The New Juniper Posted June 13, 2007 Share Posted June 13, 2007 Just testing the pulse of those "in the know" Edit: The W proposal for Uptown (Either BLVD Place or High Street.) Designed by Heights Venture Architects. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
musicman Posted June 13, 2007 Share Posted June 13, 2007 i guess i don't understand what makes this special. i stayed in one in new orleans and it was nice but nothing to get excited over. i think the zaazaa one is nicer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bachanon Posted June 13, 2007 Share Posted June 13, 2007 there is a rumor that waterway square in the woodlands will have a W hotel. i do not know if this means that the development company is courting W hotels or that W hotels are interested in placing one here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KatieDidIt Posted June 13, 2007 Share Posted June 13, 2007 (edited) I'd say it would do well in Uptown if they can find a patch of land. I really don't think its that special of a hotel either.PS, I thought it was set for Allen Plaza. Edited June 13, 2007 by KatieDidIt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subdude Posted June 13, 2007 Share Posted June 13, 2007 i guess i don't understand what makes this special. i stayed in one in new orleans and it was nice but nothing to get excited over. i think the zaazaa one is nicer.I would have to echo this. Is there something special about W hotels? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houston19514 Posted June 13, 2007 Share Posted June 13, 2007 just testing the pulse of those "in the know"I thought you were "in the know". What is your pulse on this question? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The New Juniper Posted June 13, 2007 Author Share Posted June 13, 2007 I thought you were "in the know". What is your pulse on this question?I am in the know:) However, i'm not the only one. There is a multitude of information floating around and I am told they haven't commited anywhere yet. But, they are searching for a "home". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houston19514 Posted June 13, 2007 Share Posted June 13, 2007 I am in the know:) However, i'm not the only one. There is a multitude of information floating around and I am told they haven't commited anywhere yet. But, they are searching for a "home".So, what's your pulse? Which one did you vote for? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArchitecturalPRGirl Posted June 13, 2007 Share Posted June 13, 2007 I would be shocked if they put it out in the Woodlands. That wouldn't work. Galleria/Highland. The Derek sucks and everyone knows it. They've got some tough competition with Zaza, even though it's not in the Galleria area. The thing about W is it's known and interntational which many people who come to Houston (i.e. from Mexico, etc) are going to the Galleria and want to stay over there. Maybe they will revamp the old Galleria Westin and make it a W. That hotel is old and dingy. That's my guess. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lockmat Posted June 13, 2007 Share Posted June 13, 2007 (edited) The W?starwood hotels?Is this it? http://www.starwoodhotels.com/whotels/index.html Edited June 13, 2007 by lockmat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
houston-development Posted June 13, 2007 Share Posted June 13, 2007 (edited) I am in the know:) However, i'm not the only one. There is a multitude of information floating around and I am told they haven't commited anywhere yet. But, they are searching for a "home". i can confirm this, for what its worth. they havent committed anywhere just yet but have narrowed it down to a select few sites. edited to add: ill vote later, so it wont be as obvious. Edited June 13, 2007 by houston-development Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheNiche Posted June 13, 2007 Share Posted June 13, 2007 (edited) they havent committed anywhere just yet but have narrowed it down to a select few sites.That was my understanding as well. Not a matter of if, but when. Edited June 13, 2007 by TheNiche Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ethanra Posted June 13, 2007 Share Posted June 13, 2007 (edited) 2 people really voted "Houston can't support a W". If someone really feels that way, I would like to know why they falsely think that? Edited June 13, 2007 by Ethanra Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TexasArchitect Posted June 13, 2007 Share Posted June 13, 2007 hmmm, where will it fall?? highland village is said to be getting a hotel.... blvd place, they r taking forever due to the tenants buuut.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trae Posted June 13, 2007 Share Posted June 13, 2007 Why not try and get a Peninsula Hotel. They only have three hotels in the U.S. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Great Hizzy! Posted June 13, 2007 Share Posted June 13, 2007 2 people really voted "Houston can't support a W". If someone really feels that way, I would like to know why they falsely think that?There are a couple of jokers on here who can't get out of Houston fast enough and can't be taken all that seriously.As for the poll question, I tend to think Uptown/Galleria before anywhere else, simply because of the current demographics and amenities. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KinkaidAlum Posted June 13, 2007 Share Posted June 13, 2007 My total outsider guess would be the River Oaks District.I think Wulfe has "higher" aspirations for BLVD Place like the Ritz-Carlton. San Felipe @ Post Oak would be close enough to lure River Oaksers and Tanglewoodians out of their homes and into a Ritz-Carlton condo development complete with the works (access to house cleaning, concierge services, room service, etc...). I am not sure if that same market would be as enticed by a W-Hotel and condos. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ToryGattis Posted June 14, 2007 Share Posted June 14, 2007 W would be nice, but what would be really sweet would be a Mandarin Oriental. Got married at one in Hawaii, and they are *amazing*. Right now in the US I think they are only in NY, DC, SF, and Miami. Their web site says they're adding Boston, Chicago, Vegas, and Dallas. If Dallas can support it, we definitely can too. Heck of a lot more international business here, and they have the international reputation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheNiche Posted June 14, 2007 Share Posted June 14, 2007 W would be nice, but what would be really sweet would be a Mandarin Oriental. Got married at one in Hawaii, and they are *amazing*. Right now in the US I think they are only in NY, DC, SF, and Miami. Their web site says they're adding Boston, Chicago, Vegas, and Dallas. If Dallas can support it, we definitely can too. Heck of a lot more international business here, and they have the international reputation. You might just be on to something... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subdude Posted June 14, 2007 Share Posted June 14, 2007 If the point is getting a super-prestigioius hotel, Pensinsula would have to be the one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houston19514 Posted June 14, 2007 Share Posted June 14, 2007 You might just be on to something... But the Mandarin is going downtown, isn't it, Niche? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArchitecturalPRGirl Posted June 14, 2007 Share Posted June 14, 2007 But the Mandarin is going downtown, isn't it, Niche?Mandarin will go to Vegas way before it will ever be here. We will be bottom of the tothem poll on that one. Peninsula too. The W we can accomodate I'm pretty sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PapillionWyngs Posted June 14, 2007 Share Posted June 14, 2007 2 people really voted "Houston can't support a W". If someone really feels that way, I would like to know why they falsely think that?We couldn't support a Ritz Carlton! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Highway6 Posted June 14, 2007 Share Posted June 14, 2007 (edited) We couldn't support a Ritz Carlton!We did for years and years... why did that hotel change owners Edited June 14, 2007 by Highway6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trae Posted June 14, 2007 Share Posted June 14, 2007 That Houston City Centre development looks like a Mandarin though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houston19514 Posted June 14, 2007 Share Posted June 14, 2007 We couldn't support a Ritz Carlton!We did for years. They had some serious management/ownership problems. That hotel is now the St. Regis (comparable quality) and seems to be doing just fine. There is absolutely no reason to think Houston could not support a Ritz-Carlton again.Mandarin will go to Vegas way before it will ever be here. We will be bottom of the tothem poll on that one. Peninsula too. The W we can accomodate I'm pretty sure.Quite the crystal ball you have there, considering the Las Vegas Mandarin Oriental is already under development and scheduled to open in 2009. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArchitecturalPRGirl Posted June 14, 2007 Share Posted June 14, 2007 We couldn't support a Ritz Carlton!What rock are you living under? I did some PR for them way back when. Not sure why it changed to Luxury Hotel then St. Regis. None of the other ones have done that. The restaurant is still pretty good there, particularly Sunday brunch but the hotel and rooms are old. There are better, newer, cooler places to stay now. Besides the hooker factor:) haha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PapillionWyngs Posted June 14, 2007 Share Posted June 14, 2007 What rock are you living under? I did some PR for them way back when. Not sure why it changed to Luxury Hotel then St. Regis. None of the other ones have done that. The restaurant is still pretty good there, particularly Sunday brunch but the hotel and rooms are old. There are better, newer, cooler places to stay now. Besides the hooker factor:) hahaI'm sorry - but I don't think my post deserved that insult. