“Well behaved women seldom make history”, a larger-than-life quote by Laurel Thatcher Ulrich, is one of the first things you’ll see when you walk into the C. Baldwin Hotel, and it perfectly embodies everything the hotel stands for.

Located in downtown Houston, C. Baldwin, a Curio Collection by Hilton is named after Charlotte Baldwin whose inheritance initially bankrolled the city’s growth. She was married to Augustus Allen who, along with his younger brother John Allen, founded the city of Houston. Although she is nicknamed the “Mother of Houston,” Baldwin seldom receives credit for her impact on what is now the fourth largest city in the United States. The hotel honors her legacy with not only naming rights, but also in how the modern and luxurious hotel was brought to life.

Property

The hotel has 354 well-appointed guest rooms, including 11 suites. The rooms are large with floor-to-ceiling windows and downtown views. Valet, concierge services and a complimentary Tesla house car (travel within immediate downtown area only) make any business or personal stay effortless. The décor is modern with natural wood, and pops of gold are found throughout. Large seating areas and artwork make the common areas feel casual and inviting.

Guests and visitors can also take advantage of Paloma, a premium non-toxic nail salon or Sloan Hall, an ultra-chic lifestyle store with both clothing and objects de art.

Eat/Drink

Whether staying at the hotel or not, Rosalie Italian Soul is a restaurant that shouldn’t be missed. Winner of Top Chef Masters, celebrity chef Chris Cosentino, named the restaurant after his Italian immigrant grandmother, Rosalie. The pastas are made fresh daily, pizzas are fired in a beautiful pizza oven (focal point of the restaurant), and all of the portions are hearty and delicious.

The Lobby Bar with its impressive light installation should also be a destination within the hotel. The bar is full service with plenty of indoor or outdoor seating for a causal meeting or meet-up with friends. Guests can also grab a bite from the Good 2 Go coffee and snack bar or in-room dining services.

See/Do

Minutes from many of Houston’s largest business and tourist attractions, the C. Baldwin’s location couldn’t be better. George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston’s Theater District, Discovery Green, as well as the Toyota Center and Minute Maid Park, are all close to the hotel.

A short walk from the hotel is The Heritage Society at Sam Houston Park, home to the oldest house in Houston. Visitors can get a glimpse of how Charlotte and Augustus Allen may have lived when they came to Houston.

Cover: C. Baldwin Hotel lobby. Photo Will Pryce

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