HTOWN LIVE

Wasn't the Ritz going to BLVD Place prior to the recession? With renderings released and all ? So why now is it so hard to believe that they will come to Houston ? Why could they make the numbers work then but not now ?

That was 7/8 years ago. It's a different Houston now. It's really amazing. A litany of new development has changed everything, especially the costs. The Ritz is going to have to spend a lot more money now to return to Houston. Houston benefits, because it's viewed as a major investment now (they'll have to make a statement), so they'll do whatever it takes to impress and that means a fabulous exceptional Ritz, not just traditional luxury (Houston won't respect that). They have to do something monumental in a city well acquainted with luxury or risk being overlooked in the midst of all the new towers and luxury developments going up. Indeed, a tall order.

@ HTOWN LIVE - If you had to take a wild guess. When would you predict that we would hear an official announcement for a Ritz and/or W? Before 2015? Thank you.

Soon after Hotel Alessandra gets going. That is a major part of the catalyst that will begin another wave of announcements of transformative developments downtown. A lot of delay centers around parking and the current boom which has driven the price of lots/sites downtown sky high. Most of that should be resolved by the end of the year. So by the end of the year or 1stQ 2015.

Here is what I hope hapens, the W and Ritz keep ignoring Houston, Houston brings in its own highend brands (already happening) and other highend brands, W and Ritz start to notice and want in so they build something here to top them all.

How does Atlanta make 3 Ritz Hotels and 3 W Hotels work? If they can have 6 total, Houston can surely make the numbers work for 1 or 2.

Because it really isn't working. Atlanta is a lot like Dallas, over the years (in an effort to try to keep up with and outdo Houston) they've both overbuilt and use intense hype machines...but behind the curtain they're struggling.

But cities like St. Louis, Charlotte, and Cleveland have a Ritz Carlton.

And Ritz is the only luxury hotel in each market. Charlotte is relatively new, but St. Louis and Cleveland are dated and granny-esqe, as are many of their properties. These 2 were built way back in the 80's when the Ritz was in Houston. Houston has 30 year old luxury hotels much more fabulous than any of these.

That's why I said whatever they decide to build in Houston has to be some of their best work and undeniably impressive, or luxury spoiled Houston will yawn.

We can resolve this now. I've seen the plans drafted by the city regarding the Ritz and W...it's all still being negotiated. If for some reason they don't go up (which is unlikely now as the Houston economy is a winner and ripe for them), Houston wouldn't miss a beat. It's as simple as that.

There is no hotel in houston that compares in quality to ritz. Not even close. Lumping W and ritz together also isn't accurate. W is a clear notch below the ritz.

I'll repeat what I have been told very matter of factly - ritz isn't happening. The issue isn't reveue per room it's the rate they need to achieve to make the project feasible. Even with the addition of condos they are struggling to make it work.

W is working in uptown park. There's also a cool boutique hotel working in montrose.

And I'll repeat, Ritz not happening is not a problem. Houston has been there, done that...the St. Regis trumped Ritz in Houston. The St. Regis trumps Ritz everywhere. The Ritz is not the standard. Having stayed at several Ritz hotels around the world I assure you that many of their properties are not up to par. Several hotels in Houston surpass them. As for the South, their property in Dallas, and all 3 in Atlanta are weak traditional granny-looking bores. There are a couple in South Florida that Houston couldn't top, but otherwise the Ritz has lost a lot of luster.

As for W, again, Houston has better...we would welcome it, but certainly wouldn't miss it.

...no hotel in Houston that compares to ritz? You're obviously referring to Houston County, Georgia, as Houston, TX, has several.

Bachanon you hit the nail on the head. They also have a much more vibrant movie and commercial film industry which attracts that crowd. Thats also why Austin has a W and all of those trendy boutique hotels, along with the music industry.

But Austin does not have any Westin's, and neither Austin nor Dallas have a Marriott Marquis. And Houston certainly doesn't obsess over commercials/movie, film/music industry approval or favor. When those industries want to feature Houston, they come here and the results are always stellar...but unlike Austin/Dallas, Houston does not chase/seek after pop-culture, either.

