Hotel Saint Augustine, the latest addition to Bunkhouse Hotels’ portfolio, has officially opened its doors in Houston’s Museum District. This new boutique hotel, developed in collaboration with The Marchbanks Company, brings a highly anticipated destination to one of Houston’s cultural epicenters.
Design Collaboration and Location
Expert Design and Architecture
The Hotel Saint Augustine is expertly designed in collaboration with the interior design studio Post Company and the architecture firm Lake|Flato. It occupies a sprawling 2.2-acre property and houses 71 hotel rooms and suites, a restaurant with Gulf Coast-inspired cuisine, a cozy event space, an all-day lobby lounge and listening room, and a circular heated pool. The hotel’s design carefully incorporates elements from its surroundings to create an environment that feels both innovative and in harmony with the locale.
Attention to detail in the hotel’s design process has resulted in spaces that not only attract aesthetically but also function seamlessly to enhance the guest experience. The interior design approaches taken by Post Company integrate modern touches with classical elements, creating a space that speaks to both contemporary tastes and timeless sophistication. The architecture by Lake|Flato, known for its contextual approach, has ensured that every aspect of the hotel’s structure aligns with its surroundings, making it a seamless part of Houston’s architectural landscape.
Prime Location in Museum District
Situated in the heart of Houston’s vibrant Museum District, Hotel Saint Augustine stands as the first Bunkhouse hotel in the city. This area is known for its rich art, culinary, and nightlife scenes, making it an ideal location for a boutique hotel focused on aesthetics and cultural immersion. The proximity to several key art institutions, including the Menil Drawing Institute, makes the location a significant cultural hub for both tourists and locals alike.
The hotel’s location is intentionally selected to embed itself within the city’s cultural heartbeat. Visitors have the opportunity to explore nearby attractions such as the Houston Contemporary Arts Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, and numerous lesser-known galleries that contribute to the area’s lively art scene. Equally appealing is the vibrant culinary landscape. The Museum District offers an array of dining experiences, from high-end restaurants to cozy cafés, allowing hotel guests to indulge in gourmet adventures right around the corner.
Theme and Inspiration
Naming Tradition and Cultural Homage
Hotel Saint Augustine follows Bunkhouse’s tradition of naming its hotels after patron saints. This hotel’s name honors the patron saint of printing, which aligns with the hotel’s proximity to the Menil Drawing Institute, and pays homage to Augustus Chapman Allen, a co-founder of Houston. Additionally, the name reflects the Saint Augustine grass found across the city and evokes the nostalgic feel of late summer in August. This thoughtful naming process further deepens the cultural resonance of the hotel.
The intent behind the name is not merely symbolic; it extends into the hotel’s overall thematic design. By paying homage to significant historical and cultural touchstones of Houston, the hotel aims to connect deeply with the city’s identity and add another layer of meaning to the visitor’s experience. This thoughtfulness is reflected in the smallest of details, creating an atmosphere that pays respect to the local heritage while providing modern comforts.
Vision of Hospitality
Amar Lalvani, the new President and Creative Director of Lifestyle at Hyatt, has expressed that opening a Bunkhouse hotel in Houston has been a long-time ambition for the team. He emphasizes Houston’s underappreciated status as a hub for culinary arts, culture, and design, which aligns perfectly with the Bunkhouse mission of fostering community-driven experiences. His vision is to create spaces that feel like extensions of the local communities in which they are found, providing more than just lodging but also enhancing the cultural dialogue within the city.
The collaborative spirit behind Hotel Saint Augustine’s creation is integral to realizing this vision. By working closely with The Marchbanks Company and relying on the expertise of creative minds like those at Post Company and Lake|Flato, Bunkhouse has been able to produce not just a hotel, but a cultural landmark. This approach represents a shift towards experiential hospitality that aims for guests to leave with a stronger connection to the city and its culture.
Interior Design and Artistic Heritage
Thoughtful and Inviting Interiors
Post Company led the interior design, aiming to create an inviting and thoughtfully designed retreat with subtle surrealist touches. The design was informed by Houston’s artistic heritage, especially its renowned museum district. In line with this, the artwork within the hotel is minimal, creating a serene environment with artful elements found in the furniture, textures, lighting, and landscaping.
The choice to incorporate minimal artwork focuses attention on the intrinsic beauty found in other design elements within the hotel. Each piece of furniture, each lighting fixture, and each textile has been selected for its capacity to contribute to the overall ambiance. This quiet elegance ensures guests feel a sense of calm and sophistication from the moment they enter. The artful integration of these elements subtly invites contemplation, offering more than just a visual experience but also an emotional one.
