Hotel Sorella City Centre-Visit Houston

Sometimes all we need is a little getaway with the family to bring you back to center.  No having to worry about cleaning or cooking, just having fun!

Thanks to New Creative Media and Hotel Sorella for inviting my family for a staycation.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

We left the beds unmade, the towels on the floor, and just walked out.  You read that right!  I did! 

Everyday we live with rules, schedules, and routines.  It is good to break the routine.  It is Summer and what better way to get out of the norm than to leave it all behind. 

Hotel Sorella is located at City Centre.  City Centre has so many shops, restaurants, live music, and so much more.  In the heart of City Centre is Hotel Sorella.  It is more than just a fancy room, a cool pool, and good service. 

It is a full service, top of the line, they have thought of it all:

1)  Food

 Poptails-Monnalisa

food and drinks-Radio Milano and Milano Bar

And even complimentary continental breakfast!

2)  Fitness

fitness center and complimentary bikes available

3)  Fun

pool and cabanas available

My daughter loves the pool.  She is a water baby.  She could live in the pool all day long and never have to eat. 

Hotel Sorella really went over and beyond.  We spent 4th of July at Hotel Sorella.  I had heard of the amazing experience to be had at Hotel Sorella.  We actually got to experience it.  We enjoyed ourselves poolside and the little did not want to leave the pool when it was time to get out.  I really liked that the staff kept bringing towels to the pool.  I have been to hotels before that you have to go fetch your towels and that is not good when you are dragging wet kids out.  The pool was very well attended.  The kids got to play and swim.  Mom got to relax. 

But our night did not end there.  We had dinner at Radio Milano and afterwards headed to our rooms for the big show.  The crowds were getting bigger and bigger.  Everyone ready to watch the show at City Centre.  The live band plays right in front of the hotel.  The band was playing some good music.  We headed back to our hotel.  We all jump in the shower and got in our pjs.  And then the big show started.....

My daughter likes fireworks but does not like how loud they are.  She has never been able to really enjoy fireworks because the louder they get, the more anxious it gets her.  We had the best seats in the house or should I say, the hotel.  Front row, indoors, in our pjs....she sat and watched.  I sat and watched her little face.  She was so amazed.  Her eyes just got bigger and bigger.  It was the perfect way to end our evening.  I have to tell you this was the best fireworks experience ever.  Hotel Sorella was the place to be.

For more information, go to hotelsorella-citycentre.com.

Radio Milano | Bites and Cocktails

Summers in Houston are hot.  We are learning to just enjoy them as much as we can.  One thing we like to do as a family is go out to eat.  This is an indoor activity we can all enjoy and everyone has to eat sometime, right?

Thanks to New Creative Media and Radio Milano for hosting our families for bites and cocktails.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

Radio Milano is a Houston restaurant in CityCentre.  It is on and popping in CityCentre with so many shops popping up.  There is so much do to and see there too.  And all that shopping can get you hungry and in the mood for some good food. 

Radio Milano and Milano Bar offer a lunch and dinner menu.  They are open 7 days a week.  On Sunday, they offer a brunch buffet.  They also offer complimentary parking.

 Ahi Tuna

Crab Cake

Montecristo Waffles

On 4th of July, Milano Bar pulled out their grill and offered a range of street food which we got to sample as well.

 Burger

 Pull Beef Nachos

Bacon Loaded Hot Dog

We sat outside and people watched as we ate our street food.  It was all delicious.  They have plenty of seating indoors and outdoors.  They also have a lot of lounge seating perfect for hanging out and catching up. 

       

For more information, go to www.radio-milano.com or call 713.827.3545 to make a reservation. 

Newly Renovated Wyndham Houston West - Energy Corridor #GoHouston

Four years ago was the first time I visited the Wyndham Houston West - Energy Corridor for my niece's Quinceañera.  The location was perfect and easy for everyone to find.  We had family coming in from out of town and people from all over the Houston area.  Some of the guests stayed at the hotel.  My niece and her family's room was very spacious.  Everyone had all good things to say about their stay.

Thanks to New Creative Media and the Wyndham Houston West - Energy Corridor for hosting our family for a staycation.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

Hospitality from the moment we walked in.  In the reception area, there is cool and refreshing infused water waiting for you.  And in our room, Chef Justin had a tasty surprise waiting for us.  How did he know that I love chocolate? 

Our family got to stay in the Deluxe room that has two double beds perfect for our family.  There is also a reading chair with ottoman that is a perfect place to sit and relax or get pampered at.

Wyndham Wellness for Body, Mind, and Soul where the guests well-being is top priority.

One thing we definitely took advantage of was the indoor pool that was open until 10 pm.  Bar Ten and Lounge is located right next to the pool.  You can grab your drinks and head to the pool or hot tub to relax and unwind. 

The next morning we woke up refreshed and ready for breakfast.  We were invited to the Park Restaurant & Grille which has been named by Zagat as one of the Top Ten Best Hotel Restaurants in Houston. 

There is no need to go wait in line at a breakfast restaurant chain or to only have #1-#10 as your choices for breakfast.  I hope you are not hungry because you will be after looking at the spread available at the Park Restaurant and Grille.  Do you want hot or cold breakfast?