The highest RevPAR I can find in any Dallas hotel is the Ritz-Carlton (not surprising). The highest I can find in Houston is the St. Regis (a flag, by the way, not present in the DFW market).

Dallas Ritz-Carlton 1st Q 2014 RevPAR: $231.71

Houston St. Regis 1st Q 2014 RevPAR: $216.09

Dallas Ritz-Carlton 2nd Q 2014 RevPAR: $268.12

Houston St. Regis 2nd Q 2014 RevPAR: $230.38

There are several hotels in Houston that match or exceed the RevPAR numbers of the W Dallas.

And trumping all of these with the highest numbers in the state is the luxurious Hotel Granduca Houston (another flag absent in Dallas although opening soon in Austin)...but you wouldn't know it because Houston doesn't shout it from the rooftops as flashy (please look-at-me, please pick-me) Dallas would.

Again, Houston is not in the business of chasing/seeking glitz, tv/PR, ritz or fluff, etc.

Ritz and W are nice, but their levels of luxury are represented by other brands here, and more hotels at every level are either under construction or have announced. But when those 2 decide on a location here, we'll certainly welcome them to the party.

Dallas chases/seeks it. Houston doesn't have to do that. That's not Houston's style...it comes to Houston, or Houston will create it.

(thinking as i type, don't shoot me)

dallas has a huge fashion marketplace, and lots of good PR. many buyers for interior design, clothing and accessories go to dallas for shows and to buy merchandise for their stores. http://dallasmarketcenter.com/ over 200,000 buyers from around the world visit dallas market center annually.

that said, houston's panache is on a high-speed upward trajectory that, i fear, will surpass dallas eventually.

are we ready for a "keep houston down-to-earth" campaign anyone?

if landing W hotels and Ritz hotels require that houston have a different personality, i'd rather not have them.

it's true that houston has been predominately a working class city; many of houston's movers and shakers in the past would never darken the door of neiman marcus. energy sector folks tend towards less flash more cash. george and cynthia mitchell are prime examples. if the guys at the top wouldn't pay for an executive suite at a posh hotel, you can bet their middle management will not want a flashy hotel on their expense reports.

the same cannot be said for the advertising industry, fashion industry; the see and be seen industries thrive on being in the hot places. not a criticism, just an observation.

with all of the international money flowing into houston, increasing tourism, luxury homes and high rises, it seems as though we could support more trendy hotel chains. i second the previous comment that we have bits and pieces of walkable high dollar areas scattered about town. downtown or uptown would most likely suit a W or similar hotelier. inside the loop at 610 would not be my first choice. i would want to be near those shiny chrome arches in uptown or near rail lines connecting the med center, museum district and downtown; a discovery green locale or something at the edge of downtown on buffalo bayou, near the theater district.

concerning the river oaks district; is it an island unto itself? is it interacting/interconnected with neighborhoods and nearby shopping centers? it's important that all of these mixed-use developments CONNECT seemlessly with the surrounding area. it looks like many developments such as this simply turn their backs to homes and apartment complexes or put up walls. it's sad to see a "walkable" district built with no sidewalks connecting with the street or surrounding neighborhoods.

I agree. And Houston surpassed Dallas on luxury some time ago...but you wouldn't know it because Houston doesn't shout it from the roof tops, as Houston isn't in the fashion business like Dallas; rather, Houston spends more heavily on luxury which has attracted all of the major luxury players from around the world.

Perhaps when those hotels moved into Dallas, it was more of an executive and white-collar city whereas Houston was a working-class city?

Dallas and Houston are about the same as far as tourism. The difference is that whereas Dallas craves attention and goes after flashy ritz and glitz, Houston is undaunted and let's the market/demand make it happen. For example, the Houston Galleria is drenched in luxury, and didn't ask for more. But explosive growth, especially Houston's rich getting even richer, has caused an insatiable demand for even more luxury...hence, River Oaks District. Houston is clearly one of the top 5 cities in America for luxury...because of its size and its extraordinary oil wealth and economy.

