Haute Houston: from its founding days, Houston has had an affinity for doing business with Latin America. For visiting Latin Americans, it remains Texas' most sophisticated metropolis

Latin CEO: Executive Strategies for the Americas, March, 2000 by Ray Viator

HOTELS

THE HOUSTONIAN

111 North Post Oak Lane

Phone: 713-680-2626 Fax: 713-680-2992.

Nestled on 18 acres of lush greenery, one of the The Houstonian's claims to fame is that it served as former US President George Bush's official Texas residence during his tenure in the oval office. Despite the wooded setting, The Houstonian is located less than five minutes from the Galleria and only 10 minutes from downtown Houston. Guests receive complimentary access to The Houstonian Club, featuring over 25,000 square feet of health and fitness areas, including racquetball, paddle pall, three heated swimming pools, indoor and outdoor tracks and a 20-foot rock-climbing area. The Houstonian Spa is rated one of the nation's finest. Rooms from US$269.

LA COLOMBE D'OR

3410 Montrose Boulevard

Phone: 713-524-7999 Fax: 713-524-8923

Distinguished as a Texas historical landmark and renowned as the "World's Smallest Luxury Hotel," La Colombe d'Or personifies old world charm married with modem cuisine, service and amenities. Built in 1923 as the home of the founder of Humble Oil, it was purchased in 1979 and restored to its original elegance. La Colombe d'Or houses six suites offering extraordinary comfort with an eclectic mixture of original art and antiques. Every suite has its own dining room. Located adjacent to the University of St. Thomas and two miles from Houston's business district, La Colombe dOr is an alternative to larger, more traditional luxury hotels. Rooms from US$195.

LANCASTER HOTEL

701 Texas Avenue

Phone: 713-228-9500 Fax: 713-223-4528

For executives wanting more intimate accommodations in a small luxury hotel in downtown Houston, The Lancaster delivers it in the heart of Houston's Theater District. Decorated with 18th century art, fine antiques and fresh floral arrangements, the Lancaster has the atmosphere and charm of an English country manor. Each of the 93 guestrooms and suites is decorated with imported English fabrics and wallpapers, including marble bathrooms. Rooms are also equipped with two-line speaker telephones with conference capabilities, modem ports and private-line fax machines. Rooms from US$250.

FOUR SEASONS

1300 Lamar Street

Phone: 713-650-1300 Fax: 713-276-7487

Located in the heart of downtown Houston, the Four Seasons Hotel is downtown's only AAA Five Diamond hotel. Houston's newest addition, Enron Field, the new home of the Houston Astros baseball team, is just blocks away, as is the George R Brown Convention Center. The Four Seasons also offers complimentary Lincoln Town Car service downtown. A state of the art fitness facility is available 24 hours a day, complimentary to all guests, and features an outdoor heated lap pool, an over-sized heated whirlpool, sauna, exercise equipment and massage/aromatherapy. Rooms from US$260.

OMNI HOUSTON HOTEL

Four Riverway

Phone: 713-871-8181 Fax: 713-871-8116

Honored as Houston's longest-standing AAA Five Diamond hotel, The Omni Houston Hotel is a contemporary 11-story luxury outpost located in a lovely setting on 32 acres of park greenery adjacent to the fashionable Tanglewood neighborhood. Rooms feature data ports, two-line phones, and voice mail. Guests also receive twice-daily maid service; baby-sitters and a house physician are on call. While most Houston hotels have heated outdoor swimming pools, The Omni features the only heated pool with underwater music. Other amenities include four outdoor tennis courts. It's located one mile from The Galleria. Rooms from US$189.