Curator’s Home Ambiance
The lobby, designed to resemble a curator’s private home, features rich interiors and saturated colors, lending a sense of lived-in luxury. The desk areas are adorned with burled walnut and Calacatta Viola marble, with sheer linen drapery separating different seated areas, creating intimate nooks for gathering. This design approach emphasizes warmth and hospitality, making the lobby more than just a transitional space but a part of the experience itself.
Each piece of furniture is intentional, featuring unique designs that add to the ambiance of a well-curated home. The shelves lining the walls are filled with carefully selected books and artifacts, further solidifying this home-like appearance. Guests can sit and relax or engage in casual conversations, facilitated by the beautifully orchestrated environment. Such an inviting setup ensures the lobby functions as a social nucleus for the hotel.
Ambiance and Décor
Immersive and Otherworldly Atmosphere
The hotel’s interior uses deep blue hues on walls and ceilings to evoke an immersive, otherworldly ambiance. Large framed windows allow for a view of the courtyard and porches, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor spaces. The bar features antique mirror panels that reflect the surrounding landscape, enhancing the natural connection. These design choices, bold yet thoughtful, aim to provide guests with an experience that is both visually stunning and harmoniously connected to its environment.
Such a palette choice not only sets an inviting mood but also elevates the ordinary to something extraordinary. The deep blues, reminiscent of twilight skies, create an atmosphere that encourages relaxation and wonder. The reflective surfaces further enhance this effect by playing with light and perspective, inviting guests to lose themselves in the beauty all around them. This seamless extension of natural light and scenery into the hotel’s interiors fosters a sensory-rich environment.
Unique Musical Experience
The lobby also houses a listening room with a vintage tape recorder and record player, providing a unique musical experience intended for future special events. This feature aligns with the cultural and artistic ethos of the hotel, offering a dedicated space for musical discovery and enjoyment. The carefully curated selection of vinyl records promises a diverse and enriching auditory experience.
This listening room aims to be more than just a novelty; it is a place where guests can immerse themselves in music’s rich textures. Vintage equipment adds an element of nostalgia, presenting music in a manner that digital formats cannot replicate. Future special events planned in the space will likely draw on this immersive quality, ensuring memorable experiences that resonate deeply with both guests and locals.
Dining Experience
Culinary Offerings by Renowned Restaurateur
The hotel boasts dining concepts managed by renowned Houston restaurateur Aaron Bludorn and Bludorn Director of Operations, Cherif Mbodji. The main restaurant, Perseid, serves as an all-day eatery and embodies the neighborhood bistro feel. The menu blends Texas Gulf Coast flavors with French culinary techniques to offer refined comfort foods. The attention to detail in each dish reflects a deep understanding and appreciation of regional ingredients and culinary traditions.
Diners at Perseid will find that each meal is a testament to both innovation and tradition. The chefs’ approach combines locally sourced ingredients with refined techniques, transforming classic Gulf Coast dishes into elevated gastronomic experiences. This level of culinary expertise not only satisfies but also educates the palate, making every meal a journey through the region’s rich culinary landscape. Such a focus ensures that the restaurant stands out in Houston’s competitive dining scene.
Vibrant and Reflective Interiors
The restaurant’s interiors are vibrant and reflective of the hotel’s overall surrealist theme, featuring ombre wall treatments and hand-painted abstract murals. The eclectic furniture contributes to a sense of intimacy, enhanced by custom Art Deco-inspired lighting fixtures. This design strategy ensures that dining at Perseid is not just about the food but the overall sensory experience.
Each corner of the restaurant offers a unique visual experience, from the bold color transitions on the walls to the meticulously chosen pieces of art. The lighting, inspired by classic Art Deco designs, creates a warm and inviting glow, further enhancing the restaurant’s ambiance. This thoughtful design invites patrons to fully engage with their surroundings, making each visit memorable and unique.
Community Spaces and Events
Augustine Lounge and Listening Room
Apart from its restaurant, the hotel offers Augustine Lounge and Listening Room, a day-to-night concept within the main building’s lobby. Here, guests can enjoy a variety of beverages, including non-alcoholic options, beer, and wine. This space is designed to foster community interaction, providing an inviting backdrop for both casual hangouts and more structured gatherings.
