Marriott Marquis — Houston, USA
Leading the revival in Houston’s once less than favourable downtown district, is the Marriott Marquis, a sprawling 1000-bedroom hotel that, at first glance, might not look like much from the outside, but with its swish interior and resort amenities, travellers might check in for business, but it’s likely they’ll stay for pleasure.
The Dallas-based design company Looney has created a subtle nod to the Lone Star state with a retro feel that references Houston’s landscape throughout; carpets are decorated with recurring motifs of Texas rivers, murals have been constructed from cow shapes and astronauts are printed on black glass inside the elevators.
The rooms are simple and elegant with floor-to-ceiling windows - some with views of the adjacent Discovery Green park – that are softened with metallic curtains reminiscent of moon dust. It’s difficult to imagine spending time in-room though, when there are six restaurants and bars to choose from, including Xochi, that serves up Oaxacan specialties from chef Hugo Ortega, and Cueva, a wine bar with 16 locally-produced wines on tap.
We suggest heading to the sixth floor rooftop and grabbing a cocktail from the High Dive bar to enjoy while floating in the ‘lazy river’, a Texas-shaped winding pool that is the most obvious reference to the state.
INFORMATION
ADDRESS
1777 Walker St
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
Mary Holland is a South African writer based in New York. She has written for HTSI, WSJ Magazine, Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, W Magazine, the Financial Times and more. She travels to Mexico frequently.
-
‘You have to face death to feel alive’: Dark fairytales come to life in London exhibition
Daniel Malarkey, the curator of ‘Last Night I Dreamt of Manderley’ at London’s Alison Jacques gallery, celebrates the fantastical
By Phin Jennings Published
-
Wallpaper* takes the wheel of the Bentley Blower Jnr for a rich automotive experience
Hedley Studios has shrunk the mighty Bentley Blower into this all-electric, road-legal barnstormer. We take it to the streets of London
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
A suburban house is expanded into two striking interconnected dwellings
Justin Mallia’s suburban house, a residential puzzle box in Melbourne’s Clifton Hill, interlocks old and new to enhance light, space and efficiency
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
New York restaurant Locanda Verde’s second outpost will transport you to a different time and place
Locanda Verde’s expansive new Hudson Yards osteria exudes a sophisticated yet intimate atmosphere overflowing with art treasures
By Adrian Madlener Published
-
2025 getaways: where Wallpaper* editors will be travelling to this year
From the Japanese art islands of Naoshima and Teshima to the Malaysian tropical paradise of Langkawi, here’s where Wallpaper* editors plan to travel to in 2025
By Sofia de la Cruz Published
-
The most whimsical hotel Christmas trees around the world
We round up the best hotel Christmas tree collaborations of the year, from an abstract take in Madrid to a heritage-rooted installation in Amsterdam
By Tianna Williams Published
-
Six brilliant bars for your 2025 celebrations, hot off the Wallpaper* travel desk
Wallpaper’s most-read bar reviews of the year can't be wrong: here’s inspiration for your festive and new year plans, from a swanky Las Vegas lounge to a minimalist London drinking den
By Sofia de la Cruz Published
-
Wallpaper* checks in at the refreshed W Hollywood: ‘more polish and less party’
The W Hollywood introduces a top-to-bottom reimagining by the Rockwell Group, capturing the genuine warmth and spirit of Southern California
By Carole Dixon Published
-
Arlo NoMad hotel makes the American diner officially cool again
The NoMad Diner NYC’s interiors and menu offer an elevated take on an American classic
By Dan Howarth Published
-
Los Angeles’ best fine-dining restaurants
LA boasts a creative food scene driven by some of the world’s most innovative chefs. Browse the Wallpaper* guide to the city’s best fine-dining restaurants
By Kevin EG Perry Published
-
Bold maximalism engulfs The Lafayette Hotel and Club in San Diego
The Lafayette Hotel and Club, designed by Post Company, brings together a rich tapestry of patterns, themes and colours
By Dan Howarth Published