My daughter actually woke up with pancakes on her mind.  I did not see any but all I had to do was ask.  Our order was placed with the kitchen and it came right out.

 Pancakes for the Princess

Omelette for me

But you do not have to leave your room to grab a bite, you can do in-room dining 7 days a week.  The Park Restaurant and Grille also has All-Day Dining.  You can see the entire menu here.

A few more things you may not know:

-pet friendly

-billiards and shuffleboard available

-complimentary shuttle within 5 miles which includes Houston CityCentre

For more information, go to wyndhamhoustonwest.com

No Reservation Needed-Ten Bar & Lounge

It is Friday night and you feel alright (that song just popped into my head? Sorry, back to the post)….it has been a long week.  The weekend is finally here.  You want to go grab some dinner.  You do not want to be bothered with lines and you definitely did not make a reservation.    

Thanks to the Wyndham Houston West Energy Corridor and Ten Bar & Lounge for hosting my family for dinner.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

If you told me to meet you at a hotel for dinner, I would look at you crazy.  Don’t think I’m crazy just yet.

Ten Bar and Lounge is located inside the Wyndham Houston West Energy Corridor at 14703 Park Row, Houston, Texas, 77079.  They have table and bar sitting available. 

Monday – Saturday

4 pm to 11 pm

Sunday

4 pm to 10 pm

Happy Hour

4 pm – 6 pm

Justin Strang is the new Executive Chef at Wyndham Houston West Energy Corridor.  With this new appointment comes an all-new menu.  Justin is a culinary veteran.  His love for food is found in the flavor of all his dishes.  He plays with different flavors, textures, and what you get it really good food!

The menu had so many options to choose from.  My husband and I had a tough time trying to decide.

Chef Justin came out to talk about the menu and he even made a duck soup that he brought out for us to try.  It was delicious.  So flavorful.  My daughter tried it and liked it as well.

Duck Soup

 Cilantro Crab Cakes

 House Cut Rib Eye

Mojo Grilled Boneless Pork Chops

Caramel Flan

First of all, we were not expecting so much flavor in every dish.  We tried new things that we never tried before.  Chef Justin really did bring lots of new to this menu.  Our taste buds were extremely happy. 

But the best part was the service we received from every person.  I never thought about going to a hotel from dinner.  The menu prices were not ridiculous and over priced.  You get good food, in a relaxed environment, and you leave very satisfied.  We did not have to fight a crowd.  We did not have to make reservations.  This is great for after work meetings or events.  It is also a perfect spot for an Anniversary or Birthday celebration. 

For more information, go to Wyndham.com/Houston.

Discover, Learn, and Explore-Visit Houston

Have you ever visited a city and you wanted to know where to take your family?  I like to explore wherever we visit.  Find fun places for the entire family to enjoy.  Someone once mentioned that we only get 18 summers with our kids, if we are lucky.  We should make the best of them.  Especially since together we work so hard all year, we deserve a little play.  Summer is the best time to discover, learn, and explore with your family. 

Thanks to Visit Houston for providing me with a CityPASS for each of us.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

The Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS) is the perfect place to discover, learn, and explore with a family.  There is something for everyone.  I know what you are thinking, you hated Science back in school and this is a snooze fest waiting to happen but it is not.  My husband, I will not tell you his age, had never been to HMNS.

There are three floors of exhibits.  There are 16 permanent exhibits like:

Strake Hall of Malacology-My daughter loves seashells. 

Farish Hall of Texas Wildlife-There were so many different animals to see and even hear.

Alfred C. Glassell, Jr. Hall-This little mermaid was amazed with all the sea life in this display.

Hamman Hall Of Texas Coastal Ecology

Morian Hall of Paleontology-As many times as my kids and I have visited, we had never discovered the viewing deck.  This is a must see.  You get an aerial view of all the huge dinosaurs.

Hall of Ancient Egypt-We walked like Egyptians, we did!  It was fun!

Frensley/Graham Hall of African Wildlife-My daughter's favorite animal is a Zebra.  She was our tour guide in this area.

John P. McGovern Hall of The Americas-Ever wanted to go to the ruins?

And there is so much more.  I could share pictures and pictures of this place.

If you have never been and even if you have been, the exhibits are always changing or new ones are added.  And with the Houston CityPASS this can be one of the attractions you visit.

What is CityPASS?  CityPASS allows you to explore Houston’s best attractions for 9 days.  There is no need to rush as your countdown does not start until the first day of use.  It also helps you save 48% on ticket admission. 

Admission includes:

1)      Space Center Houston

2)      Downtown Aquarium

3)      Houston Zoo OR Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

4)      Kemah Boardwalk OR Children’s Museum of Houston

5)      Houston Museum of Natural Science

That’s five places for one price.  And you don’t have to stand in long lines.  CityPASS holders have VIP status.  There is a separate line for entrance helping you get to your exploration even faster.  With small kids any time not spent in a line waiting for fun to begin is awesome!

Fore more information, go to www.citypass.com/houston.