Dallas, on the other hand, works overtime seeking and focusing on it.

Those hotels are definitely coming, and both will have to be very impressive, as the rich here are filthy rich and the economy is now demanding they come...which means their Houston locations will be off the charts luxurious.

  

When you say "Dallas Street at the end of the Corridor across from Discovery Green", do you mean the same block that the Embassy Suites is on?

It's actually across from ES...one of the vacant lots.

as exciting as the possibility of all of this is.. lets not forget that so far nothing has been announced for the Sakowitz building. the W and Ritz rumors have been flying around for at least a year now.. and most everything else he listed was common development knowledge or was possibly old news. i hope hes referring to new developments that are going on behind the scenes, but color me a little skeptical (no offense HTL) as to all of this "news" weve heard.

I know for a fact that the transformation of the Sakowitz building is in the works, as part of the Mayor Parker's Dallas Street Retail Corridor Project. The Ritz Carlton is considering the lot on Dallas Street at the end of the Corridor across from Discovery Green. W Hotel has been asked to build along the Corridor, as well. Add the already announced Hotel Alessandra and that's 3 new luxury hotels along the new retail corridor. Additionally, Macy's is planned to relocate along the Corridor, and they own Bloomingdale's giving them 2 large stores in the project. And many other retailers will have street-level shops along the new retail corridor. This is huge, so be patient. The project involves a collaboration with a multitude of people.

I don't know if it will all be ready for the Superbowl, but some of it will. Dallas Street will probably still be in major construction/transformation mode.

Yes W Hotel is also considering ROD. The next wave of big development announcements in Houston are going to really blow our minds.

W Hotel and The Ritz Carlton will announce, the residential tower adjoining the new Saks Fifth Avenue, the new tower proposed for the lakes on post oak, the tower and development at post oak and Richmond that could be as tall as Williams Tower, the perennial on post oak and other towers for Blvd place, we know something tall is coming at San felipe and post oak, New hotel and tower and conference center behind Rolls Royce dealership, the towers and hotels in phase 2 of ROD, the new towers coming in the massive uptown park redevelopment, the high rise living coming to The Woodlands, etc...and downtown which is already hot will be on fire...the planned major downtown retail corridor, and on and on.

What about a W?

Yes W Hotel is also considering ROD. The next wave of big development announcements in Houston are going to really blow our minds.

You're close but off re: ritz... Unfortunately it's probably a long shot.

Actually, the odds are good. ROD is one of 2 locations they're considering in the Galleria area, as well as downtown and The Woodlands.

I have noticed that CityKid09 is always trying to make Atlanta out to be better then Houston.

Lol, Atlanta is a nice place, but it's no Houston...certainly not in regards luxury retail. They have a happening fashion scene, but not on the level of Houston.

woah... the demolition of target? didnt they just build that thing within the last 10 years? lets not get ahead of ourselves just yet.. but i agree a nice high end hotel tower will hopefully come back into the plans when they figure out new the 3.4 acre lot.

Target will be gone by Superbowl. Everything around it has gone luxe...they're out of place now. It's safe to say developers have plans in the works, just not announced yet.

It's pretty damned fantastic compared to the apartments that were there... It's not as grand as it was once planned. But at least it's finally happening (and well likely get some high rises after all, in Phase 2). Not all of the pre recession projects were so lucky.

Agreed. Phase 2 and the demolition of Target will allow for several towers, and is probably where the Ritz Carlton will decide to build.

Really? No. I was a bit tired when I wrote the original post, but the basic premise still stands. ROD just isn't that damned fantastic.

By that train of thought, Beverly Hills/Rodeo Drive isn't that damned fantastic...because River Oaks District/Houston Galleria is to Houston, what Beverly Hills/Rodeo Drive is to L.A. With the exception of about 5 luxury shops, both luxury retail meccas are comprised of the exact same roster of luxury retailers. And those 5 are opening at ROD. L.A. and Houston are clearly in the top 5 cities in America for luxury retail.

