Inspired by the 16th-century Tuscan palazzo of Adalberto Malatesta, the Grand Duke of Monfallito, Hotel Granduca brings a shot of boutique Italian charm to Houston’s lively Uptown district. The public spaces and accommodations are accentuated with old-world Italian decor and modern amenities. Soak up the sun by the stunning pool, explore the lush courtyard and dine on traditional Italian specialties.
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Read below for more information on one of Houston’s most luxurious 5-star hotels.
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Style
Developed by Milan-born Giorgio Borlenghi, Hotel Granduca felt like an old-world Italian villa with touches of modern luxury, a refreshing departure from the glass-and-steel, skyscraper-laden Houston. The terracotta and yellow-colored building sported green shutters and palatial doors that led into the lobby. You are immediately greeted by suits of armor and medieval chandeliers. Fresco painting and marble details added more of the Italian touch, as well as the lovely gardens, lush greenery and plenty of patio seating at the elegant veranda overlooking the pool.
Rooms
All 122 rooms and suites at Hotel Granduca are luxurious, yet homey, with Italian details throughout. The 535-square-foot Superior King Room comes with a well-stocked kitchenette and a large sitting area with a dining room table that overlooked the gardens and pool. The room’s neutral palette complemented the classic, dark wood furnishings and the framed campanile photos bedside. The spacious, granite bathroom was furnished with a shower-tub combination and luxurious Aqua Di Parma toiletries.
Facilities
A stay at Hotel Granduca is not complete without some poolside R&R. The picturesque courtyard was surrounded by lush greenery and featured cabanas, plush lounge chairs, Roman-style fountains, hot tub and a heated saltwater pool.
The 24-hour fitness room has views of the courtyard, and a billiards room was available, furnished with plush sofas, club chairs and a card table. The hotel also housed six elegant meeting spaces and a business center. WiFi was complimentary throughout the hotel, and you get access to the hotel’s chauffeured Maserati to anywhere within a three-mile radius.
Food & Drink
Ristorante Cavour served traditional Italian favorites, along with seasonal house specialties, with an award-winning wine cellar featuring over 600 vintages from ten countries. Giorgio’s, the hotel bar, specialized in custom cocktails and intriguing wine flights, accompanied by light bites. Il Giardino provided alfresco dining, cocktails and coffee in a casual setting. A daily afternoon tea with an Italian twist was also on offer.
Service
The multilingual staff at Hotel Granduca are friendly and eager to please. You’ll get fresh fruit and flowers waiting for you in your room after you checked in, as well as a fully-stocked minibar and the option of coffee or tea with your wake-up call. The upbeat and knowledgeable concierge was open 24-hours, and the waiters and bartenders were on point. All-in-all, service was spotless during the stay.
Location
Hotel Granduca sits in Uptown with upscale boutiques, cafés and restaurants just across the street and scattered nearby. The Galleria, Texas’ largest upscale mall, is a short, ten-minute drive away, and the Museum and Downtown Theater Districts are both within ten miles of the hotel.
Address: 1080 Uptown Park Boulevard, Dallas.
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Conclusion
If you are looking for an urban Italian retreat, Hotel Granduca has a European sophistication and bold Texas hospitality. Additionally, it comes with an upscale base for both leisure guests and traveling executives with spacious guestrooms, beautiful outdoor pool, and traditional Italian fare.
If you are looking for a resort stay, consider the Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa which is an amenity-rich secluded urban retreat.
