According to HoustonFirst, the design was chosen to celebrate “the city’s industrial heritage while honoring its natural resources and entrepreneurial spirit” after the hotel was purchased last year as a joint venture. A representative for the renovations could not immediately be reached.
“This is an incredible asset that, unfortunately, was deprived of capital because it’s been in some financial distress,” American Liberty Hospitality Chief Investment Officer Nick Massad III told the Houston Business Journal. “But we are excited to be able to breathe new life into the property and return it to being the premier west Houston hotel that it should be.”
In addition to the guest rooms, the remodel included upgrades to the event space, a reimagined lobby and bar area and an event lawn.
While Hilton is nearing the end of its renovation, the Hyatt Regency Houston West, 13210 Katy Freeway, is just getting started, also opting to begin with the public lobby spaces.
A hotel co-owner told Chron that the current bar will become a speakeasy, the front desk will be resurfaced and the ballroom will receive new lighting. The atrium’s koi pond, however, will stay.
“One of the partners came up with the speakeasy idea, and we’re going to run with it,” he said.
According to the Texas Department of Licensing and Registration, work on the nearly $1 million project is expected to begin Jan. 15 and finish by April 15. The co-owner was not sure exactly about the cost of the room renovations or when they would begin. However, he expects all work to be complete by the end of next year.
The hotel’s five buildings and guest rooms will allow it to continue renting rooms to guests with little to no construction-related inconvenience.
