If you haven’t spent much time in CityCentre lately, it’s definitely worth an immersive experience. And The Moran CityCentre, recently named a top-three Houston hotel by Travel + Leisure, is a bright, lovely homebase. Thanks to the Midway company’s multi-million-dollar reno, the property now touts a new front desk, lobby bar and terrace space, a prominent new ground level entrance, along with recently completed refreshed rooms and expanded meeting spaces.
The lobby bar is terrific. It’s called The Allegory Bar, and it overlooks CityCentre’s central plaza — a green space surrounded by killer shopping, cute patio restaurants, and an ice cream shop that stays busy. From Allegory, which mixes a sleek, marble bar with a cozier dining space that resembles a chic, urbane library, you can see all the action. And on breezy summer nights, there’s always a lot of action. (A stroll through the CityCentre plaza on a bustling evening should be on anyone’s up-to-date Houston bucket list, to be honest.)
At Allegory, beautiful Texas-y cocktails like the smoked Lonesome Dove (small-batch bourbon, pecan syrup and bitters) wash down apps like brisket-stuffed jalapenos and entrees such as redfish with wild rice and lemon cream. There’s also a smart new breakfast spot, Café Moran, just off the sexy pool deck, awash in natural light and billowing treetop views. Very pleasant.
The hip bar and accomplished new restaurant is only part of the redo. “All 244 guestrooms have been refreshed with stylish new furnishings, premium bedding, modern lighting, and technology upgrades,” notes a Midway rep. “Thoughtfully curated amenities, including chic bar carts stocked with Texas-based liquors, a selection of snacks and Illy coffee service, custom bath products, plush robes, and handheld steamers, further enhance the guest experience, reflecting the property’s dedication to comfort and luxury.”
Other perks include discounted day passes to the sprawling, upscale Life Time mega-gym across the way. This alone may be worth making a weekend of it, as Life Time is notoriously hard to access without member credentials.
And now seems like a great time to pull the trigger on a quick trip. The Taste the Weekend package has been extended through end of August; it’s available Fridays and Saturdays, offering a $199 classic king room with $100 F&B credit.
The Moran CityCentre overlooks the development's iconic central plaza.
The lobby bar
A new meeting space
The new front approach to the Moran
The terrace off the lobby with unique views of CityCentre
Vincent Van Gogh’s self-portrait, 1887, one of dozens by the artist
Fried chicken at La Lucha, featured on our round-up of the best Houston Restaurant Week deals
