A boutique property located in the heart of Houston is anything but cookie cutter. Adorned in surreal art, celebrity photos and whimsical décor, the surroundings are the perfect spot for a selfie. Plop in an oversized high-back zebra-print chair or pose under the massive chandelier hanging above the grand piano. Take a moment to unwind by watching the koi swim in the indoor water feature.

Hotel ZaZa offers three types of accommodations: guestrooms, Concept suites and Magnificent Seven suites. Our 11^th-floor themed Concept suite, Geisha House, measured nearly 700 square feet. The living room contained a dining table, couch, chairs, large carved display table with flat-screen television and an assortment of Japanese-inspired light fixtures and accessories. Dark red curtains lined one wall and hid a small balcony overlooking the city. The separate bedroom’s most impressive feature was the king-sized pagoda poster bed. A petite chandelier shimmered above the bed. An unexpected treat was a second balcony outside the bedroom. A large bathroom featured Gilchrist & Soames bath products. Additional amenities included a plush robe, well-stocked minibar, safe, free WiFi and an assortment of magazines.

A small on-site fitness room and an outdoor pool (open seasonally) provide exercise options. We stepped outside to take a peek at the draped cabanas equipped with flat-screen televisions and sofas. Bistro tables and chairs offer a lovely place to relax with a birds-eye view of the treetops and Hermann Park. The hotel serves a nutritious breakfast, and my husband opted for the hearty steel-cut oatmeal. As this is a destination hotel with an international clientele, we overheard guests conversing in German as we read The Wall Street Journal and looked at the busy tree-lined thoroughfare outside the glass-enclosed dining room.

After breakfast, we walked across the street to the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston to see the Mark Rothko retrospective. Several museums are within walking distance or the recently expanded METRORail, which can whisk you to the sprawling Texas Medical Center, downtown and midtown in a matter of minutes. The hotel’s complimentary shuttle transports guests within a five-mile radius.

The Hotel ZaZa is one of the most memorable accommodations we have ever experienced. The hotel makes an ideal choice for a couple indulging in a romantic retreat or meeting planners searching for a unique venue in a vibrant city setting.

Hotel ZaZa

5701 Main St.
Houston, TX 77005
tel 713 526 1991