The lounge offers a welcoming environment regardless of the time of day, transitioning seamlessly from a coffee spot to an evening hangout. Comfortable seating arrangements and a diverse drink menu ensure that guests have everything they need for a relaxing time. The listening room aspect adds a unique touch, offering curated auditory experiences that enhance the overall atmosphere.
Versatile Event Spaces
The hotel’s flexible event space on top of Perseid is designed for both grand and intimate events, accommodating up to 250 guests with additional outdoor porches overlooking the courtyard and pool, and tailored culinary options from the Bludorn team. This versatility makes it an ideal venue for a wide range of social functions, from weddings to corporate events.
The event space is equipped with state-of-the-art amenities, ensuring that hosts and guests have access to everything needed for a successful event. The outdoor porches offer stunning views of the courtyard and pool, providing additional space for guests to mingle and relax. The tailored culinary options ensure that every event is a unique gastronomic experience, further enhancing the venue’s appeal.
Accommodation and Room Design
Varied Room Types
Hotel Saint Augustine hosts 71 varied room types, from cozy 200-sq-ft ‘Petite Queen’ rooms to expansive ‘Atelier’ suites with private outdoor living spaces. Each room features playful and sophisticated furnishings, with careful attention to detail, presenting a surrealist edge to the elegant décor. Regardless of size, each room is designed to offer maximum comfort and a unique aesthetic experience.
The diversity in room types ensures that the hotel can cater to a broad spectrum of guests, from solo travelers to families. Each room is designed with a keen eye for detail, ensuring that guests can enjoy both comfort and style. The playful furnishings add a touch of whimsy, making each space feel distinct and inviting. Such a varied offering ensures that every guest finds an ideal living space that caters to their specific needs.
Luxurious and Bold Interiors
The color palette spans monochromatic hues of blue, deep red, sage, and mustard, with ceramic wall tiles that emphasize a bold color scheme. Drapes and velvet textures introduce a luxurious feel, complemented by oversized sculptural lighting and surrealist fixtures, such as unique wall mirrors and modern nickel and chrome finishes. This bold approach to interior design ensures that each room is a feast for the senses.
The choice of deep, rich colors creates a sense of opulence and depth, inviting guests to fully immerse themselves in the environment. Textures play a significant role in this, with velvet drapes and soft furnishings adding layers of tactile comfort. The oversized lighting fixtures serve as focal points, drawing the eye and creating a sense of drama. This blend of luxurious finishes and surrealist touches ensures that each room is both comfortable and visually stunning, offering a memorable stay.
Integration with the Neighborhood
The integration of new developments with the neighborhood has been a focal point for planners. Ensuring that new buildings and infrastructure blend seamlessly with the existing community is essential for maintaining harmony and continuity. This approach not only preserves the local character but also promotes a sense of belonging among residents. Thoughtful design and community engagement are key components in achieving successful integration, fostering a vibrant and cohesive environment for everyone involved.
Architectural Harmony with Montrose
The architecture, crafted by the renowned Texas firm Lake|Flato, and the landscape design by Ten Eyck, ensure the hotel blends seamlessly with the residential character of Montrose. The property consists of five two-story buildings connected by open-air bridges and porches, creating a cohesive residential feeling. The structures are set among lush landscaped courtyards featuring mature heritage oak trees, various complementary plants, and meandering pathways.
This careful integration with the neighborhood ensures that the hotel does not feel like an imposing presence but rather an organic part of the community. The use of natural materials and soft color palettes helps the buildings blend into their surroundings, creating a harmonious balance between the built environment and nature. The open-air bridges and porches encourage interaction, fostering a sense of community among guests and locals alike.
Natural Connection and Community Feel
The use of elongated bricks and combed wood siding in soft grey tones enhances the connection with the natural surroundings. Multiple entry points throughout the city block maintain the hotel’s connection to the Montrose neighborhood. This thoughtful design ensures that the hotel feels accessible and inviting to both locals and visitors, fostering a sense of community.
The choice of materials and design elements reflects a deep understanding of the local environment and culture. By using locally sourced materials and designs that echo the surrounding architecture, the hotel creates a sense of continuity and belonging. This approach ensures that the hotel is more than just a place to stay but a meaningful part of the Montrose community.
Community and Cultural Integration
Engagement with Local Culture
Omar Abreu, General Manager of the Hotel Saint Augustine, underscores the importance of integrating with the local Montrose community, recognized for its rich cultural history and welcoming charm. The hotel’s proximity to notable Houston art institutions makes it an appealing destination for both locals and travelers. The ethos of Hotel Saint Augustine aims to capture Houston’s diverse cultural and artistic spirit, creating spaces where locals and visitors can mingle.
