The Greenleigh, River Oaks, Autograph Collection

The Greenleigh, River Oaks, Autograph Collection is the rebirth of Houston's long-running Hotel Derek, relaunching as a 299-room design-led hotel near the Galleria and River Oaks District. Dallas operator Makeready has rebuilt the property around a Houston-biodiversity design concept by Wilson Ishihara Design, anchored by chef Richard Sandoval's dLeña restaurant. The opening is timed for spring 2026, ahead of Houston's matches in the FIFA World Cup.

The place

At the corner of Loop 610 and Westheimer near Houston's River Oaks District and Galleria area, on the site of the former Hotel Derek.

The concept

Dallas-based operator Makeready and owner Rockridge have gutted and reclad the former Hotel Derek, wrapping it in bird-safe frit glass and building a design program around Houston's biodiversity and the migratory birds of the Central Flyway, with native woods, indigenous planting and custom bird sculptures throughout. The relaunch is timed to bring a design-forward option to the market ahead of Houston's 2026 FIFA World Cup matches, aimed at design-conscious travelers and locals looking for a gathering spot rather than just a place to sleep.

Dining & wellness

dLeña, a wood-fire Mexican restaurant from chef Richard Sandoval built around two live-fire ovens; Highgrass, a rooftop lounge; The Trade Room, a lobby bar; and the Greenleigh Swim Club, a rooftop pool with poolside dining.