Hotel Granduca, an all-suite property in Houston, has completed a multimillion-dollar renovation that fuses the timeless beauty of a European estate with warm Texas hospitality.
The revamp was brought to life under the creative direction of locally based interior designer Kara Childress. Inspired by the character of an Italian villa, Childress envisioned Hotel Granduca as a boutique hotel experience—evoking the charm of a historic monastery that has been transformed over time.
“Our goal was to create a space that embodies timeless beauty and the comfort of history,” says Childress. “Every element was thoughtfully chosen to bring warmth and character—from reclaimed wood flooring to one-of-a-kind antiques from my personal collection. These beautiful bones provide a backdrop of good character, allowing guests to experience the depth and authenticity of a true European retreat.”
Arriving at Hotel Granduca
A grand yet intimate entryway, the reimagined Granduca lobby welcomes guests with a sense of grandeur through rich textures, layered materials, and curated furnishings.
Contemporary classicism emerges via plaster walls, stone flooring, and a soft, neutral palette, while terracotta accents in lighting and marble slabs pay homage to Italy’s signature hues.
The space is further elevated by a collection of artwork by renowned photographer David Yarrow, whose evocative black-and-white pieces bring a dramatic, cinematic quality to the space.
An inviting library
Wrapped in deep Mediterranean blue tones and anchored by a central fireplace, the library offers a warm and inviting retreat wrapped in rare books and heirloom decorative pieces.
Oil paintings, sepia-toned prints, and antique maps, are paired with bronze and brass reading lamps and intricate Persian rugs.
Remi and Bar Remi
At the heart of the redesign is the debut of Remi, the hotel’s new signature restaurant led by Episcope Hospitality and David Morton of the Morton Steakhouse legacy.
The dining space, which extends into an indoor greenhouse, features Yarrow’s signature photographs of primitive oil field derricks and longhorn cattle, a nod to Houston’s heritage, alongside burnt orange accents, gold finishes, and handpainted signage.
Adjacent to Remi, Bar Remi transitions from a coffee bar by day to an intimate cocktail lounge at night with its inviting and lively ambiance.
The courtyard and event spaces at Hotel Granduca
Designed as an enchanting escape, the courtyard is a picturesque setting for al fresco dining with lush landscaping surrounding an 18th-century Tuscan villa horse trough repurposed as a water feature.
Additionally, the hotel house over 5,000 square feet of event venues that incorporate tailored furnishings, elegant drapery, and a blend of modern and classic architectural details.
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