Plush New International Hotel Opens in Texas Medical Center, Luring Middle East Power Brokers
Houston's Hotel Game Takes Another Big Leap Forward
By Shelby Hodge //
Photography Alexander's Fine Portrait Design
What: InterContinental Houston — Medical Center Hotel grand opening
Where: In the heart of the Texas Medical Center at 6750 Main Street
PC Moment: Developer of the 21-floor, 354-room luxury hotel, Monzer Hourani, Medistar founder, held the oversized scissors with pride as he cut the symbolic ribbon that launched the festive hotel opening that featured entertainment by Virtuosi of Houston students musicians, tours of the hotel and a lavish Mediterranean-inspired buffet from the hotel restaurant, Safina. Hourani, a Middle East immigrant and University of Texas graduate with double degrees, is a long-time patron of Virtuosi and a frequent guest conductor at the University of Houston Moores School of Music.
While the students entertained with classical music, a heady throng of power brokers, social figures and Middle Eastern notables made the rounds visiting the lavish suites, the state-of-the-art fitness center, the outdoor pool area and more. Among them were Mayor Sylvester Turner, Harris County Commissioner Steve Radack, Congressman Pete Olson, State Senator Larry Taylor, Consul General of Qatar Khamis Rashid Al-Kaaabi, Consul General of Saudi Arabia Sultan bin Abdullah Al Angari, and Consul General of Mexico Oscar Rodríguez Cabrera.
Perhaps most pleased with the evening was hotel GM Nathalie Urban, most recently of the W Retreat and Spa in Vieques, and Elie Maalouf, CEO, Americas, InterContinental Hotels (IHG).
The hotel is just the start of Hourani’s investment in this block of Main Street. Later this year, he is expected to begin construction on Innovation Tower, a 48-story, mixed-use development at 6700 Main Street.
PC Seen: Helen and Jim Shaffer, Roz and Alan Pactor, Todd Frazier, Mary Ann and David McKeithan, Jean Becker, Susan and Denis Debakey, Judy Nichols, Patti Murphy, Laurie and Jeff Bricker, Dr. Garrett Peel, Mary Ann and Louis Macey, Wanda Kimberly, John Lake, Sherry Radack, Dr. Nouhad Ibfrahim, Diana Elmas and Kellie Jenks.
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