By Kim P. Alden
For one weekend each April,
Houston, Texas, is turned into a child's delight and a pleasant vacation for the whole family. The annual Houston Children's Festival has raised more than $3 million for Child Advocates Inc., which provides services for abused children. Games, magic acts, arts and crafts, music, circus acts, carousels, Ferris wheels and famous entertainers comprise only part of the festivities. The six outdoor stages and eight family adventure zones are located all through the city. After a busy day at the festival, visitors can enjoy coming "home" to a comfortable luxury hotel.
Four Seasons Hotel Houston
Courtesy: Four Seasons Hotel Houston
The Four Seasons Hotel is right in the heart of Houston's business and financial districts. From this location, you can easily get to Children's Festival events. This hotel makes special effort to make children feel at home. Before you arrive, let the hotel know the names and ages of your children, and your kids will find surprises and special amenities waiting for them, including welcome gifts, child-size bathrobes, children's toiletries and many services. The 20-story hotel contains 404 guest rooms and 12 suites. Large bay windows offer views of the pool and the city. Each room features the Four Seasons' special beds, down or hypoallergenic bedding, marble bathrooms, plush robes, large executive desks, Internet access and housekeeping services twice a day. Guests have free access to the fitness center and pool. The hotel's full-service spa has a private suite for couples, sauna and whirlpool in addition to a variety of massages, facials and other treatments. The restaurant, Quattro, serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and an antipasto bar.
Four Seasons Hotel Houston
1300 Lamar St.
Houston, Texas 77010
(713) 650-1300
fourseasons.com/houston/
St. Regis
The St. Regis Houston is next to the Galleria, Houston's famous high-class area for shopping and entertainment. St. Regis is a name associated with impeccable personal service; it's an unquestionably elegant hotel, from the marble entry to the rich appointments of the guest rooms. Guests can enjoy spacious, bright rooms, butler service, free transportation services and the outdoor pool. The luxurious Spa at the St. Regis offers Ayurvedic treatments, marine therapies and a variety of massage techniques. The Remington Restaurant serves American cuisine; the Tea Lounge offers traditional afternoon tea, and the Wine Room provides an intimate setting and fine wines from California.
The St. Regis Houston
1919 Briar Oaks Lane
Houston, Texas 77027
Reservations: (713) 840-7600
stregis.com
Hotel Zaza Houston
Courtesy: Hotel Zaza Houston
Hotel Zaza features opulent guest rooms, and themed suites provide an escape from ordinary accommodations. Suites take guests into richly detailed settings, each distinctly different from the others. Some of the themes are the decadent "Rock Star," romantic "It Happened One Night" and space age "Houston We Have a Problem." Whichever theme they choose, guests will find each accommodation designed with luxurious fabrics and beautiful furniture. Rooms feature Italian linens, deep tubs, first-class bath products, large desks, cordless phones and wireless Internet access. Monarch, the hotel's restaurant, is led by award-winning chef Aaron Neely. Relax by the pool or in the ZaSpa. Complimentary car service to city spots is available. Pets are welcome.
Hotel ZaZa
5701 Main St.
Houston, Texas 77005
(713) 526-1991
hotelzazahouston.com
Resources
About the Author:
A professional writer and editor for more than 25 years, Kim Alden is also a certified yoga therapist who has lectured in and traveled to many parts of the world. She combines her travel savvy with natural health and yoga expertise to write for various online publications. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX.
