The Royal Sonesta Experience

The Royal Sonesta Houston in the Galleria area is one of Houston’s most prominent event locations. LCA has covered many dinners and charity fundraisers on its ground floor, but like many others, we sometimes forget that this is also a wonderful hotel with many great amenities. We had a chance to take a mini ‘staycation’ and find out for ourselves all this hotel has to offer.

The hotel is 23 stories tall with over 485 guest rooms and suites. The rooms of this AAA Four Diamond property are impeccably designed for both the business traveler and tourist alike. With amenities including a gym and small pool, there’s something for everyone.

As most know, there is nearly 50,000 square feet of event space, that has hosted many well known events whether it’s the Una Notte Italia Festari For Men Gala event, March of Dimes Fashion Show Luncheon or weddings and private parties, Royal Sonesta seems to be one of Houston’s favorite party destinations. Less well known, but equally impressive are the dining options the hotel has to offer. Robert Graham, Executive Chef for the Royal Sonesta Houston’s ARA Restaurant, Table One Chef’s Table, Axis Lounge, and Launch grab and go Cafe, has masterfully created an option for virtually any taste for any time of day or night.

We had a chance to sample the cuisine at the ARA restaurant at Royal Sonesta Houston and were completely smitten by the Chicken Liver Pate along with the cool Cucumber, Grapefruit Mint Mojito. The Charred Shishito Peppers with soy ginger garlic had just enough spice to add that kick you are looking for. If you are ever craving the perfect flavorful fried chicken then head straight to ARA Restaurant. We wrapped up the dinner soiree with a warm Riccoto Cheesecake with cappuccino. Executive Chef Robert Graham with more than two decades of experience in premiere hospitality business, clearly knows how to impress the palate of Texans. I am most certainly heading back there soon.

Room service was no less impressive. Royal Sonesta Houston has taken great effort to make sure that guests can enjoy exquisite meals in the comfort of their own suites. Still dressed in our PJ’s we were treated to delicious french toast for breakfast and cocktail shrimp and cocktails like Pink Silk or The Great Gatsby, if you are a gin and vodka person.

This hotel is worthy for not only any tourist or business traveler, but Houstonians looking for a quick weekend getaway.