In your company, are you responsible for booking venues, facilities, restaurants and organizing transportation for meetings and events?
Some of Houston's Best Kept Secrets
Houston is no stranger when it comes to hosting the perfect event. The entire Houston region is overflowing with stunning locations to host your next function. Many of these locations combine long-standing culture and traditions mixed with modern amenities, making Houston one of the most popular meeting and event destinations in the country. When it comes to hospitality, Houston has got you covered.

Currently, Houston is recognized for some of its more widely known venues. However, there are numerous amazing venues that you might not know or think about. These places will allow you to plan for almost any size meeting or event, indoors or outdoors, surrounded by rich Houston culture. This chapter will offer you some of the venues that could be referred to as the best kept secrets in Houston.

Mediterranean Style Venues
Villa Rinata is a beautiful Mediterranean-style Villa located in the Galleria area. This glamorous venue can help your guests escape into the night with their elegant old world décor. The single event venue insures a private and intimate setting for you meeting or event. You will find yourself surrounded by carved stone columns, decretive fountains, ravishingly lush gardens, rich wood floors, and hand crafted wrought iron gates that will almost let you forget you are in a big city. The Villa Rinata features a large oak tree in the main Courtyard and stone-carved arches in the Garden Wine Room. It also features the Grand Staircase lined with wrought iron railing and the Ballroom filled with white stone columns and a large chandelier. Your guests will sure to be at awe when it comes to the grandeur of the Villa Rinata.

Built in 1928, The Parador stands as a testament to the architectural artistry of a distant era. The intimate spaces of the five-sided structure awaken a splendor of the past that meets with the grandeur of the present lounges. The Parador is known for its unique features including a domed ceiling, beveled crystal windows, along with extensive gardens and courtyard fountains. This refurbished masterpiece is one of Houston’s premier social and corporate event venues.

If you are looking for a distinctive Mediterranean-style venue perfect for intimate gatherings and extravagant affairs, The Gallery might be right for you. This galleria-area outdoor/indoor facility is filled with old-world beauty that is sure to make your special event stylish and unforgettable. The Gallery provides a private, architecturally inspired venue in which to indulge you and your guests, offering as many or few additional services as you require. The venue includes a downstairs and upstairs patio, upstairs lounge and the main interior event space. With their proximity to uptown Houston, it will allow your guests to have the finest of overnight accommodations just five minutes away.

Reminiscent of 17th and 18th century’s villas, Las Velas’ beautiful architecture will provide you with an unforgettable setting for your meeting or event. Las Velas has three main areas within the venue. The Monet Room has stunning marble floors and a massive fireplace to entertain guests. The Palm Court is a covered inner courtyard and is known as the focal point of the facility. It is accented with an extravagant hand-carved stone fountain, surrounded by luscious green plants. Just beyond the Palm Court lies the Renaissance Room with an open-air walled garden. With courtyards full of blooming bougainvillea, hibiscus, and other greenery, Las Velas truly presents itself as “a world away.”

Classic Style Venues
Known for its historic architecture, grand scale and superb cuisine, The Corinthian is the perfect venue. The Corinthian is a full service event venue located in a magnificent neoclassical building. They can accommodate anything from grand galas to social events and is perfect for distinguished corporate entertaining. They are detail oriented as well as highly organized and creative. They can help you make your event the talk of the town.

If you are looking for luxury at its finest, then look no further. Column A is known for their grand crystal chandeliers and extravagant ballrooms. The rich mahogany wood gives the space a classic old-world feel. The carefully placed marble and elaborate tapestries in both ballrooms create an elegant setting that guests will sure to love.

The stately, Craftsman-style house, The Hofheinz House was built in 1912. In the 1950’s, the home was acquired by Judge Roy Hofheinz, a former mayor and legendary figure in Houston history. This house was primarily used for business purposes during the conception, planning and building of the Houston Astrodome. President Lyndon B. Johnson, a great friend of “The Judge”, is known to have visited at least once during his presidency. The home underwent renovation in 2005 to make it into the unique historical venue that it is today. The Hofheinz House offers spacious dining, cocktail areas and an antique bar. Your guests are sure to feel right at home.

Originally designed as the Citizens/Heights State Bank in 1925, Rockefeller Hall has developed a long and rich history. Legend has it the bank was held up by Bonnie and Clyde in 1931. In 1979 it became known as “Rockefeller’s, The Night Club,” in which it hosted greats acts like B.B. King, The Righteous Brothers and Roy Orbison. The building was completely renovated in 1999 without altering the gracious, original architecture of the bank building. The extravagant architecture and stunning décor give it the wonderful ambience that is Rockefeller Hall.

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