Oct. 25–Go big or go home. When free mini bottles of shampoo and a mint on your pillow just won't do, look no further than the five-diamond rated Post Oak Hotel.
Open since March, the $350 million, 38-story tower at 1600 West Loop South comes to you courtesy of Houston billionaire restaurateur Tilman Fertitta, who also happens to own Golden Nugget Casinos and the Houston Rockets.
With a ballin' owner like Fertitta, it's little wonder the posh 250-room hotel, set on 10 oak-studded acres near The Galleria and River Oaks District, oozes extravagance.
Yes, the 250 ultra-plush and ultra-modern guest rooms and suites, 20 executive residences, 10,000 square-feet of space that can be divided into various sizes for executive conferences, meetings, and seminars, are great.
So are the 24-hour state of art gym and guest-only pool heated to a perfect 87 degrees.
But that's only the tip of the luxurious iceberg. From an over-the-top presidential suite to a collection of artwork a museum would envy, here are the perks to living like an NBA player, or team owner, if only for a few days and nights.
Get the show on the road
Put the pedal to the metal and jump behind the wheel of your very own Rolls-Royce. A dedicated salesperson at the onsite two-story Rolls-Royce showroom is happy to show you all the bells whistles of the uber-luxe automobile, which ranges in price from the $350,000 Ghost to the $700,000 Phantom.
Didn't bring your wallet? No problem. Put your car on your room tab or pay with Bitcoin, and you're ready to roll.
If a Rolls isn't up your alley, get your motor running at the adjacent Bentley and Bugatti Post Oak Motors dealership, only a few steps away.
Soar above the rest
For your travel convenience, there's a rooftop helicopter pad at the top of the Post Oak Hotel. Because there's no need to settle for sitting in traffic when you can take a quick chopper ride instead.
Skip the museum
If you don't have time to hit the Museum District, you can still get your culture fix in, thanks to the hotel's elaborate works of art from Fertitta's private American art collection.
Look for several pieces by iconic artist Frank Stella in the hotel entry area, dubbed the "Stella Lobby," including the painting "Bene Come Il Sale" valued at a whopping $1 million.
You'll also find works by Robert Motherwell, Alex Katz, Donald Sultan, Joseph Glasco, Friedel Dzubas, and Howard Hodgki throughout the hotel's public spaces and hallways.
The suite life
Just one night in the lavish penthouse suite will burn a $12,000 hole in your pocket. So, what exactly do you get for laying down the price of a small car? How about 5,000 square-feet of pure opulence including two-bedrooms, a private office, fitness room, living room, and dining room.
It even has its own butler's pantry with 24-hour butler service, secluded 350 square-foot terrace with views of the Houston skyline, and private elevator access to/from the parking garage and heliport so you can forego the masses when you whisk away.
What more could you ask for? Hello, $100,000 per night penthouse suite. Scheduled to open in November, details are scarce but the over-the-top room is more than 15,000 square feet. As for the rest, for now, we'll leave it to your imagination.
All that glitters
Don't forget to look up. The three-story glass lobby features a $1 million grand chandelier inspired by the Dubai Opera House, while the 16,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom shines with 12 ring-shaped chandeliers
Eat up
Hotel guests certainly won't go hungry. You can grab a bite at five restaurants and the hotel bar including Bloom & Bee, which specializes in fresh, locally-inspired cuisine, Craft F&B, offering wood-fired pizzas, comfort food, pub-style fare, and a vast selection of craft brews, and Bouch?e Patisserie, with freshly-baked Parisian-inspired pastries and macaroons, plus sandwiches and coffee.
Hit up H Bar, a chic watering hole adorned with nostalgic black and white photos from Houston's past, for a snack, and glass of wine, aperitif, or hand-crafted cocktail.
Walk out the front door of the hotel, and eats from neighboring eateries, Mastro's Steakhouse, with 16 different cuts of meat and sushi selections developed by Angel Carbajal of Cabo San Lucas' Niksan, and Willie G's Seafood, are yours for the taking.
Drink up
Stay at the Post Oak Hotel and live out your champagne (and wine) dreams. The Cellar houses more than 30,000 bottles with an inventory of $3 million.
Say cheers to a $70,000 a bottle of 1825 Ch?teau Gruaud Larose, or order a glass of James Bond's favorite champagne, R.D Bollinger. Either way, there's a sommelier available from 7 am to 2 am to help you pick out the perfect drink.
Shop 'til you drop
Hotel signature shop 29? North Boutique, named for its geographical coordinates, hits the retail spot. Items for men and women range from $50 to four-digits.
The roster of exclusive labels includes Masion Ullens, Zeynep Arcay, Isaac Reina, Stubbs + Wootton, Carner, shoes by British designer Jennifer Chamandi, whose famous fans include Amal Clooney.
A case of Rolex watches includes two with the Houston Rockets logo embedded on the face. They're priced at $17,500 and $23,500.
Spa days
Sore after a hard day? Soothe your aching muscles with a spa treatment at The Spa at The Post Oak, slotted to open in November. Located on the fifth floor, the 12,000-square-foot space not only has seven treatment rooms and custom-designed lockers, but also thermal showers, a vitality pool, aroma steam room, and detox sauna room.
Bring Fido
The hotel pulls out all the stops for your four-legged friends with plush dog beds and a pet room menu complete with a filet mignon for Fido. Coming soon to the fifth floor is a doggie terrace.
Membership has its privileges
If the hotel is tight-lipped about the penthouse suite, it's even more secretive about its soon-to-open private club. If you're lucky enough to score an invite to join, it will cost you. We know a membership is priced at tens of thousands of dollars. But, hey, running with the elite doesn't come cheap.
Marcy de Luna is a digital reporter specializing in social media, the famous, and food. You can follow her on Twitter @MarcydeLuna. Read her stories on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and on our subscriber site, HoustonChronicle.com. — Marcy.deLuna@chron.com — Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message