According to this plan. Yes http://swamplot.com/the-river-oaks-districts-new-box-of-dior/2013-11-12/

The Beverly Hills plan/layout is just like ROD. Beverly Hills has about 3 or 4 elegant streets of shops (Wilshire, Rodeo and Brighton)...ROD will probably name the streets in that plan closer to opening. Beverly Hills also has strip parking and street-side and diagonal parking. ROD will also have a sleek state-of-the-art parking garage just like Beverly Hills. The only difference is Rodeo shoppers have NM and Saks right across the street with additional huge parking garages behind each store, whereas in Houston NM and Saks are a half mile away at the Galleria.

How have I "embarrassed" myself? Buckhead Atlanta was built up to the street so that as you drive by you can look into the stores. River Oaks District for the most part ignores Westheimer. The developer or the backwards rules of the City of Houston somehow allowed or required parking to be in the front of the building. The only thing that I was trying to state was that a development with high end retail like this one had the opportunity to turn this into Houston's version of the Magnificent Mile, Rodeo Drive, 5th Avenue, Newbury Street, etc. but they missed out because the vehicle has to be the #1 priority in Houston.

On the bright side, I like what cloud713 and others mentioned about the additional land that the developer purchased for future development. Also maybe in the future the parking in the front could be eliminated with really wide sidewalks. Maybe even buy the High Street development next door and redevelop it.

The Houston Galleria is already on par with the Magnificent Mile and Rodeo Drive. Houston has so much money that the remaining luxury players want in, and ROD will supply that demand in a walkable outdoor expansion of Galleria luxury in a Beverly Hills style layout only 5min up the street. The same luxury players in Beverly Hills/Rodeo Drive are in River Oaks District/Houston Galleria. Houston has enjoyed world class shopping for decades, as the Houston Galleria is a legendary world renowned powerhouse (generating 1.2 billion annually...DAMN!)...the addition of ROD will send Houston into the luxury stratosphere and unequivocally on par with NY and L.A.

I agree with richfish.This building looks horrible in person.

Yikes! You're right, it's inadequate.

The fence killed it and made it tacky. Ironically, a tasteful stone and/or rod iron gate to go around it would have at least made it tolerable. Now it's uninspiring fill in, and should be renamed to Simply Sola.

Pardon the multiple posts...computer flipped out.

i am openly praying that houston's next ritz carlton shall end up downtown.

upon my view, the central location as per the los angeles ritz carlton, infused with it's downtown l.a. live concept... is right in the mix of all pertinent activity.

with the superbowl forthcoming, this same location concept, would do wonders for houston's reputation...

I have to agree that a downtown Ritz Carlton will also be great. When the Ritz finally decides on what to do, Houston will probably end up with 3...downtown, uptown and The Woodlands. Atlanta has 3.

i am openly praying that houston's next ritz carlton shall end up downtown.

upon my view, the central location as per the los angeles ritz carlton, infused with it's downtown l.a. live concept... is right in the mix of all pertinent activity.

with the superbowl forthcoming, this same location concept, would do wonders for houston's reputation...

I have to agree that a downtown Ritz Carlton will also be great. When the Ritz finally decides on what to do, Houston will probably end up with 3...downtown, uptown and The Woodlands. Atlanta has 3.

i am openly praying that houston's next ritz carlton shall end up downtown.

upon my view, the central location as per the los angeles ritz carlton, infused with it's downtown l.a. live concept... is right in the mix of all pertinent activity.

with the superbowl forthcoming, this same location concept, would do wonders for houston's reputation...

I have to agree that a downtown Ritz Carlton will also be great. When the Ritz finally decides on what to do, Houston will probably end up with 3...downtown, uptown and The Woodlands. Atlanta has 3.

i am openly praying that houston's next ritz carlton shall end up downtown.

upon my view, the central location as per the los angeles ritz carlton, infused with it's downtown l.a. live concept... is right in the mix of all pertinent activity.

with the superbowl forthcoming, this same location concept, would do wonders for houston's reputation...

