A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to head back to a city where I used to live, Houston, TX, and stay in my favorite area in the city, CityCentre! CityCentre, is an outdoor shopping/dining/family friendly space near Memorial City Mall. It has grown so much since I lived there a few years ago, and I love it even more now!
I had the pleasure of staying at Hotel Sorella, a boutique hotel in CityCentre, and it was everything I expected and more. As I mentioned I used to frequent CityCentre a lot when I lived in Houston, and always had my eye on this hotel. It was always busy and thriving, and just looked so fun. This hotel, and CityCentre, is the perfect place for girls nights out, happy hour, date night, for couples, friends, & families! There is something here for everyone.
We checked in on a Friday evening, and to my surprise the check-in desk was upstairs. Keep that in mind when you either park in the garage right near the hotel or valet right in the front. At check-in I was offered a drink voucher to the hotel’s bar, Monnalisa, which also has a rooftop pool and a happy hour everyday from 4-7PM, and all day on Sundays. It’s also a fun spot to check out live music after dinner, either at the hotel’s on-site restaurant, Radio Milano-Italian cuisine, or at any of the many restaurants in CityCentre, that are all within walking distance. While I didn’t dine at the on-site restaurant this time around I will for sure be trying the lobster ravioli next time! Also keep in mind that you can have anything from high tea to a Christmas meal at the hotel’s restaurant, so there’s always a reason to pop in and check them out.
Did you know that you can actually hold your wedding festivities at the hotel? I was told by the front desk associate that there were a couple of weddings happening at the hotel that weekend, which I thought was so cool to see. It was very lively and made for fun people watching. They even offer wedding planners there to help with your big event! So helpful!
What is it about a hotel bed that feels oh so much better than your own? It can be the same mattress, but something about it just feels like an oasis. Matter of fact I told my boyfriend Schuyler that was with me that I wanted to find out where I can get a pillow or two of my own, that was on the bed. That good! I think my favorite part of this hotel room had to be the tablet on the bedside table. I recorded some Instagram stories the weekend I was there that gave a little glimpse of what all the tablet can do! Basically, you can lounge in the room, and use the tablet to book reservations at the hotel’s restaurant or bar, check out any event going on in the area, see a list of stores and restaurants in CityCentre, and more! How cool is that?! Convenience at its best.
Ok, did I say the tablet was my favorite part? Actually, getting a view from the room of Sweet Paris Creperie, and it also being just a 30 second walk over for breakfast, was such a great touch to the weekend. This place is smaller, very busy, and you can order almost anything under the sun, crepe speaking, while watching them make it right in front of you in the line. We decided to go with a sweet AND a savory crepe, because that’s the best way to do it, right? I highly recommend the s’mores crepe and the croque madame one. Also the mimosas were great!
We did a lot of lounging in the hotel this weekend, which is always a good thing, and it was so convenient to have so much at our fingertips. Hotel Sorella is truly in a prime area of Houston! In fact, I don’t think there’s a better area when it comes to options and convenience. It’s also right off of I-10 and the Beltway intersection, so it’s very easy to get to.
Our last morning we drove right next door to Snooze for brunch. It’s one of my favorite places, having first discovered it in Colorado when I lived there years ago. I am so excited that they have slowly started trickling down here in the south. There’s also a few locations in Dallas where I live, which I’ve of course been to. You can’t go wrong with any mimosa on their menu or any of their pancakes, which they are known for. Always ask what the pancake of the day is. You won’t be disappointed!
Some other favorite places of mine in CityCentre are: The Tasting Room (great wine spot for date night or happy hour), Bevello (mid to high end boutique that carries a lot of familiar brands), & Studio Movie Grill.
Overall, everyone we encountered at the Hotel Sorella was very kind and very accommodating, which always leaves a great lasting impression. Be sure to check out their upcoming events, which includes a Christmas Day buffet and a New Year’s meal as well!
*Thanks to Hotel Sorella for the complimentary stay. All opinions are my own.