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The New Juniper Posted June 14, 2007 Author Share Posted June 14, 2007 Developing a Mandarin or Peninsula would cost in the $375 - $400K per key. This means, in rough hotel proforma view, you would have to consistently get a $350 average daily rate to support that cost. Houstonian gets the highest ADR in Houston, and it is in the mid to low $200's. I have little doubt that condos would sell at a high premium atop one of these hotels. They would be great. It is the hotel that doesn't make sense in that equation. That is why W seems to make sense. It is reasonable <- term used loosely, in its cost which stretches the lending community to believing development makes sense. Further, an owner can be found to take on the debt to operate the hotel. And, to boot, the condos get a premium over market. Prediction. W will get built. It will be an out of town developer who believes Houstonians just "don't get it" yet and there is a $300 per night market just waiting to be tapped. Condos will go gangbusters. Hotel will change hands more than 3 times in the first 10 years of operation. Mandarin or Peninsula will not get built here.Wulfe may go with the Ritz, but i can promise you Ed won't be signing that note. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houston19514 Posted June 14, 2007 Share Posted June 14, 2007 I did some PR for them way back when. Not sure why it changed to Luxury Hotel then St. Regis. None of the other ones have done that.Actually, some others have changed. Whoever it was that owned the Ritz-Carlton in Houston also owned a couple others (I specifically remember the Washington DC one). They all changed from Ritz-Carlton to other chains at about the same time. (I believe the old Ritz-Carlton in DC is now maybe a Westin? I don't remember all the details, but I believe Ritz-Carlton pulled their flag and the hotels ended up being sold... perhaps Starwood bought them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jim1126 Posted June 14, 2007 Share Posted June 14, 2007 The Dallas Mandarin Oriental is under construction now, right next door to the W in Victory Park. This straight from the mouth of a guy I know who works for Starwood - W in Houston is currently "under consideration," as many posters have already said, but the next W to be built in Texas will be in Austin. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houston19514 Posted June 14, 2007 Share Posted June 14, 2007 The Dallas Mandarin Oriental is under construction now, right next door to the W in Victory Park. This straight from the mouth of a guy I know who works for Starwood - W in Houston is currently "under consideration," as many posters have already said, but the next W to be built in Texas will be in Austin.Actually, the Dallas Mandarin Oriental is not yet under construction. They are currently saying they expect construction to start this fall. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deut28Thirteen Posted June 15, 2007 Share Posted June 15, 2007 For those of you who say Houston can't handle a W Hotel I think your wrong. If Dallas and Atlanta can get a W then Houston can get one ( not the reason Houston should get on). Dallas is a good city but I hate it when people think of Texas cities they think Dallas. That sucks! Houston GREATEST city on Earth! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
banking214 Posted June 15, 2007 Share Posted June 15, 2007 Actually, the Dallas Mandarin Oriental is not yet under construction. They are currently saying they expect construction to start this fall.I think the one in Austin might be under construction already. Not 100% certain, just though I was reading an article mentioning it.The Oriental in Victory is going to incredible when completed. I have a friend doing the interiornwall coverings and they are spending a kings ransom. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houston19514 Posted June 15, 2007 Share Posted June 15, 2007 (edited) I think the one in Austin might be under construction already. Not 100% certain, just though I was reading an article mentioning it.The Oriental in Victory is going to incredible when completed. I have a friend doing the interiornwall coverings and they are spending a kings ransom.Mandarin Oriental in Austin? Did you mean to refer to the W in Austin being under construction? (And I don't think they've started construction on the Austin W yet, but not certain about that.) Edited June 15, 2007 by Houston19514 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ENGcons Posted June 15, 2007 Share Posted June 15, 2007 The W is already in the works, in fact the property is already being aquired. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
