Houston’s Hotel Granduca Unveils A Luxurious New Look After A Multimillion-Dollar Renovation

Photo Credit: Julie Soefer

Hotel Granduca, a five-star hotel located in Houston’s Uptown Park neighborhood, has completed its highly anticipated multimillion-dollar renovation, unveiling a sophisticated, reimagined experience that seamlessly blends the charm of an old-world European estate with the warmth of Texas hospitality.

The extensive transformation introduces elevated dining, exquisite new interiors, and thoughtfully redesigned spaces, setting a new benchmark for luxury in Houston. More than just a refresh, the renovation honors the Granduca’s heritage while introducing a modern yet soulful aesthetic designed to captivate today’s discerning traveler.

Photo Credit: Julie Soefer

The vision behind the transformation was brought to life by acclaimed Houston-based interior designer Kara Childress, who reimagined the Granduca as a boutique hotel experience infused with Italian charm. Inspired by the idea of a historic monastery that has evolved over centuries, Childress blended bespoke furnishings, reclaimed architectural elements, and curated antiques to create a space that feels both timeless and deeply personal.

New touches can be found in the lobby, which now feels like arriving at a European estate, where rich textures, layered materials, and curated furnishings create a welcoming yet sophisticated ambiance.

Photo Credit: Julie Soefer

A palette of soft neutrals, stone flooring, and terracotta accents evokes the warmth of Italy, while statement pieces—like the plush Tiger Velvet tête-à-tête—invite guests to linger and soak in the refined surroundings. The space is elevated further by a striking collection of artwork by renowned photographer David Yarrow, whose evocative black-and-white images lend a cinematic grandeur to the experience.

The library is also new. Wrapped in deep Mediterranean blues, the library is a haven of intellectual charm—a space that feels as if it has been curated over centuries. A marble fireplace serves as the heart of the room, surrounded by rare books, antique maps, and oil paintings that celebrate literature and history. Bronze and brass reading lamps cast a warm glow over intricate Persian rugs, enhancing the sense of heritage and nostalgia.

Photo Credit: Julie Soefer

Then, there’s Remi & Bar Remi. At the heart of Granduca’s transformation is the debut of Remi, the hotel’s new signature restaurant, led by Episcope Hospitality and David Morton of the Morton’s Steakhouse legacy. Helmed by Italian Executive chef Maurizio Ferrarese, Remi delivers a refined yet approachable dining experience, featuring dishes that honor Italian culinary tradition while embracing Texas ingredients. The dining space is a masterclass in design storytelling—where burnt orange accents, gold finishes, and hand-painted signage meet David Yarrow’s iconic photography of oil derricks and longhorn cattle, a nod to Houston’s deep-rooted history.

Adjacent to Remi, Bar Remi transitions from a coffee bar by day to a sophisticated cocktail lounge by night, featuring a curated selection of wines and rare bourbons handpicked by advanced sommelier Ryan Gaudin. The atmosphere is both intimate and lively, offering a perfect backdrop for elevated yet relaxed socializing.

Hotel Granduca is located at 1080 Uptown Park Blvd, Houston, TX 77056