C. Baldwin Officially Opens its Doors, Honoring the Past and Welcoming the Future of Hospitality in Downtown Houston
Style Magazine Newswire | 10/15/2019, 5:18 p.m.
C. Baldwin, Curio Collection by Hilton, Houston’s newest one-of-a-kind hotel, welcomed nearly 2,000 VIP guests to celebrate the hospitality milestone. Located at the western gateway of downtown and serving as the new social anchor for the landmark Allen Center – one of the neighborhood’s first mixed-use developments – the 354-room Curio Collection property honors Charlotte Baldwin Allen, an instrumental figure in the early development of the Bayou City.
“C. Baldwin represents the best of what downtown Houston has become while recognizing the women intertwined in its history,” said Maggie Rosa, general manager, C. Baldwin. “A concerted effort was made not only to involve female decision makers in the hotel’s development, but to also create spaces that would appeal to the female traveler while naturally intriguing their male counterparts.”
Resting above the main entrance of the hotel, a 111-foot living native plant wall displays an “X” to remind visitors to make their mark in the world, inspired by a time when Baldwin was unable to sign her own name to legal documents when conducting business matters.
C. Baldwin showcases the best of the city as it relates to hospitality, community and cuisine. The property boasts stylish accommodations and stunning common areas, state-of-the-art meeting and event spaces, signature restaurant Rosalie Italian Soul from Top Chef Master Chris Cosentino with rising star Sasha Grumman at the helm, a chic clean beauty retreat Paloma, and experiential boutique Sloan/Hall.
“With Hilton recently named the #1 Best Workplace for Women in the U.S., this is an especially fitting time for us to welcome C. Baldwin to the Curio Collection by Hilton portfolio,” said Jenna Hackett, VP, Global Head, Curio and Tapestry Collections by Hilton. “By its name alone, this property sparks curiosity, and its location offers an amazing starting point from which to explore this incredibly dynamic and diverse city that is increasingly on the forefront of places to discover.”
Like its namesake, C. Baldwin is a monument to strong female visionaries. The masterful design was brought to life by internationally-renowned Lauren Rottet of Houston-based Rottet Studio, as well as award-winning Kate Rohrer of Philadelphia’s ROHE Creative.
Rohrer brought a vibrant aesthetic to the property’s restaurant, named after Cosentino’s great-grandmother Rosalie, a first-generation Italian immigrant that taught the chef how to bring her recipes to life. Drawing from Rosalie’s 1970s kitchen, the mid-century inspired ambiance plays with contrasting materials that combine geometric and organic forms to elevate the space. C. Baldwin’s culinary offerings also include a convenient Good 2 Go coffee and snack bar in addition to an expansive lobby bar with a signature staircase and chandelier that serves as a focal point of the hotel’s lobby.
C. Baldwin guest rooms and suites are outfitted with modern and sophisticated décor and boast ample natural light with floor-to-ceiling windows. Premium rooms and suites on floors 15 to 20 provide sweeping views of the city and the surrounding Allen Center. The interior décor of C. Baldwin carries its overarching theme to its walls, adorned with original portraits of fierce Houston women with flashy cars shot by local photojournalist Elizabeth Conley. Select corner rooms are outfitted with Peloton cycles, providing active guests with a wellness option in the privacy of their own room.
The hotel’s 14,000 square feet of premier, flexible function space was conceived to host events spanning from society galas and unforgettable weddings to a range of corporate needs. Each distinctive venue is named after a female leader or innovator, including Barbara Jordan, the first African American woman elected to the Texas senate; Adina De Zavala, the renowned Texas writer and preservationist; and legendary Port Arthur, Texas rock and soul legend Janis Joplin. The largest of 11 spaces, the 5,580-square-foot B. Jordan ballroom can accommodate up to 650 guests.
Upon leaving the hotel, guests can find themselves in the center of the action – from the offices of Fortune 500 companies and the trails of Buffalo Bayou Park to the Theater District, Market Square, George R. Brown Convention Center, and the nearby nightlife of Midtown and EaDo. Just a few blocks away from the property, guests can easily access the light rail line for quick trips to Hermann Park, the Museum District, Texas Medical Center and NRG Center.
“We can’t think of a better location for C. Baldwin than in one of the fastest growing cities in the world, both as an international hub for business but also as a prime tourist destination,” said Travis Overall, Executive Vice President, Brookfield Properties. “The diverse population, the tremendous presence of the energy sector and the short distance to innovative medical care at the largest medical center in the world makes C. Baldwin’s location at Allen Center a perfect fit for tourists and Houstonians alike.”
History comes full circle as C. Baldwin finally brings the story of Houston’s founding female to life, while elevating current voices of modern female groundbreakers. The property is a living testament to the strength, beauty and forward-thinking vision of Baldwin and paves the way towards the future in a changing city. In other words, C. Baldwin is a game changer.
About C. Baldwin, Curio Collection by Hilton
A new anchor for The Allen Center at the gateway to Downtown, C. Baldwin (400 Dallas Street) honors the brash and fiercely independent Charlotte Baldwin Allen, The Mother of Houston. Boasting 354 guest rooms and over 14,000 square feet of meeting space, a signature restaurant and abundant, activated green space in the heart of the city’s core business, sports, convention and entertainment district, the transformative property offers travelers the opportunity to discover an authentically sophisticated and modern Houston experience. For additional information and/or to book future accommodations, please call 713.351.5753, e-mail explore@cbaldwinhotel.com or visit www.cbaldwinhotel.com.