Startle

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.