Slumber Party: Deep in the Heart of Houston at JW Marriott

The first installment in EDGE's new "Slumber Party" column, the series will profile our favorite new properties opening around the globe. We chose Houston as one of our 2015 'Seven Gay Wonders of the World'.

It's said that in real estate it's all about location, location, location. If so, the new JW Marriott Houston Downtown, which perches happily on Main Street, is just about the sweetest real estate in H-Town. It's just blocks from the Theater District and a quick cab ride from Montrose, Houston's LGBT neighborhood. And yet what really rocks about the eight-month-old property isn't how close it is to the city's finest destinations, it's how fine a destination it is itself.

Where History And Art Merge
The stunning landmark hotel is housed in 105-year-old Samuel F. Carter building and represents the first time in Texas that JW Marriott has adapted an existing structure to suit its needs. It's a gambit that paid off, according to Natalie Wiseman, the property's director of sales and marketing.

"We've created a luxurious hotel while preserving the original elements and the character of the building," says Wiseman. "The original, hot-riveted steel columns, previously covered with cement, are exposed and incorporated into the hotel's design, including in the lobby and the restaurant. The guestroom design also preserves the column structure, making each room slightly different. It's truly a unique property."

For art lovers, a stay in the JW Marriott Houston Downtown might negate the need to cruise the city's galleries. The hotel boasts a curated collection inspired by the booming Houston art scene with 18 works by Texan, national and international artists. The biggest head-turner might be the 13-foot-tall, 1,500-pound cast manganese bronze griffin by Dallas-based artist Brad Oldham. If the size of the sculpture didn't wow - bigger really is better in Texas - the massive wings extending through the lobby windows into Main Street certainly would.

Where Relaxation Rules
The JW Marriott Houston Downtown is also setting trends with the worldwide debut of the brand's first Spa by JW, which occupies a whopping 5,600 square feet of the property's 11th floor. Offerings such as massage and skin, body and nail therapies were designed specifically to help clients calm, invigorate, indulge or renew. There are plenty of express treatments on the menu if time is short, but for even greater well-being, the hotel also sports special spa-inspired rooms.

Whether guests are all about wellness or just want a more relaxing, rejuvenating stay, these digs are a true treat. Amenities include a lavish bathroom; spa lounger with heat and pulsating massage that reclines completely for in-room Spa by JW treatments; dawn simulator for gentle awakenings; complimentary healthy drinks and snacks; and a free express treatment of choice. After all, why should Vegas hold the market on swanky stay-well accommodations?

Where Diversity Is Celebrated
Members of the LGBT community can stay at the hotel knowing they are choosing a TAG-approved property that enforces its non-discrimination policies, including sexual orientation. "JW Marriott Houston Downtown is the embodiment of Houston's hospitality and its diverse community," notes Wiseman. "We believe that every guest should feel comfortable and welcome the moment they walk through our doors." With a statement like that, it's clear that not only is JW Marriott's Houston Downtown hotel in the right place, its heart is, too.