Fall into fun at Four Seasons Houston

Somewhere along the way, Four Seasons Houston became my family’s happy place.  

To anyone who has visited, this should come as no surprise. After all, Four Seasons Houston, named among the Best Hotels in the United States by U.S. News & World Report, is widely revered as a wonderful place to stay. Centrally located in downtown Houston, it also has some of the best customer service and hospitality of anywhere I’ve ever visited.  

Four Seasons Houston is an ideal place to celebrate milestones such as birthdays. Mirielle Badgley-Finan photo

As my 45th birthday approached in June, I decided to spend my birthday weekend in Houston, in part to see Morgan Wallen perform at NRG Stadium but also to relax and indulge at one of my favorite hotels. From a wonderful birthday amenity arranged by my daughters and perfectly executed by the hospitality team to the friendly faces we found everywhere from the pool deck to the on-site Topgolf Swing Suites, it was another incredible stay in one of my favorite cities. 

If you’re looking for fall fun that’s only a few hours from Austin, Four Seasons Houston has a slate of programming guaranteed to please your party.  

“With the fall season upon us, we invite guests and locals to come and celebrate all this great city has to offer – from culture and entertainment to world-class sports, and more,” says Tom Segesta, General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Houston. “There’s nowhere better to experience the season’s most exciting culinary, wellness, and luxury offerings, making Four Seasons the ideal place from which to explore this incredible city.” 

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If you’re contemplating a visit, here are some things you can look forward to at Four Seasons Houston this fall.  

Discover the hidden bar 

Bandista is a hidden bar at Four Seasons Houston. Four Seasons Houston photo

Named one of America’s Best Bars, Bandista is the speakeasy bar and lounge hidden behind a bookcase at Four Seasons Hotel Houston. Guided by expert drink makers, guests enjoy inventive creations, colorful and celebratory in nature, often with unexpected elements. Despite only having 20 seats, Bandista is more than just a bar – it’s a cocktail laboratory, journey and experience. Reservations are required for 90-minute seatings; it’s open Tuesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to midnight.  

Go celeb spotting at Toro Toro 

“La Bomba” is a surprising and delightful dessert offered at Toro Toro. Kristin Finan photo

Chef Richard Sandoval’s pan-Latin steakhouse, Toro Toro, offers a twist on the contemporary steakhouse experience with pan-Latin influences and Asian dishes. Rooted in the vibrant flavors and convivial dining culture of Central and South America, the menu features rodízio-style churrasco steaks, exotic game and seafood, including sushi and ceviche from the suviche bar. My daughters and I were blown away by the “La Bomba” dessert, a signature, interactive chocolate dessert where a server drops a chocolate half-sphere at your table, cracking it open to reveal ice creams, brownie bites, fresh berries and sauces. The dessert is designed for a dramatic presentation and is a delicious, interactive way to celebrate with friends and family. 

Taste the season at Bayou & Bean 

A variety of fall programming is available at Four Seasons Houston. Four Seasons Houston photo

Now through Oct. 31, the hotel’s Bayou & Bean cafe and restaurant will embrace fall with a seasonal menu of specialty coffees including Autumn Zing (espresso, pumpkin spice, milk) and Pistachio Dream (espresso, pistachio, honey, milk), along with housemade treats from Executive Pastry Chef Krystin McCarley, including Cinnamon Apple Cruffin and Pumpkin Loaf Bread. The restaurant will also be hosting Oktoberfest events Oct. 1-31. 

Enjoy Texas Cocktail Week 

The inaugural Texas Cocktail Week takes place throughout the city Sept. 17-21, celebrating the bar world from near and far. With Four Seasons as the Hotel Sponsor, cocktail aficionados can experience a number of special on-property activations, including pop-ups at Bandista, master tastings at Bayou & Bottle, an insightful industry panel, and a farewell brunch at Toro Toro. 

Treat yourself 

Guests of the hotel’s The Spa and Nail Bar are invited to experience a Latte Scrub & Massage, a luxurious fall-themed body treatment, Oct. 1-Nov. 30. The Latte Glow Soothing Body Scrub & Massage begins with an invigorating full-body scrub, expertly whipped with 100 percent Arabica coffee grounds, pure cane sugar, and a calming soufflé of essential oils. The rich aroma of roasted coffee and creamy vanilla awakens the senses as coconut oil and sweet almond oil deeply moisturize and rejuvenate. An application of nourishing body butter then locks in hydration, leaving skin silky smooth and glowing. 

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Ongoing offerings 

Additionally, guests can experience season-long offerings including Burger Wednesdays, Master Whiskey Classes, Guided Bourbon Tastings, and the Topgolf Swing Suites at Bayou & Bottle; Happy Hour, Express Lunch, Weekend Brunch, “Suviche” Making Classes, and Guided Agave Tastings at Toro Toro; Mixology Classes; and Saturday Morning Yoga. Guests may also enhance their look by borrowing from the Vivrelle collection of luxury designer accessories.