Hotel Granduca, Houston, Texas

New Luxury Hotel Exudes an Italian Elegance
by Carl Burnham

A relaxing stay awaits at the magnificent and unique Hotel Granduca ("Palace of the Grand Duke"), situated across the street from the Uptown Park shopping area in the Galleria section of Houston.

Attention to detail is evident throughout the plush hotel, which was completed in September 2006. The Italian-born real estate developer, Giorgio Borlenghi, has created a classic hotel masterpiece that has an authentic Italian villa style. His inspiration was the grand Tuscan palace of Adalberto Malatesta, the Grand Duke of Monfallito in the 16th century. The hotel includes 126 rooms ranging in size from studios to large 3-bedroom suites for extended stays, and recently joined the prestigious membership of the Leading Hotels of the World.

As we entered our guest suite, we were warmly greeted by a video presentation on our large flat panel HD TV. Several Italian drawings and sketches lined the walls, and our sixth floor suite provided an excellent view of the courtyard area.


Our suite was appointed with a kitchen area with refrigerator, sink, dishes and silverware, microwave, and coffee maker with Italian coffee. The bathroom included a Jason hydrotherapy bath/shower, with accoutrements. A large closet includes plush bath robes and slippers for your stay, and a safe deposit box. The hotel includes wireless Internet throughout, with Internet workstations available near the lobby to check email.


There are numerous public areas to enjoy, whether sharing a drink with friends at the Club Malatesta, doing business (two spacious meeting rooms are available), playing a game of pool, getting fit in the ultra-modern fitness room, or enjoying the flower-lined courtyard area while relaxing in the swimming pool or hot tub. The courtyard provides an especially tranquil setting which we enjoyed late in the evening while relaxing in the hot tub. The enclosed area of the courtyard, with six towering palm trees, is the perfect place to unwind (view the video above for more photos).


The complimentary breakfast is memorable, with 14 fresh fruits available, an assortment of pastries, cereals, eggs, and fresh coffee. There is an extended menu available for more breakfast selections that can be served up fresh. Our waiter, Luis, provided us with excellent service.

We would like to thank the Hotel Granduca staff for their hospitality and for assisting with our feature.

Hotel Granduca
1080 Uptown Park Boulevard
Houston, TX 77056 Google Map
1-713-418-1000
1-888-GRANDUCA