Inside the Houston Billionaire’s $12,000-Per-Night Presidential Suite That Aims to Redefine Luxury: Private Elevator, Helipad Access and Glitz Galore
BY Shelby Hodge // 06.08.18The 5,000 square foot Presidential Suite at the Post Oak Hotel is a posh hideaway on the 22nd floor.
Even before the doors open on the new Post Oak Hotel’s Presidential Suite, guests know that something extraordinary awaits behind the heavy mahogany doors. A handmade crystal chandelier sparkles above the alcove where Italian Calacatta marble and hardwoods merge in splendid design and where a massive bouquet of white phalaenopsis orchids warms the welcome.
That is if one uses the main entrance. There is also the equally elegant entrance from the private elevator that serves the suite along with access to the helipad above.
In this 5,000 square foot palace on the 22nd floor, Post Oak Hotel owner Tilman Fertitta has overseen the creation of a sophisticated aerie with just enough glitz to enthrall a Lady Gaga and enough savoir-vivre to please the most demanding billionaire, not unlike the owner himself. In fact, Fertitta had a heavy hand in design of the suite that tops anything else in the city.
“I’ve traveled to some of the greatest places in the world,” he says. “And I felt like it was time that Houston ranked up there. I wanted to set a new standard of luxury for our city with this showpiece suite.”
Brimming with crystal chandeliers and warmed by the ebony-stained hickory floors inlaid with marble, the suite enjoys a contemporary vibe with traditional elegance. For example, the Frette linens on the beds, silk rugs from Madison Lily and coffee table books by Assouline. The living room boasts two Robert Motherwell paintings, echoing the nod to the important art that graces the hotel lobby where Frank Stella and Howard Hodgkin works vie for attention. Black and white Bob Gomel photos, including a shot of the Beatles reclining on pool lounges, fill one wall.
The grand stonework in both the elevator lobby (Agata granite) and in the kitchen/dining room divider wall and for the amazing headboard in the master (Breccia Australe marble) were sourced from Aria Stone Gallery.
The expansive layout of the aerie includes a master suite and guest bedroom, a fitness room with massage table, a private office, living room, dining room with sleek bar area, butler’s pantry and a 350 square foot, beautifully furnished terrace. For those who can’t disconnect from CNN or Fox , the suite boasts 10 televisions and bluetooth speakers throughout.
The chandeliers are a hallmark of the suite. Descending from the living room’s silver-leafed ceiling are 300 individual strands of crystal that form two waterfall chandeliers. The showcase lighting in the master bedroom is comprised of more than 400 uniquely shaped crystals from Italy and above the dining room table more than 300 agate stonesare suspended from metal branches covered in gold leaf. This element of glitz is tempered by the taupe and ivory tones of upholstered pieces and carpets and the ebony-hued floors, woodworking and doors.
While the stars haven’t landed yet in the suite, one well-heeled guest, a Saudi businessman, has already bunked there and ponied up the $12,000 a night tariff.
That looks like small change compared to the $100,000 fee for a night in the Penthouse Suite, Fertitta’s 15,000 square foot concept of the ultimate in luxurious living. That gem of an abode is expected to be completed in the fall and is anticipated to be even grander than the Presidential Suite.
Presidential Father’s Day
For the Dad who has everything, Fertitta is offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience that includes an overnight stay in the Presidential Suite on Father’s Day, June 17. During the stay, the lucky father and a guest will have an hour-long in-suite massage, enjoy a poolside private cabana, receive a signed Houston Rockets framed photo and take home a pair of made-to-measure Corthay Shoes from The Post Oak’s 29° North boutique.
The stay includes a $500 tab in the hotel’s H Bar. Once hungry, Dad has the choice of enjoying a private chef to prepare his dinner in the Presidential Suite or having a full dining experience for six guests at Mastro’s Steakhouse or Willie G’s Seafood. Add four Diamond Club seats to the Houston Astros baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday, June 18 with Rolls-Royce transportation to and from the game.
Price tag: $25,000. Reservations: 844-386-1600.