King Owl Posted June 17, 2007 Share Posted June 17, 2007 I've stayed at the W Dallas every Mon-Thursday for the past 6 months. It's a cool place, and Dallas goes ga-ga over it, but I think it's a bunch of LA wanna-be's. The hotel has the worst service I've ever encountered in a luxury hotel. They hire a bunch of "cool" young people to work there who have no idea how to do simple things like get your room service order correct, bring the right car to the valet, shine shoes, calculate a room bill, etc. The service is laughable there. The place typifies the city of Dallas to me - always looking for something trendy from another location and thinking they're "all that" since they have it... I've never seen a city try so hard to be cool. Please. However, the reason most business travellers like myself stay there is because it's the nicest starwood property near downtown. Starwood has by far the best rewards program of the major chains, and that's what business travellers care about (myself included....).The Mandarin Oriental is under construction right next to the W in Dallas. I watch it going up every morning out my window when I wake up. It's in the Victory Tower development. I've stayed in the MO in Miami, and yes, it's a pimp hotel. Very nice. I've also stayed in the Peninsula in Chicago and I think it was the most luxurious of the 3. The Four Seasons still tops my list, however...Just my two cents... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houston19514 Posted June 17, 2007 Share Posted June 17, 2007 I've stayed at the W Dallas every Mon-Thursday for the past 6 months. It's a cool place, and Dallas goes ga-ga over it, but I think it's a bunch of LA wanna-be's. The hotel has the worst service I've ever encountered in a luxury hotel. They hire a bunch of "cool" young people to work there who have no idea how to do simple things like get your room service order correct, bring the right car to the valet, shine shoes, calculate a room bill, etc. The service is laughable there. The place typifies the city of Dallas to me - always looking for something trendy from another location and thinking they're "all that" since they have it... I've never seen a city try so hard to be cool. Please. However, the reason most business travellers like myself stay there is because it's the nicest starwood property near downtown. Starwood has by far the best rewards program of the major chains, and that's what business travellers care about (myself included....).The Mandarin Oriental is under construction right next to the W in Dallas. I watch it going up every morning out my window when I wake up. It's in the Victory Tower development. I've stayed in the MO in Miami, and yes, it's a pimp hotel. Very nice. I've also stayed in the Peninsula in Chicago and I think it was the most luxurious of the 3. The Four Seasons still tops my list, however...Just my two cents...Take a closer look at that "Mandarin Oriental" construction site. I'm pretty sure you'll see that the construction on the north end of the site (where the hotel/office/condo tower will be sited) has not actually started. What they are currently building is the adjoining parking structure which will have retail on street level and provide much needed parking for the entire Victory Park development. The word is, construction on the actual tower will start this fall... maybe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ssullivan Posted June 17, 2007 Share Posted June 17, 2007 I've stayed at the W Dallas every Mon-Thursday for the past 6 months. It's a cool place, and Dallas goes ga-ga over it, but I think it's a bunch of LA wanna-be's. I totally agree and have heard many similar comments about other W hotels. The concept is very much a marketing ploy, combined with a lot of hype. When you get down to it, there are many other hotels that are just as nice, with far better service. We already have several in Houston. However, the reason most business travellers like myself stay there is because it's the nicest starwood property near downtown. Starwood has by far the best rewards program of the major chains, and that's what business travellers care about (myself included....). Yeah the points are very important to a lot of us in making hotel choices. Although I'd argue against Starwood being by far the best, but to each his own. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Chenevert Posted June 17, 2007 Share Posted June 17, 2007 The W in New Orleans is great with pets. I took my dog with my once and they walked her twice a day.She even ate a chair leg, and besides not returing my 100 dollar pet deposit, they said "no problem" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wxman Posted June 17, 2007 Share Posted June 17, 2007 It seems that I read in the paper (the villager) that The Woodlands Development Co. is working hard to land a W hotel. I'll see if I can pull the article. