Jenny Block
Legendary Events. A Legendary Hotel. What Are You Waiting For?
By Jenny Block Photography courtesy of Jenny Block
It’s the most wonderful time of the year in Houston. Nope, not Christmas. The Rodeo. The Houston Livestock and Rodeo 2025 happens through March 23 and all I have to say about it is, “Yeehaw!” Well, that and – Hotel Granduca is about to kick up your Rodeo experience by more than a few notches.
First, I was excited to kick off the Rodeo season by attending the World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest. The public can buy tickets to the event, which includes live music, a plate of barbeque, and access to the arcade games and carnival rides.
But the real action takes place in all private tents, which are by invite only. I was thrilled to get invited to the Cotton’ Q Club. The 10,000-square-foot cedar-framed “tent” was stunning, complete with a 20,000 red roses (the majority of which were hanging from the ceiling of the “tent” chandeliers, a white tiled life-size horse, and, of course, incredible live music, and stellar cuisine.
The event was hosted by Cotton Holdings, Inc., a leading disaster recovery and infrastructure support services company headquartered in Houston. It was the title sponsor of the 51st Annual World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest (“Cook-off”), from February 27 through March 1, 2025. Notable guests at the tent included Mayor John Whitmire; Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson; Bun B and Queenie; and Jim Crane, owner of the Houston Astros, among many others.
I got a little peek of the Gold Pony Lounge reserved for V-VIP guests and it was an absolute knockout completed with lush décor, a customized caviar bar from CIEL Restaurant & Lounge, serving Kaluga Huso Hybrid Caviar and more than 150 bottles of Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson’s award-winning Le Chemin Du Roi Brut Champagne.
I could not think of a better way to kick off Rodeo season. And when it comes to Rodeo season proper, I have stumbled upon the sweet spot for enjoying all things Rodeo – a stay at the newly reimagined and reopened Hotel Granduca and its inspiring new restaurant, Remi.
I don’t make this statement lightly: Staying at Hotel Granduca feels like coming home again. From the valet to the front desk to the housekeeping staff to the servers, bartenders, and managers, the staff at the gorgeous property make you feel like they have known you your whole life and could not be happier to take care of you.
There’s a library to gather in, a courtyard to commune in, a pool to relax in, and a lobby that feels less like a place to check in and more like a place to hear, “Welcome home. We’re glad you’re here.” The suites are about to be renovated, yet they are already perfectly appointed. Design upgrades await. But nothing is lacking regarding the plush linens, welcoming balconies, and bath products that you will want to tuck into your hand luggage.
Their bar and restaurant concept, Remi, is a head to toe win. It’s equal parts cozy and chic. The food and drink offerings are as comforting and familiar as they are innovative and exciting. Wagyu corndogs, crispy potato bites topped with caviar, fennel pollen hazelnuts, truffle popcorn, and a cheeseburger that will make you forget you don’t even like cheeseburgers. They offer a Grand Reopening Limited Time Offer, through April 30, which must be booked by March 31. Guests get a $100 food and beverage credit, complimentary daily breakfast for two at Remi, a unique welcome amenity, early arrival, late departure, room upgrades (based on availability), and complimentary self-parking.
Hotel Granduca is a gem more than ever with its renovation. It’s the piece Houston has been missing. It’s a place to gather, toast, eat, stay, celebrate, escape, and – this time of year – to get your Rodeo on. And they have two stellar packages that will help you to do just that.
The Rodeo Stay & Play Package, which starts at $459 includes accommodations; a Texas-inspired food and beverage welcome amenity; complimentary round-trip transportation for two to NRG Stadium; daily breakfast for two (in-room dining or Remi restaurant); and a special Texas Two-Step cocktail hour for two at Bar Remi, featuring themed drinks along with an offering of Rodeo-inspired small bites in the courtyard gardens.
If you want the royal Rodeo treatment, you might want to check out The Sole of Texas Rodeo Package, which starts at $2,384. The package includes accommodations in a luxurious 3-bedroom suite; Rodeo-themed welcome amenities for four guests (including a Texas-inspired food and beverage welcome amenity, commemorative Rodeo cowboy hats, and Rodeo-themed bandanas); daily breakfast for four (in-room dining or Remi restaurant); a special Texas Two-Step cocktail hour for four at Bar Remi (featuring themed drinks and an offering of small bites in the gardens); and access to a curated guide of Houston’s best western shop.
And now here’s where things get interesting, the package also gives guests premium seating tickets for four guests to a rodeo performance and concert of their choice (subject to availability) and complimentary round-trip transportation for four to NRG Stadium.
And last, but by no means least, guests also get a Republic Boot Co. Experience, an adventure that is as unique as fun. Republic Boot Co. is a Houston treasure. Guests on the package will enjoy a personalized boot fitting, a peek inside the journey of boot making, a tour of the hat bar, a drink at their actual bar, and lots of great stories about Republic and all of the things they make along with boots.
I had so much fun at Republic that, before I knew it, three hours had gone by. You can buy off the rack while you’re there, or even place an order for what they are known for – custom boots. And that means custom from top to bottom. The choices they offer in terms of colors, hides, patterns, and designs will knock you right out of your boots. (Note – on this package you may not have time for the custom experience, but they are happy to make you an appointment to come back.)
Their boots are gorgeous, and their fitters are experts who know all the tricks to get you into the right pair. I am obsessed with mine. My biggest problem now is being convinced not to wear them with absolutely everything. You know what they say, “When in Texas…”
Speaking of “When in Texas…” and especially in Houston, don’t miss your chance to take in the Rodeo and all its quickly fleeting glory. The Rodeo won’t be around for long. The good news is that Hotel Granduca, Remi, and Republic Boot Co. will be there.
