed plans for an extensive $25 million renovation that includes a number of interior improvements — the first since 2002 — to mark its first anniversary as a Sonesta.
The hotel was originally built in 1984 as the Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza and became the InterContinental Hotel in 2001. It was rebranded as the first Royal Sonesta Hotel in Texas in the summer of 2012.
To make the changeover complete, Royal Sonesta has hired Dallas-based Looney & Associates to inject "a modern fusion of style and substance" into the hotel with a scheme that is "decidedly international, urban, chic and flavored by the principles that make Houston a leader in energy, medicine and space exploration."
Expect a completely revamped lobby and bar, event and meeting areas with custom carpeting that will "depict Houston as viewed from space," plus upgrades to all 480 guest rooms that involve a "mod" feel and substantially remodeled bathrooms.
The rooftop pool and jacuzzi is getting some love with new furniture and surfaces that will elevate it to "urban resort status" for lounging during the day and use as an event space at night.
Renovation is expected to begin on June 28 for completion in the fall.
Lobby today
