Houston’s Hotel Derek is now the Greenleigh. See inside.

For 22 years, Hotel Derek glittered blue on the intersection of the 610 Loop at Westheimer. For vehicular site visitors, its mirrored glass home windows marked the exit for the Galleria. Its caddy-corner presence signaled a departure from the west aspect of city into River Oaks. Thanks to Drake’s 2015 mixtape album “If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late,” the Hotel Derek has turn into Houston lore.

Next 12 months, the unofficial Bayou City landmark will get a brand new lease on hospitality life. Hotel Derek is slated to re-open in spring 2026 as the Greenleigh, underneath the Marriott Autograph Collection Hotels umbrella. Makeready, a Dallas-based firm, will handle and function the 299-room property. Rates begin $329.

“The location and the former identity has been a beacon for a long time. What we’re looking to do with the Greenleigh is bring a new identity to the market and a new, vibrant experience to the River Oaks community in a very thoughtful way,” Makeready President Eric Gavin instructed the Houston Chronicle. “When you’re driving by and see that the new facade is completely changed, we want you to think ‘Wow, what’s coming?’”

The Greenleigh’s impending arrival additionally cements a current resort growth in Houston forward of FIFA World Cup 2026. Hotel Saint Augustine, The Marlene and Thompson Houston have all opened throughout the previous 24 months. Hotel Daphne, a Bunkhouse Hotels group sister property of the Saint Augustine, welcomes its first visitors on Dec. 1.

The Greenleigh’s area of interest is a little more tropical and classy, albeit with the capability to accommodate extra visitors and entertain in public areas on a Texas-size scale.

Renderings illustrate a Tulum-meets-Miami design aesthetic. Gavin’s crew goals to create an city oasis modeled after a retreat vacation spot. Its nature-inspired title suggests the plush vegetation of a meadow or clearing — Makeready’s idea has leaned into that.

“With the Greenleigh we’ve been very intentional about the name, which speaks to migratory patterns. Birds are etched throughout the property,” Gavin mentioned.

There’s a rooftop deliberate with excessive grasses and sweeping views. By day, a Swim Club creates a chance to loosen up by the pool. In the evenings, Gavin hopes that resort visitors and Houston residents will reap the benefits of the area for social gatherings and occasions. With a complete of 13,000 sq. ft of assembly room, one in all Makeready’s targets is to host galas. The ballroom can accommodate as much as 300 individuals.

It’s a departure from Hotel Derek’s clubby, moody, after-hours enchantment. Which isn’t essentially a foul factor. The recognition of Tilman Fertitta’s River Oaks District has lured a world crowd to the realm, the place luxurious shoppers are extra considering procuring safely on the newly opened Pucci, Loro Piana or Altuzarra boutiques and fewer into bottle popping at Bisou, a shuttered vibe-dining restaurant.

Gavin hopes the Greenleigh will also be a little bit of a gathering area. He goals for guests will work from their laptops within the foyer, they usually’ve designed a Trade Room bar for informal gatherings, too. Chef Richard Sandoval will serve wood-fired Mexican meals and Oaxacan delicacies from an on-site restaurant, dLeña.

Upstairs, the Greenleigh’s resort room palettes function heat tones, layered textures and residential layouts.

“We’re creating an urban oasis. We’re taking a step back and bringing you to nature, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday Houston life,” Gavin mentioned.