Startle

Tucked away off of a busy highway and at the edge of a bustling shopping center is Houston’s Italian retreat, Hotel Granduca. Designed to resemble Adalberto Malatesta’s Tuscan villa, this Four-Star hotel is in a league of its own. Though you wouldn’t expect to find such a Mediterranean destination right in the heart of Houston’s Uptown Park and Galleria districts, it works. The moment you walk into the lobby adorned with hand-painted walls with wood accents, you’ll be transported across the Atlantic and into Tuscany.Located at 1080 Uptown Park Blvd., Hotel Granduca is easily accessible to the ritziest neighborhood in town, River Oaks, the shopping Mecca that is the Galleria and just a short drive to Houston’s financial district. Just off Houston’s main drag, the 610 Loop, this urban retreat feels like a world away from it all.

As soon as you pull off the road and into the driveway of Hotel Granduca, you’ll understand that this is a destination unlike any other. With its Italian architecture, it feels like you are across the Atlantic and in Italy; but take a look out the window and you’ll quickly realize that you are in the middle of a shopping center in Houston. The hand painted walls and ceiling accented with wood adornments lend a helping hand in transporting you to the land of romance.

Of course, it doesn’t hurt that the stellar service makes you feel at home — or at least in a friend’s luxurious Tuscan villa. Slip between the fine Italian linens enrobing the comfortable bed and let the European flair take care of the rest.

The pool at Hotel Granduca is more than just a hotel pool; it feels as if you are lounging in the midst of a Tuscan estate. Surrounded by orange and white plush lounge chairs, the pool is a perfect retreat year round. As it gets pretty darn hot in Houston, you’ll definitely want to take advantage of the poolside cabanas. Don’t worry about bringing a towel from your guestroom; the pool at Hotel Granduca has luxurious, large towels perfect for drying off after a refreshing dip.

Keeping with the motif of the rest of the Four-Star hotel, the pool doesn’t feel like you are in the middle of a shopping center in the fourth largest city in the country — much less next to a chaotic highway. You’ll feel a world away from the hustle and bustle that surrounds Houston, to the point that you just may forget that you aren’t actually basking in the sun at your pal’s villa in Sienna.

Hotel Granduca guestrooms make you feel as if you are in the comfort of your own home, packed with a little extra luxury. With fine Italian linens and comfortable beds, you’ll be right at home in this Italian retreat. Though you probably won’t use much of it, the kitchen is fully stocked with everything you could possibly need to make a delicious dinner. From Tramontina stainless steel pots and pans to cutlery and dishes, you won’t have to eat off of Styrofoam plates and paper napkins. If you feel the need to whip up a feast, put on the four-burner glass-top stove or heat leftovers up in the microwave/convection oven combo. The marble counters and the 100-year-old birch wood cabinets with patina finish make this in-room kitchen that much more luxurious. You’ll also find a separate icemaker, a mini-refrigerator and a dishwasher.

Aside from the fabulous kitchen, the rooms feature a few other special amenities. With the complimentary wireless Internet, you don’t have to worry about those pesky charges as you surf the net or check your email. You can also enjoy the flat-screen HDTV, offering a great picture — perfect for watching your favorite show or the big game.

Modeled after the Tuscan villa of Adalberto Malatesta, the Granduca of Monfallito, you’ll feel as if you are in a cozy living room as you sip your libation in the bar of Hotel Granduca. Aptly named Bar Malatesta, this hotel bar has the air of a 16th-century Italian palace, but the welcoming undertone of a good friend’s den. As you revel in the design of this regal Italian living room, we encourage you to look around and admire the hand-painted walls and ceilings with wood accents; it’s absolutely beautiful. The recessed lighting lends an inviting atmosphere, bathing the room in a warm golden tone.

As you sip on one of the signature cocktails such as the Tuscan Sun — Skyy Vodka shaken with peach nectar and a dash of Grenadine Liquor — or the Club Malatesta — shaken with Ketel One and a smidge of Campari with an orange peel — you can nibble on the complimentary appetizers. If one of the cocktails isn’t for you, you can lose yourself in the bar’s extensive wine list.

On Thursday nights you can enjoy the tunes of an acoustic guitar and bass flute duo, while a pianist tickles the ivories on Friday and Saturday nights. If you happen to be visiting during the week or are looking for a quieter atmosphere, step outside to enjoy your drinks on the beautiful terrace that overlooks the picturesque pool.