If you have done any travelling in Texas, chances are you have either stayed in or seen one of the Valencia Group’s hotels; their mission is to create upscale boutique hotels across the state. The full-service hotels are usually located in mixed-use centers such as the San Antonio Riverwalk, CityCentre Houston and The Domain in Austin. Although the hotels are created by the same company, each has a distinct character all its own. Every hotel tells a story and fits the culture vibe of the city in which it resides.

“Doyle Graham Jr., owner and founder of the Valencia Group, had a vision for his flagship hotels. He thinks of them as sisters, each with their own personality,” said Amy Trench, Corporate Director of Brand Marketing. “Alessandra is the oldest and very well-traveled, Sorella is the precocious middle sister, and Valencia is the youngest sister in the group. Each bring their unique European refinement to Texas.”

The Hotel Valencia, located on the San Antonio Riverwalk, recently underwent a multi-million dollar renovation, the first since it opened its door 14 years ago. The Valencia Group partnered with acclaimed designer Lauren Rottet of Rottet Studio, not only to complete the Valencia Hotel renovation, but also to design Lone Star Court in Austin, Cavalry Court in College Station and Hotel Alessandra in downtown Houston. Rottet is an international design and architectural firm with projects all over the world and was named one of the Top 100 design giants by Interior Design Magazine.

“We are lucky to be able to work with the Valencia Group and build their hotels from the ground up,” said Associate Principal Chris Evans. “We like to focus on authenticity and telling a story with all of the small details. We want the guest to feel special and connected not only to the city, but to the hotel itself.”

Carpets, lighting, artwork and tile work is often custom made especially for the hotel and designers pay attention to the smallest details so that hotel guests discover new things each time they stay.

“We obviously try to pick materials that are durable, but we don’t want everything in the hotel to look brand new. Authenticity comes with age so if everything looks too new, we feel like we aren’t connecting with the hotel guests,” said Evens.

Cavalry Court in College Station plays up A&M traditions with a military barracks style. Everything from the art, leather work in the furniture and custom metal work pays homage to military tradition with a luxurious flair. While Cavalry Court is based on Aggie tradition, Hotel Sorella in Houston is sleek, cool and modern. Sorella offers guests a full-service experience with a rooftop pool, restaurant, lounge and wine bar. Lone Star Court in Austin is a retro motor court inspired hotel located on four acres in the high-end Domain shopping area. Each hotel has a restaurant with food that is representative of the area and hotel style.

The Valencia Group has been making hotel stays in Texas one of a kind for over a decade and they aren’t stopping any time soon; guests can travel to all the hotels and never feel like they are having the same experience. Look for a Valencia Group property in a city near you, make your reservations and get ready to relax and be inspired by your surroundings.