News

Oct 17, 2023

The Woodlands Resort completes $26 million revamp with bar, restaurant

This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The Woodlands

This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate

The Woodlands Resort will complete a $26 million renovation including new room amenities, three new dining options and a large new lobby this summer, with most changes expected to finish by July 1.

As one of The Woodlands’ oldest institutions, the resort has existed in some way since George Mitchell opened it as a hotel in 1974.

Director of Operations David Frederico said resort usually undergoes renovations every 8 to 12 years. He said this is the facility's first major rework since before the pandemic and since it was purchased by Coral Tree Hospitality in 2020.

The resort has thrown open the curtains to the former Woodlands Dining Room for Harrison's, a New American restaurant that debuted at The Woodlands’ Wine and Food Week opening dinner June 5.

A wall of windows open directly to the lake and golf course, serving as a focal point to Harrison's new airy, open feel, Frederico said. The newly-opened restaurant's mid century modern furniture includes large, circular benches for a more community-oriented dining experience and floral accents to emphasize a natural feel.

ON YOURCONROENEWS: East Montgomery County sees rush of new businesses as residential areas expand

"We wanted to pop in more of The Woodlands' plants and wildflowers, the life that we have," Frederico said. "We opened up the windows so you can bring the people inside a more natural feel. You're like part of the golf course."

The restaurant seats 216 across a wraparound patio and two levels of seating, one of which can be booked for private events. While its flooring, furniture and much of its cuisine will be new, it will also serve old classics like its well-known rotisserie chicken, Frederico said.

The resort opened a new coffee shop, Spruce Market, near Harrison's. The coffee shop and lounge includes new indoor and outdoor furniture at the market's lakeside patio. While it just serves coffee and pastries for now, the market will eventually expand its hours and feature a wine and cocktail menu. A 775-square foot boutique will also soon be implemented with snacks, essentials, artwork and gifts from Texas artists and designers.

The largest renovation expense is in the resort's 402 rooms and suites. Set against an earthy wood and stone palette, the resort replaced its bathtub showers with full showers and added 55-inch smart TVs, new carpeting, bedding and drapes, Frederico said.

"This investment underscores an unwavering commitment to delivering an exceptional guest experience," The Woodlands Hotels managing director Gregg Harper said. "Not only does it enhance the aesthetic appeal of The Woodlands Resort, but it also elevates the level of experience and comfort for our discerning visitors, better aligning with their expectations."

With new restaurants and hotels across The Woodlands, the resort wanted to become more competitive while helping serve its legacy members.

"We have a lot of young kids that grew up here now with their own families and they're bringing their kids here now," Frederico said. "It's fun to see that as they grow up, this grows up too."

ON YOURCONROENEWS: Conroe development by the numbers: Residential, commercial permits are on the rise, city data shows

Frederico said the resort normally makes $45 million a year; in 2020, it dipped to around $10 million, Frederico said.

This Memorial Day weekend, the resort's poolside bar alone made $96,000 in sales, Frederico said. With occupancy rates beginning to return to pre-pandemic levels, the resort has hired more staff and will add a new lobby to keep up with new traffic. A check-in desk, bar and welcome area will soon welcome vacationers in, while the resort's 75,000-square foot meeting and event spaces will also be refreshed.

New poolside furniture and a waterfall backdrop have been added to its waterpark and lazy river. Soon, a new lighting feature inspired by local fauna and flora will hang in the hotel's living room,, and the resort is installing new works from Texas artists as part of the revamp.

Frederico said most changes will be complete by July 1 ahead of the July Fourth weekend. Some details will be finished by August, according to a release.

[email protected]