In the vibrant heart of Houston, directly across from the renowned Menil Collection, a new chapter in artful hospitality begins this spring with the opening of Hotel Saint Augustine. This exquisite 71-room hotel spans five architecturally distinct buildings on a two-acre site, meticulously designed to harmonize with its culturally rich surroundings. Drawing inspiration from the de Menil family’s transformative influence on the city’s art scene, the hotel offers visitors a unique combination of aesthetic appeal and community engagement.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Architect: Lake Flato Architects
Interior Designer: Post Company
Location: Houston, Texas
Furniture: Lee Industries, Ezio Longhi, Josef Hoffmann
Landscaping: Ten Eyck
Hospitality Partner: Bludorn Hospitality Group
The Menil Collection, which opened in 1987 thanks to the efforts of philanthropists Dominique and John de Menil and featuring a design by renowned architect Renzo Piano, has long been a magnet for art enthusiasts. In close proximity to this treasure trove stand the Cy Twombly Gallery and the Drawing Institute, further establishing the area’s reputation as a cultural hub. Hotel Saint Augustine, designed by Lake Flato Architects with interior design by Post Company, seeks to cement itself as a social and design focal point for visitors and locals alike, fostering a deeper engagement with the Menil campus.
Rooted in rich historical references, the hotel’s architecture is a testament to the legacy of the de Menil family. Influences from modernists like Philip Johnson, who designed the de Menils’ iconic River Oaks home, to Rudolph Schindler and Louis Kahn, are seen in the hotel’s material choices and structural elegance. The hotel’s use of gray brick and horizontal stacking techniques echoes the subtle aesthetics of the Menil Foundation, merging seamlessly into its environment while offering guests a thoughtful space that encourages reflection and exploration.
Inside, guests are greeted by a bold red lobby that doubles as a retail space, evoking the charm of a museum giftshop. This vibrant entrance, furnished with pieces by Josef Hoffmann and others, leads to a unique listening room and bar area. Post Company’s design brings together disparate elements in a harmony reminiscent of the de Menil’s eclectic tastes, from vintage furniture to modern lighting. The bespoke interiors, with a nod to couturier Charles James, play on contrasts—minimalist structures enhanced by dynamic, colorful interiors.
In the guest rooms, the design is a dance of patterns and colors, with custom sofas and curated decor inspired by the de Menil aesthetic. The ambience is completed by bold hues like Yellow Squash and Sunbeam Yellow, enveloping rooms with warmth and character that invite relaxation and contemplation. The hotel restaurant, Perseid, enhances this sensory journey with a design theme focused on vibrant color studies, expertly carried out in collaboration with the Bludorn Hospitality Group.
Interestingly, Hotel Saint Augustine abstains from placing art on its walls, a conscious choice to keep the focus on the art outside, in the Menil Collection and surrounding spaces. This decision leads guests to explore rather than be distracted by competing visuals, thereby enhancing the experience of both the hotel and the artistic environment beyond. The Saint Augustine, in its essence, stands as a serene retreat where design, culture, and history converge, offering visitors an intimate experience with art and hospitality in one of Houston’s most cherished districts.
