Luxury
An Elevated Experience
Houston's Post Oak Hotel Infuses a Formidable Collection of Contemporary Art Masters Into Its Aesthetic
In southeast Texas, by the Gulf of Mexico, sits a gem of a city. Bustling with culture and energy, Houston is a home much more than just space exploration. For decades, the city has slowly been emerging as an incredible art destination. Among the well-known Rothko Chapel, The Menil Collection of Art, and the Contemporary Arts Museum sits a treat by way of The Post Oak Hotel. Deemed as Texas's only Forbes Double Five-Star rated hotel, the 38-story elegant tower sits on ten oak-studded acres, housing a two-story Rolls-Royce showroom, an on-site Bentley and Bugatti Post Oak Motors dealership, as well as six restaurants and bars throughout the property. It is evident that the hotel is a landmark of its own — but what sets it apart is its commendable love and contribution to art.
At first glance, the property seems like yet another high-end establishment — but do not be fooled. When businessman and Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta started planning the property, he knew it would need to pay homage to the art world. "This was not going to be another property with 'hotel art.' This collection was always focused on a level of epic. It is a multi-million-dollar, museum-worthy collection for all to enjoy," shares Steven Chow, General Manager of the property. With works from Robert Motherwell, Alex Katz, Donald Sultan, Joseph Glasco, Friedel Dzubas and Howard Hodgkin, the atmosphere creates a haven for any art lover. One-of-a-kind chandeliers and commissioned furniture pieces found throughout the hotel's public spaces and hallways complete a cohesive vision of an art destination.
Everything from the early stages of conceptualized planning to execution has been thought through to the smallest of details. "Mr. Fertitta's vision was to offer world-class art for an international clientele in a city that boasts both. He wanted a modern and contemporary collection of American masters who matched the caliber of The Post Oak Hotel. The power of significant art elevates the experience," adds Chow. The artwork within its walls is the attraction piece alone for many visitors. Their Guided Art Experience incorporates some of the finer things in life — feeling pampered while feasting one's eyes on the exhibited pieces, as if given an after-hours tour of a private collection. Chow suggests a longer stay than initially planned: a mere extra day can transport guests into a world of its own.
The Post Oak doesn't only stand on its own but evolves constantly, keeping a finger on the city's art scene pulse. When the immersive Van Gogh exhibit opened in fall 2021, it was not lost on Executive Chef Oralia Perez. Pulling inspiration from the traveling exhibit, she put a twist on the traditional afternoon tea by incorporating various interpretations of impressionist art into her culinary creations — and so the Starry Night Tea Service was born. The experience requires more than 36 hours of preparation to create fully edible, hand-painted colorful pastries and desserts. In a gesture of community, The Post Oak donates $500 from each service to Arts Connection Houston, a local non-profit uniting the greater Houston community to ensure access to high-quality arts education for every student.
When considering Houston, one may not initially think of decadent, sophisticated experiences. But it is time to expand the grasp of knowledge in the art world and recognize the city's incredible array of creativity. Houston, get ready for a whole new problem — an influx of curious, art-driven adventurers.
