C. Baldwin Hotel Houston Site Inspection

Design-wise, the hotel has a feminine take on midcentury-modern and this is all intentionally done to honor the unacknowledged historical significance women played in building the city. So, I can see this as a great spot for a girl trip or women’s group and they do host a lot of events for women’s groups at the hotel.

Location: Downtown Houston, in the Allen Center, connected to surrounding buildings via skyway and to almost everywhere downtown through the underground tunnel system. Close to the theater district, Toyota Center, Minute Maid Park and the convention center. 

Rooms: King rooms and double queens, hearing/mobility accessible rooms, as well as one-bedroom suites and a presidential suite. All rooms have floor to ceiling windows. Some are outfitted with Pelotons for fitness-minded guests. 

Restaurants & Bars: Rosalie Italian Soul, Lobby Bar, Good 2 Go and a Speakeasy.

Rosalie is an insta-famous dining destination in Houston run by Top Chef Masters winner Chris Cosentino and named after his great-grandmother (in keeping with the feminist theme of the hotel). Italian American fare with a popular brunch that spills out onto the outdoor patio.

The Lobby Bar is beautifully designed with huge window walls facing the Allen Center’s outdoor space, the Allen Acre. This is where breakfast is served and is a popular happy hour spot for the downtown crowd.

Good 2 Go is their full-service coffee and snack bar located in the lobby.

The speakeasy is truly hidden, and you’ll never see it unless you are invited because it’s currently only open for special events. The space was originally designed to be a by-invitation, women-only private club for women business leaders in downtown Houston. However, the pandemic closure of the hotel and slow return of in-office workers to downtown has put that on hold for the time being. But it would be such a fun space for any groups holding a special event.

Amenities: Concierge and valet service. Pet friendly. 24-hour fitness center onsite. Complimentary car service to downtown area. Room service from Rosalie restaurant. Coffee shop onsite. Onsite salon/spa which is currently being renovated and set to reopen this summer.

Lobby seating area

Lobby Bar banquette seating

Speakeasy

Rosalie Sunroom

Rosalie dining space

Best for girls trips, mother-daughter getaways, couples and business travelers.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Texas. In need of further inspiration? Check out Bijoy Shah’s guide, First-Timer’s Guide to Houston, Texas.