A Vibrant Retro Motel Has Opened in the Heights, the District’s First Boutique Lodging

A Vibrant Retro Motel Has Opened in the Heights, the District’s First Boutique Lodging

DUE NORTH OF Downtown, on the eastern edge of the Heights in the historic Brooke Smith neighborhood, something amazing has happened: A funky little motel has sprung open with color and style and appealing quirkiness. Astonishingly, it's the only boutique hotel in the Heights.


The former Astro Inn has been reborn as the 133-room, poolside, retro-fabulous Heights House Hotel. Its restaurant, called Space Cowboy, serves tropical cocktails and comfort food by Chef Lyle Bento.

Before the renovation

Neon lights and good vibes abound at the Heights House Hotel

Pool passes will be available starting in June

Bright colors set a staycation mood

Enjoy community activities like yoga on the lawn

The hotel lobby

"The two-acre property was purchased in 2019 by local business owners Jivar Foty and George Giannukos," according to a statement the hotel released yesterday. "Foty's Rise Construction has completed a nearly year-long renovation — which included a complete interior gut, improved insulation, new roof, exterior additions and energy-efficient LED lighting throughout the property — transforming the rundown motel into a vibrant, first-of-its-kind destination in Houston for staycationers, business travelers and poolside revelers alike."

Said Foty: "The Heights House Hotel is a trendy and quirky hotel that offers an experience like no other in Houston. We are one of the few vibrant, colorful, boutique hotels in the city, and the only hotel in the Heights community. We're targeting people who want to have a good time, with good vibes. We want to become a local hangout, the place to stay for visitors of Houston, and the go-to hotel for business travelers."

For his part, Giannukos added: "I'm honored to have the opportunity to put my fingerprint on the landscape of the city and the Heights neighborhood. It's exciting to create a place that future generations will enjoy and recognize as a landmark in the community. Art and beauty doesn't need to be expensive. We wanted to create a beautiful space full of art and color at an accessible price."

The place has the vibe of the hip retro motels in transitional parts of San Francisco a few years back, or the emerging parts of outer Austin now. Maintaining the hotel's original midcentury feel, the original A-frame lobby was preserved, with the addition of a big "Good Vibes Only" mural painted on its exterior, overlooking the pool area. The Mexico-based artists who painted it also did the bright '60s-savvy number on Heights House's south façade, featuring a blonde bombshell and a rocket ship.

Furnishings in guest rooms tilt more sleek contemporary, having been sourced from Las Vegas' Hard Rock Hotel. The color scheme throughout is punchy and bright — with big accents of aqua, teal and orange.

Rooms for the dog-friendly hotel start at $100 a night on weekdays. Day passes to the pool, set to open in June, will run $20 so locals can take a dip — and order food from Space Cowboy poolside. Heights House will cater to hospitality industry workers with special rates, the owners said.

Home + Real Estate
‘Culture of Service and Accountability’ Supports Mission of Orion EMS

Gerard O’Brien, President/CEO & Founder, and Sumi Patel, Vice President

HOW DID YOU get where you are today? The EMS industry, quite literally, never stops. Our staff and units are called to serve our community every hour of every day; there are no weekends, holidays, or “days off.” Obviously, the demands of EMS are not for the faint of heart, and we have established a culture of service and accountability that is different than nearly every other organization. Our leadership team sets this culture by exhibiting their passion for this industry daily. Their tireless dedication makes a better experience for our staff when they come to work and for our patients and clients when they call on us to transport their loved ones.

Keep ReadingShow less

David Adickes and Bun B

SOME OF THE CITY'S most influential VIPs gathered at Steak 48 in River Oaks District for the annual toast to CityBook’s “Leaders & Legends,” a recurring franchise for the publication whose past honorees have including a Tony and Grammy winner, a Nobel laureate, a member of Congress, an Olympic medalist, multiple billionaire business moguls, TV stars, artists and scientists of every sort, and the city’s most glamorous and generous socialites.

Keep ReadingShow less
Parties

Tay Butler’s Lawndale installation, spring 2023

DESPITE ITS PAIN and pitfalls, there’s no denying that the pandemic inspired artists like never before. This season, one of the most ambitious public-art projects to emerge from the Covid years comes to a close.

Keep ReadingShow less
Art + Entertainment