Thompson Houston Opens Today, Featuring A Sanctuary-Inspired Spa

14.02.2024 - 21:45 / forbes.com

Thompson Hotels’ fourth hotel in Texas — the Thompson Houston — opens its doors today in a brand new building designed by HOK overlooking Buffalo Bayou Park. Since the Thompson brand was acquired by Hyatt Hotels in 2011, it has expanded rapidly, leveraging Hyatt’s global presence to bring a luxury boutique experience to 18 hotels in 16 cities worldwide. Long known as a service-oriented, experiential brand, Thompson appeals to aesthete travelers with contemporary sensibilities, including an appreciation of mid-century modern design, which is part of Thompson Houston’s DNA.

The Houston property has 134 guest rooms, including 34 suites, with interior design by Abel Design Group that utilizes an earth-toned palette, organic materials, brass fixtures, and hardwood floors to harmonize with the abundantly green park just outside.

Gorgeous marble bathrooms also have exceptional views from the glassed-off bath/ walk-in shower combo area.

Ted Knighton, managing director, says, “We’re thrilled to open Thompson Houston and offer guests and locals an unparalleled hospitality experience in Houston. With a unique design and stellar location beside Buffalo Bayou Park, we are excited to become a home base for visitors and locals, alike, and what will surely be the most sought-after social space for weddings and events."

The seventh-floor lobby is mid-century modern in style, and rooms follow suit, with a clean minimalist throughline, rounded curves, and saturated colors, all complemented by floor-t0-ceiling windows that let in the natural light. In addition to an all-day restaurant concept, Sol 7, with outdoor rooftop seating, there are two additional restaurants to come. In Spring 2024, restaurant group Noble33 will open Toca Madera, a modern Mexican steakhouse, and Meduza Mediterrania, a pan-Mediterranean restaurant.

The one-acre rooftop also has a greenspace and a custom infinity pool surrounded by cabanas. The 2,500 square-foot green space seems poised to become a popular wedding and event area.

Perhaps the most exciting part of this launch is the destination spa, to which an entire floor is devoted. Directed by spa expert Megan Fitzgerald (formerly of Lake Austin Spa Resort, Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa, and Pendry Hotels) as a cutting-edge retreat. The Thompson Spa at Thompson Houston has six grand treatment suites and bespoke, signature treatments include the Texas Starry Night Massage, a nighttime treatment that utilizes CDB, essential oils, and includes a full body wrap; a Crystal Gua Sha Facial byPietro Simone that combines coordinated sculpting movements, advanced biotechnological peptides, and rose quartz tools to uplift the skin; HydraFacials, facials featuring Agent Nateur, a hormone-free skin