Houston has over 80,000 hotel rooms to offer its visitors which, if you stop and think about it, is more than the population of many small towns in the Lone Star State! With so many choices, it can be overwhelming to find a hotel that meets all of your expectations.

That is where Hotel Derek comes in. The recently renovated boutique property offers guests plush accommodations and one of the most sought-after locations in the city. Centrally located next to The Galleria, River Oaks District and Highland Village, the hotel boasts 312 rooms and many amenities guests will enjoy. The hotel also holds the distinction of being a AAA Four Diamond Award winner marking it as a premier establishment within the hotel industry.

Hotel Derek has a Texas vibe with a bit of edge to it. You’ll find not only cowhide prints and longhorn décor, but also neon lights, black leather and hints of steel throughout the property. The main floor has many nicely decorated seating and lounge areas for both large and small groups. The rooms are also large and nicely appointed with comfortable bedding and edgy décor. Guests can enjoy both a pool deck and workout facility, as well as a movie wall, concierge service and in-room dining.

Hotel Derek offers one service that is head and shoulders above all others—a shuttle that takes you anywhere within a three-mile radius of the hotel. Yes, there’s no need to worry about finding parking or waiting for a valet at any of the shopping or business areas nearby. Ask any local and they’ll confirm this service is worth its weight in gold in this bustling area of Houston.

If you’re looking for an experience that is a little more walkable, you don’t have to go far. Located less than one block away from Hotel Derek is the ultra-glamorous River Oaks District, which boasts some of the best shopping and dining in town.

Le Colonial should be first on the list of to-dos. The opulent restaurant is reminiscent of French Colonial Vietnam in the 1920s and merges classic Vietnamese food with a touch of French cuisine. The seasonal menu offers the best of high-end ingredients and flavor-packed dishes courtesy of Chef Hassan Obaye. Start with a delicious Cha Gio crispy pork and chicken roll and move on to the Sup Ga Cay, spicy coconut chicken soup – perfect for any lunch or dinner whatever the season. Finish off your meal with the Vit Quay five-spice roasted duck or the Bo Kho Cari, braised Panang beef short ribs. And don’t forget a tasty cocktail and dessert – Coconut Passion Fruit is a must. All of the fine dining in River Oaks District will fuel many hours of shopping, but don’t worry – if there are too many shopping bags to manage a walk back to Hotel Derek, just call and the courtesy shuttle will swing by to pick you up.

For those who would rather stay in, Hotel Derek offers Tap & Pour and the recently renovated Revolve Kitchen + Bar, which has a full menu of Texas favorites including black Angus burger, fried chicken and even some Tex-Mex favorites like quesadillas and fajita nachos. Guests can also enjoy breakfast and coffee from the in-house Starbucks location.

Staying in Houston’s Galleria area just got a whole lot easier with all of Hotel Derek’s amenities. Fine dining, luxurious shopping and some R&R are just a few of the benefits of staying at this premier Houston location. Book your room at Hotel Derek and let their courteous and accommodating staff do the rest of the work for you.

Cover: Enjoy spectacular views of Houston from wall-to-wall windows in the Hotel Derek’s penthouse. Courtesy photo
Gabi De la Rosa lives in Houston with her husband and three children. You can usually find her at a great local restaurant or out exploring HTX with her family. Visit her on Instagram @gabioftheroses_htx