As with any large city, it can be expected to encounter a diverse population of travelers. But it wasn’t until this recent trip I took to Houston to run the Chevron Houston Marathon that I appreciated the international presence everywhere, from race participants to a multicultural residential population. In fact, nearly 30 percent of Houstonians were born internationally and relocated to Texas. Mexico-born migrants lead, with Venezuela, Cuba and Nigeria gaining ground, according to a recent city census. Asian and European influence is growing as well.
This melting pot of heritage brings delicious cuisine, innovative restaurant concepts with seasoned chefs who find appeal in Houston’s global landscape and newly renovated downtown hotels that aim to tell this narrative and share the city’s history with its international crowd. I had the pleasure of visiting two of them during this marathon trip that couldn’t be more different aside from their Hilton flags.
It is fitting that the largest hotel in the city, Hilton Americas-Houston, is named to reflect this global audience and welcome travelers to experience the city’s uniqueness coupled with the Southern hospitality of the Lonestar State. The 1,207-room, 24-story hotel opened in 2003 and recently completed a $54 million renovation of its contemporary-designed rooms, meeting spaces and common areas. Guest room highlights include premium amenities such as multifunctional furniture, 65-inch high-resolution Samsung TV’s, new artwork and updated restrooms with sliding barn doors, while meeting spaces were revamped with flexibility and safety in mind in this new era.
As for the art, the guest room and suite murals were painted by a hand-selected team of 11 local artists with diverse mediums from photography, painting and collage to enhance the living space with the vibrancy and flavor representing Houston. The lobby features a majestic art installation by Murano, Italy-based Barovier & Toso – the oldest glass blowing company in Italy. This style is reminiscent of American artist Chihuly, best known in the U.S. for his work in Chihuly Gardens and Glass below the Seattle Space Needle, who worked and observed in the same Italian region.
“It was important for us to include the various shapes, forms and artistry of this colorful city and what better way than through art?’ said Hilton America’s general manager, Jacques D’Rovencourt. “With its close proximity to world-class sports, cultural and entertainment areas, the Hilton Americas-Houston is at the center of Houston’s vibrant and diverse landscape.”
Hilton Americas’ location is tough to beat, situated at the edge of the 12-acre urban park, Discovery Green, and a connecting skywalk to the George R. Brown Convention Center. The hotel is part of Avenida Houston, the city’s newest shopping and entertainment district, and is steps to the Toyota Center, home of the Houston Rockets. All these attractions can be seen from sweeping arial views in the VIP executive rooftop lounge, R24, with a private concierge and a full bar.
Guests seeking rejuvenation and recreation during their Houston trip will find solitude at the Skyline Spa and Health Club, which boasts panoramas from twenty-three stories with floor to ceiling windows, while soaking in the oversized whirlpool or taking a dip in the 75-foot indoor lap pool. The spa includes treatments such as massages, facials, body scrubs and manicure services. I had a positive experience with my deep-tissue massage after the marathon.
The hotel has no shortage of dining outlets, led by signature restaurant 1600, featuring farm-fresh ingredients such as locally sourced produce, Certified Angus Beef and seafood dishes fresh-caught from the Gulf. Hilton Americas also offers more casual dining at the Lobby Bar with American dishes and Pappasitos’s Cantina Mexican eatery.
Across town, we were encouraged to try the brunch at Rosalie, located in the C. Baldwin Hotel, part of Hilton’s Curio boutique hotel collection. We were in the mood for a “boozy brunch” after a long morning, and Rosalie’s team delivered with our favorite round of drinks being the butterfly pea-infused mimosas with a striking fluorescent purple syrup. The cocktail list was also on point with an array of spirits crafted in compelling libations such as the Queen Bey with El Silencio Mezcal, Grand Marnier, pineapple, lemon and Hellfire Bitters. 
We sampled a few delectable shared plates such as the “Dough Boys,” baked rolls with powdered sugar and maple syrup and the Meatballs, followed by the Bacon Sausage, large helpings of pork belly in the shape of Italian sausages. Another must-have item is the Breakfast Polenta, offered as sweet with seasonal berries and honey or savory with poached eggs, parmesan and spinach. If you have room for dessert, opt for the Nutella and Strawberry Pizza.
As for the hotel itself, what C. Baldwin lacks in size compared to Hilton Americas, it makes up for in character, with the hotel’s namesake Charlotte Baldwin as its muse. Known as the “mother of Houston” according to city historical archives, Baldwin was a freethinker, ambitious real estate investor and philanthropist in the 1830’s who purchased and founded Houston’s original settlement on the Buffalo Bayou.
After Baldwin and her husband separated due to an estate dispute, she remained in Houston and went on to become one of the city’s best-known citizens, deeding her land toward the city’s military and municipal growth. Homage is paid to her throughout the C. Baldwin Hotel in its intricate, inspiring décor that exudes all the Victorian-chic vibes. It’s unapologetically feminine, so bring the fierce lady in your life for a Houston getaway.
The night prior to the race, we decided to “carb up” on some Italian at Fiori in the posh neighborhood of Montrose – a 10-minute Uber ride from Downtown Houston. We discovered that Fiori is not only some of the most authentic Italian food to be found in Texas, but it doubles as a beautiful and fragrant floral boutique, filled with rare orchids and tropical flora mixed throughout its marble interior. The chef was an Italian native and chatted with us table side about his love of botanicals, culinary arts and shared passion for running, which added to the inviting ambiance of the quaint setting. The carbonara was incredible, the Spaghetti Nduja was spicy and flavorful, with a hand-selected wine list and knowledgeable recommended pairings from our server. Request upstairs seating on the open-air deck for views of the neighborhood overlooking the intimate garden.
Not only did I leave Houston with a sense of accomplishment from the Houston Marathon, but also took away a dose of Texas history, relaxation and satisfying culinary exploration.
By Katie Soltas