Saddlebrook Equity and Management, the Doggett Family Office, have acquired the St. Regis Houston. The rebranded property will be renamed The Houston Grand Hotel – River Oaks. Following a renovation of all guestrooms, public spaces and culinary venues, the hotel will relaunch as a flagship member of The Luxury Collection.
"We are determined to curate a guest experience that is unparalleled in the city," Leslie Doggett said in a statement. "Our vision is to restore the ‘familiar and grandest hotel' of Houston hospitality to her former glory, blending world-class service with family-friendly warmth and attentiveness often unique to family-owned enterprises. We will bring back the soul of the classic hotel experience."
Brian McConn, president of Saddlebrook, added, "The upcoming refurbishments will be transformative. It is an all-hands-on-deck effort to create a spectacularly reimagined, yet comfortably familiar, destination at the intersection of River Oaks and Post Oak."
The design elements will be directed by designer and author Charlotte Moss
HEI Hotels & Resorts has contracted with Saddlebrook to assume management of the hotel. “HEI is honored to partner with prominent local leader and businessman Leslie Doggett, who will be a great steward of the hotel as it begins a new chapter in its storied history,” said Anthony Rutledge, Managing Partner and CEO of HEI Hotels and Resorts. “As one of the most experienced independent managers of Luxury Collection Hotels, we are excited to add this property to our portfolio. Working with our renovation management affiliate, GroundLVL Project Management, we look forward to helping Mr. Doggett to bring his new vision for the hotel to life.”
Saddlebrook was represented in the acquisition by Cindy Nelson of Jackson Walker LLP in Dallas, Texas and by Jonathan Falik of JF Capital Advisors. The seller was represented by John Bourret, Managing Director and Olga Lepow, Director, with Eastdil Secured, Dallas, Texas.