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saddleman Posted June 18, 2007 Share Posted June 18, 2007 (edited) W Hotels are to today, like what Hard Rock Cafes/Planet Hollywoods were to the 90's. Every city wants one to show how cool they are, but when every city has gotten one...none of them are cool. It's all just 'keeping up with the Jones'. Edited June 18, 2007 by kingkirbythegreatoftexas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The New Juniper Posted June 18, 2007 Author Share Posted June 18, 2007 W Hotels are to today, like what Hard Rock Cafes/Planet Hollywoods were to the 90's. Every city wants one to show how cool they are, but when every city has gotten one...none of them are cool. It's all just 'keeping up with the Jones'.The comparison to Hard Rock and Planet Hollywood is great imo. "Trendy" is very hard to make profitable in the long run. Big splash followed by endless discussion of "man, have you seen the new XYZ? It's great! So crowded. Then, check the financials on the hotel in 3 years. Trendy only lasts so long. Za Za???? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jt16 Posted June 18, 2007 Share Posted June 18, 2007 The comparison to Hard Rock and Planet Hollywood is great imo. "Trendy" is very hard to make profitable in the long run. Big splash followed by endless discussion of "man, have you seen the new XYZ? It's great! So crowded. Then, check the financials on the hotel in 3 years. Trendy only lasts so long. Za Za????Couldn't agree with you more. I went to the Hotel ZaZa bar last weekend. Very packed and trendy. But trendy in a bizarre kind of way. I left there wondering how long it would last. I guess I just prefer more of a classic trendy look and feel. I'm sure they spent a lot of money on black hardwood floors throughout and the maniquin (sp?) in cages above registration, but does that really appeal to that broad of a group? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subdude Posted June 18, 2007 Share Posted June 18, 2007 W Hotels are to today, like what Hard Rock Cafes/Planet Hollywoods were to the 90's. Every city wants one to show how cool they are, but when every city has gotten one...none of them are cool. It's all just 'keeping up with the Jones'.Boy, ain't that the truth. It seems that I read in the paper (the villager) that The Woodlands Development Co. is working hard to land a W hotel. I'll see if I can pull the article.A new "luxury boutique" hotel called Avia will be opening on Market St in the Woodlands, so I doubt a W will enter the market. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
musicman Posted June 18, 2007 Share Posted June 18, 2007 (edited) .... cages above registration, but does that really appeal to that broad of a group? Cages? did someone say cages!? > Edited June 18, 2007 by musicman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bachanon Posted June 18, 2007 Share Posted June 18, 2007 Boy, ain't that the truth. A new "luxury boutique" hotel called Avia will be opening on Market St in the Woodlands, so I doubt a W will enter the market.the market street hotel and the waterway square hotel are two different developments. i had not heard the name "avia" yet, but it has been mentioned that an announcement would come about this year. did you read the article about increased hotel occupancy in the woodlands? i can't find it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gsutiger2 Posted June 18, 2007 Share Posted June 18, 2007 I've stayed at the W Dallas every Mon-Thursday for the past 6 months. It's a cool place, and Dallas goes ga-ga over it, but I think it's a bunch of LA wanna-be's. The hotel has the worst service I've ever encountered in a luxury hotel. They hire a bunch of "cool" young people to work there who have no idea how to do simple things like get your room service order correct, bring the right car to the valet, shine shoes, calculate a room bill, etc. The service is laughable there. The place typifies the city of Dallas to me - always looking for something trendy from another location and thinking they're "all that" since they have it... I've never seen a city try so hard to be cool. Please. . . .Do you think this would pertain to Houston as well? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedScare Posted June 18, 2007 Share Posted June 18, 2007 I would be flattered if the people at W Hotel thought that there were not enough poseurs and wannabes in Houston to support their hotel. Hopefully, it goes to the Woodlands, just where bachanon wants it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MidtownCoog Posted June 18, 2007 Share Posted June 18, 2007 Who the heck hangs out at these hotels, anyway?Why would a person from Houston want to hang out at a hotel in Houston? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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