A short drive from College Station, Mike and I made our way to Houston for a quick retreat at the Hotel Alessandra in downtown Houston.
Recently featured in Texas Monthly as a top summer destination in Texas, we were whisked away by the breathtaking downtown views from the rooftop pool, all the way to sipping a glass of wine at the hotel bar and lounge, Bardot.
Rest Easy
Opened by the Valencia Hotel Group in 2017, the Hotel Alessandra brings a eclectic mix of Manhattan and The Hamptons to downtown Houston.
The room was filled with beautiful details from the moment you walk through the door. The large soaking tub that connected the bedroom to the bathroom was probably my favorite feature of the room. The room was inviting and made you feel right at home with a cozy corner to lounge in or the spa like retreat that awaited just steps into the bathroom.
Although we did not stay long enough to enjoy a day at the spa, Hotel Alessandra offers seasonal spa services. In the month of June enjoy a “Deep Cleansing European Facial.” July brings “Endless Summer Body Treatment” and in August try the “Eminence Potent C & E Age Defense Facial” during your stay.
Date Night in H-Town
A short drive from the Hotel, we arrived at ROKA AKOR a Japanese Steakhouse, Seafood and Sushi restaurant, where we enjoyed a spectacular dinner.
ROKA has a special meaning. “RO” meaning hearth, a gathering place where people socialize and take in the ambiance and “KO” standing for a burning fire and projecting energy. The meaning of ROKA was present as we dined.
As I looked around the restaurant, I saw a large table of oil businessman straight ahead, a family of four at the table to the left and a couple at a romantic table for two to the right. The room filled with energy and served as a gathering place for everyone, just as the name describes.
Mike and I selected the ROKA AKOR Omakase, which means to “entrust in the chef.” I would highly recommend this menu selection, as it gives you an opportunity to really indulge in a large selection of the menu.
The cost is $128 plus tax per person, with a two person minimum and worth every cent. This selection also takes the pressure off of you to make a choice from a menu that is filled with so many wonderful cuisine options.
I believe that every dining experience is not solely judged by the chef who prepared the meal, but the service that the staff delivers. Our host was Branden and he took care of us throughout our dining experience by explaining each dish in great detail and what flavors we would expect with each bite.
In addition to the excellent service, Branden was able to help us pair our meal with a Houraisen Junmai Ginjo Wa Sake, a harmony of sweet and crisp. The literal meaning of the sake is “harmony will brew great sake.” It was the perfect pairing with our meal.
Every dish was full of flavor and defined by it’s own pallet that energized our taste buds. Some of my favorite Chef selections were:
- Japanese Mushroom Rice Hot Pot with Shaved Black Truffle
- Sweet Corn with Soy Garlic Butter
- Japanese Wagyu Beef
- Crispy Brussel Sprouts with Mustard and Bonito Flakes
- Salmon Sashimi
If sushi is more your style, try the ROKA AKOR Sushi Counter. Only seating six, guests will enjoy a premium selection of exotic and rare fish, selected daily by the Chef.
A few accolades worth mentioning about the Sushi Counter at ROKA AKOR…. Travel + Leisure named the sushi program the “Best Sushi Restaurant in the U.S.” and Bon Appétit named ROKA AKOR in the “Top 10 Sushi Spots in the United States.” The sushi program features fresh fish flown in daily and served with fresh wasabi grated at the table, house-made soy sauce, and Himalayan rock salt.
Next time you are H-town check into a relaxing stay at the Hotel Alessandra and dine at ROKA AKOR. Relax, Retreat and Enjoy! xx Jennifer
Although Mike and I received invitations to stay at the Hotel Alessandra and to dine at ROKA AKOR, all opinions and photos featured in this article are ours.
