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By Mary Frances Blatchley

Month to month deadlines and lots of Change can make life in the magazine world move at a frenetic pace! Which is exactly why our trio of “Change Angels” chose Hotel Sorella for our quarterly retreat and review weekend last month. The atmosphere is relaxed, attentive, styl-ishly comfortable, spacious and welcoming.

Hotel Sorella brings the energy of downtown to Houston’s west side and is the centerpiece of CityCentre – a distinct blend of elegant retail shops, fine dining, state-of-the-art offices and plenty of European-styled open air spaces to soak up the sunshine and soothing breezes. We needed lots of energy and a space where we could expand our imaginations and our business plan.

Upon arrival, our team, (Carla Medlenka, Michelle Lilly Hester and myself) settled into our junior executive suites - luxurious, yet simply designed with deeply toned wood floors, center table and chairs, 37” flat screen television, oversize chaise and king size pillowtop bed dressed in 300-count Egyptian cotton linens, goose down pillows and more.

No time to watch TV or relax in our rooms, we were ready to get to work. The hotel provides private meeting rooms, but we chose to “office” in the spacious lobby lounge area because of its bright lighting

(provided by a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows and doors), multiple niches with couches, leather chairs, coffee tables offering bowls of fruit and one-click access to wifi. The color scheme of soft greens, rich chocolates, deep purples and bright whites was quite inviting. Our warm welcome from the hotel staff included one special touch - Nate (“everything’s great with Nate” is his mantra) - who provided per-sonal attention during our entire two-day stay. Our every wish was his command!

Each morning’s Continental breakfast spread was a bountiful mix of the freshest fruits, healthy cereals, chilled yogurt, assortments of oversized croissants and sweet rolls, specialty teas, blended Katz coffee and made to order cappuccino, espresso and lattés (it took a bit of arm twisting but I fell for the decadently divine white chocolate latté driz-zled with caramel – dessert in a cup). We could eat light or indulge.

An occasional walk outdoors to the tiled balcony, appointed with comfy cushioned chairs and room to stretch and take in the view of green spaces, recharged our batteries and kept us productive. Lunch at Straits was fantastic, capturing the interior charm and delicious cuisine found at its original San Francisco location. Here, the fusion cuisine

TRAVEL

Hotel Sorella PERFECT FOR YOUR ROMANTIC RETREAT OR WORKING WEEKEND

Change magazine recently held our executive planning session at CityCentre’s Hotel Sorella and found its simplistic style and relaxing atmosphere, with plenty of green space, was just what we needed to accomplish our goals.

2February 2010 • Houston

features just the right blend of exotic influences including the bright flavors and cooking styles of Thai, Indonesian, Chinese, Malay, Indian and Nonya cuisines.

After our light lunch we worked throughout the day, fueled by fresh air and plenty of ice water and hot tea perfectly served by Nate. We all looked forward to dinner at Bistro Alex, the newest dining experience created by the famed Brenna family. Co-owner Alex Brennan-Martin brings the Brennan brand of Texas Creole to Bistro Alex and, also at CityCentre, Café Rosé. Dinner at Bistro Alex was the highlight of our weekend. Carla insisted on the turtle soup, a signature favorite that should never be missed. Hot crusty garlic bread could not be avoided (carbs and all). I decided on the crispy whole red snapper with charred corn and local citrus with chimichurri sauce, Michelle chose beef short rib “osso bucco” with goat cheese stone ground grits, oyster mush-rooms and buttered leeks with truffled bordelaise, and Carla ordered grilled black angus filet of beef with Creole cream cheese mash pota-toes, caramelized onions, melted wild mushrooms and syrah pepper-corn glace (which she declared to be the finest filet she’d ever eaten). Each was presented with an art-inspired twist and perfectly served by our excellent waiter, Steven. Nate had recommended the Brennan’s white chocolate bread pudding. And, although overstuffed, we “suf-fered” through it with delight!

The Monnalisa beckoned, where we enjoyed a drink and the flam-ing warmth of their giant fire pit, centrally located and surrounded by seating. A dreamy starlit ceiling and semi-secluded lounge areas added to its alluring ambiance. Swanky patrons and perfect music provided an unparalleled chic Houston evening experience. Though it was too chilly for a trip outside, the beautifully lit pool and canvas cabanas will be visited upon our return.

As I headed to my room that evening, my only thought was, “How can I extend my stay here?” Before sliding into bed I enjoyed the view from my tenth floor room: In the CityCentre courtyard the central water features danced next to glowing fire and trees glistening with blue lights. The area bustled with hotel guests and locals out for the evening. Beyond the courtyard stretched a panoramic view from downtown to the Galleria. I had not realized such a beautiful sight existed from Houston’s west side.

Our executive planning session was super productive, and we ac-complished our goals thanks to the quality of care and service pro-vided to us by Hotel Sorella. We look forward to our next weekend retreat, and hope to take in a movie at the premier nine-screen Studio Movie Grill, and make good use of the state-of-the-art Life Time Fit-ness facility, plus maybe a meal at the new Ruggles Green restaurant, opening in April.

(Above) Dramatic corridors with the deep chocolate Sorella pattern make walking to your room an experience in itself. (Right) The transition from the Moroccan-style Monnalisa bar to the pool area is simply amazing with its cabanas and view of the City Centre courtyard.

From chic accommodations to delectable delights, Hotel Sorella is a complete experience in sophistication, comfort and style. (Left to right) Spacious interiors and dark planked hardwood style flooring creates a “home like” atmosphere in each guest room; Origami Seabass is just one Singapore inspired fare from Straits Restaurant.; A bold, “flavorful” setting matches the Texas-inspired menu found at the hotel’s Bistro Alex.