The hotel’s commitment to cultural integration is evident in its design and programming. By hosting events and collaborating with local artists, the hotel ensures a continual exchange of ideas and creativity. Such engagement enriches the community, providing a platform for cultural expression and dialogue. This approach not only attracts tourists but also makes the hotel a beloved local institution.
Community-Focused Initiatives
The hotel’s programming includes various community-focused initiatives, from art exhibitions to culinary events, designed to foster interaction and engagement. These initiatives provide a space for local talent to shine and for visitors to experience the richness of Houston’s cultural scene. By emphasizing community and cultural integration, the hotel creates a vibrant and dynamic environment that benefits everyone.
These initiatives aim to create a lasting impact on the local community, ensuring that the hotel is not just a place to stay but a cultural hub. By supporting local artists and businesses, the hotel contributes to the economic and cultural vitality of the area. This approach ensures that the hotel remains relevant and connected to the community, fostering a sense of pride and belonging among locals.
Developer’s Vision and Implementation
Ambition and Realization
Greg Marchbanks, CEO of The Marchbanks Company, reflects on the two-decade-long ambition to bring a hotel to the Museum District. Marchbanks highlights the vision for a hotel that blends aesthetically and functionally into the neighborhood, offering public spaces where local Houstonians can gather. He credits the collaboration of the project team for achieving this goal, resulting in a hotel that authentically aligns with the community’s objectives.
Marchbanks’ vision was to create a space that feels open and welcoming, encouraging both locals and visitors to make the hotel a part of their daily lives. Such a vision required meticulous planning and a deep understanding of the local culture and needs. The result is a hotel that offers more than just accommodation—it provides a venue for social interaction and community engagement.
Collaborative Achievement
The successful realization of this vision is a testament to the collaborative effort of all parties involved. From the architects to the interior designers and the local community, every stakeholder played a crucial role in bringing Hotel Saint Augustine to life. This collaborative spirit ensured that the hotel is not just a physical space but a reflection of the local community’s aspirations and values.
The seamless integration of aesthetic and functional elements demonstrates the effectiveness of this collaborative approach. By involving local talent and respecting the neighborhood’s character, the hotel has created a space that feels authentic and grounded. This collaborative achievement sets a new standard for boutique hospitality, proving that thoughtful design and community engagement can create spaces that resonate deeply with both locals and visitors.
Future Expansion
Hotel Saint Augustine is poised to uphold Bunkhouse Hotels’ legacy of community-driven experiences. The hotel will continue to engage with Houston’s cultural landscape through innovative programming and partnerships. Later this year, Bunkhouse Hotels aims to further expand its presence in Houston with the opening of Hotel Daphne in the historic Houston Heights neighborhood and the first Jo’s Coffee outside of Austin.
The future expansion plans reflect the hotel’s commitment to continuous growth and community engagement. Hotel Daphne’s introduction will bring the same level of thoughtful design and cultural integration to another iconic Houston neighborhood. The addition of Jo’s Coffee will further enhance the local dining landscape, providing Houstonians with new culinary options.
Conclusion
Hotel Saint Augustine, the latest addition to the Bunkhouse Hotels collection, has proudly opened its doors in the vibrant Museum District of Houston. Developed in partnership with The Marchbanks Company, this new boutique hotel is set to be a beacon of charm and sophistication in one of Houston’s most culturally rich neighborhoods. The addition of Hotel Saint Augustine brings a fresh, stylish option for visitors and locals alike, offering a unique experience that perfectly complements the artistic and cultural environment of the area.
The Museum District is known for its numerous world-class museums, galleries, and cultural institutions, making it an ideal location for a boutique hotel that aims to provide a personalized and immersive experience for its guests. With its thoughtfully designed interiors and attentive service, Hotel Saint Augustine promises to be a welcoming retreat for those exploring Houston’s diverse cultural offerings.
This collaboration between Bunkhouse Hotels and The Marchbanks Company reflects a shared vision of creating spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also deeply connected to their surroundings. The hotel features a blend of modern amenities and charming details, ensuring that every stay is both comfortable and memorable. By seamlessly integrating into the existing cultural fabric of the Museum District, Hotel Saint Augustine enhances the neighborhood’s appeal and offers a new level of hospitality to all who visit.
