Summer Isn’t Over Yet — Soak Up the Sun(day Funday) at Laura Hotel

Summer Isn’t Over Yet — Soak Up the Sun(day Funday) at Laura Hotel

The rooftop pool at The Laura

FROM THE MOMENT guests scale the marble staircase to check in at the Laura Hotel, it’s clear that a staycation here is a grand affair. The still-new gem, which was previously the Hotel Alessandra, has everything needed for an end-of-summer escape — from inventive cocktails in the bar to hip vibes at the pool.


With floor-to-ceiling views of the city, the bar offers an extensive barrel-aged whiskey program with fun twists on whiskey-favs. The making of the banana old fashioned is as impressive a show as it is a cocktail: While the whiskey smokes in a barrel, bananas are caramelized on the spot as a flavorful garnish. The final product is a semi-sweet, boozy summer dream.

Meanwhile, at Hull & Oak, expect fine dining with a Texas-comfort-food twist. The hummus, for example, is made with hatch chiles and topped with jalapenos, and the country-fried chicken is plated for two, and comes with fixins like pickled peppers and collard greens.

Ready to detox? The Texas flair continues in the spa with massages utilizing oils made with local wildflowers and berries. And don’t miss the Meditative Massage, which calms the vagus nerve — responsible for the regulation of internal organ function — via steaming compresses and specialized massage therapies. All guests of the hotel also get a pass to LifeTime Fitness, located across the street.

The pool overlooking Downtown is adorned in sleek, all-white pool furniture and usually features pretty people and hip vibes. Get a late checkout and stay for the summer’s final Sunday Funday on Sept. 3, boasting a DJ and drink specials. Pro tip: no room reservation needed, as cabanas are available for rent to Houstonians, and include a bottle of bubbly. Cheers!

The Laura Hotel

Bloody Marys at Hull & Oak

Fried Chicken for two at Hull & Oak

Inside Hull & Oak

Peas in a Pod cocktail

Inside Hull & Oak

The Laura Bar

Inside The Laura Hotel

Inside The Laura Hotel

Food

Photo courtesy Children's Museum Houston

ON SUNDAY, JUNE 16, the Children’s Museum Houston celebrates Juneteenth with a special Juneteenth Freedom Fest, an afternoon of art, poetry, literature, and music where children (and grown-ups!) can learn more about this important holiday, the oldest national commemoration of the ending of slavery. It also celebrates the vast contributions of African Americans to the social, political and cultural life of the United States.

Keep Reading Show less
Art + Entertainment

Courtesy of Sol Diaz-Peña

SUMMER’S HERE, AND the pop-up art exhibits have begun. Maybe it’s a response to the relentless heat and unpredictably weird weather, but during June through August, the city’s more forward-thinking (and often relatively young) art mavens embrace an approach to curation and presentation that is both cost-conscious and community-centric.

Keep Reading Show less
Art + Entertainment