I have to agree that a downtown Ritz Carlton will also be great. When the Ritz finally decides on what to do, Houston will probably end up with 3...downtown, uptown and The Woodlands. Atlanta has 3.

i am openly praying that houston's next ritz carlton shall end up downtown.

upon my view, the central location as per the los angeles ritz carlton, infused with it's downtown l.a. live concept... is right in the mix of all pertinent activity.

with the superbowl forthcoming, this same location concept, would do wonders for houston's reputation...

I have to agree that a downtown Ritz Carlton will also be great. When the Ritz finally decides on what to do, Houston will probably end up with 3...downtown, uptown and The Woodlands. Atlanta has 3.

i am openly praying that houston's next ritz carlton shall end up downtown.

upon my view, the central location as per the los angeles ritz carlton, infused with it's downtown l.a. live concept... is right in the mix of all pertinent activity.

with the superbowl forthcoming, this same location concept, would do wonders for houston's reputation...

I have to agree that a downtown Ritz Carlton will also be great. When the Ritz finally decides on what to do, Houston will probably end up with 3...downtown, uptown and The Woodlands. Atlanta has 3.

i am openly praying that houston's next ritz carlton shall end up downtown.

upon my view, the central location as per the los angeles ritz carlton, infused with it's downtown l.a. live concept... is right in the mix of all pertinent activity.

with the superbowl forthcoming, this same location concept, would do wonders for houston's reputation...

I have to agree that a downtown Ritz Carlton will also be great. When the Ritz finally decides on what to do, Houston will probably end up with 3...downtown, uptown and The Woodlands. Atlanta has 3.

i am openly praying that houston's next ritz carlton shall end up downtown.

upon my view, the central location as per the los angeles ritz carlton, infused with it's downtown l.a. live concept... is right in the mix of all pertinent activity.

with the superbowl forthcoming, this same location concept, would do wonders for houston's reputation...

I have to agree that a downtown Ritz Carlton will also be great. When the Ritz finally decides on what to do, Houston will probably end up with 3...downtown, uptown and The Woodlands. Atlanta has 3.

i am openly praying that houston's next ritz carlton shall end up downtown.

upon my view, the central location as per the los angeles ritz carlton, infused with it's downtown l.a. live concept... is right in the mix of all pertinent activity.

with the superbowl forthcoming, this same location concept, would do wonders for houston's reputation...

I have to agree that a downtown Ritz Carlton will also be great. When the Ritz finally decides on what to do, Houston will probably end up with 3...downtown, uptown and The Woodlands. Atlanta has 3.

i am openly praying that houston's next ritz carlton shall end up downtown.

upon my view, the central location as per the los angeles ritz carlton, infused with it's downtown l.a. live concept... is right in the mix of all pertinent activity.

with the superbowl forthcoming, this same location concept, would do wonders for houston's reputation...

I have to agree that a downtown Ritz Carlton will also be great. When the Ritz finally decides on what to do, Houston will probably end up with 3...downtown, uptown and The Woodlands. Atlanta has 3.

i am openly praying that houston's next ritz carlton shall end up downtown.

upon my view, the central location as per the los angeles ritz carlton, infused with it's downtown l.a. live concept... is right in the mix of all pertinent activity.

with the superbowl forthcoming, this same location concept, would do wonders for houston's reputation...

I have to agree that a downtown Ritz Carlton will also be great. When the Ritz finally decides on what to do, Houston will probably end up with 3...downtown, uptown and The Woodlands. Atlanta has 3.

i am openly praying that houston's next ritz carlton shall end up downtown.

upon my view, the central location as per the los angeles ritz carlton, infused with it's downtown l.a. live concept... is right in the mix of all pertinent activity.

with the superbowl forthcoming, this same location concept, would do wonders for houston's reputation...

I have to agree that a downtown Ritz Carlton will also be great. When the Ritz finally decides on what to do, Houston will probably end up with 3...downtown, uptown and The Woodlands. Atlanta has 3.

Is that target here to stay? That's some valuable land...

Agreed. It's a great location for a 40-50 floor Ritz.

The Ritz Carlton Hotel and Residences River Oaks.