The Rice (fka Rice Hotel), Houston
The present-day Rice building has been constructed in 1913, providing the basic concept for most hotels in Texas at that time. According to legislation, each hotel room had to have a window, and the building was designed in a U-shape so as to meet that requirement; also, every room had a bathroom, which was an unusual concept back in those days. What is more, the original architects went to Georgia and bought an entire terracotta company, which explains why the exterior is studded with gargoyles, dragons, cherubs, and everything else that could fit.
Through the years, the Rice became one of the great hotels of the South, as well as Houston's social center, frequented by the rich and famous. In the first half of the 20th century, before air-conditioning, the roof garden restaurant was the most popular place in town for dining, dancing and enjoying the cool breezes. Among the hotel's guests were also several U.S. Presidents, including John F. Kennedy, who gave one of his final speeches here just one day before his fateful trip to Dallas.
If time allows, you can visit the two-story lobby, enjoy the beautiful stained glass, and get a peek into the Crystal Ballroom filled with awe-inspiring murals and adorned with crystal chandeliers.
Through the years, the Rice became one of the great hotels of the South, as well as Houston's social center, frequented by the rich and famous. In the first half of the 20th century, before air-conditioning, the roof garden restaurant was the most popular place in town for dining, dancing and enjoying the cool breezes. Among the hotel's guests were also several U.S. Presidents, including John F. Kennedy, who gave one of his final speeches here just one day before his fateful trip to Dallas.
If time allows, you can visit the two-story lobby, enjoy the beautiful stained glass, and get a peek into the Crystal Ballroom filled with awe-inspiring murals and adorned with crystal chandeliers.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Houston. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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The Rice (fka Rice Hotel) on Map
Sight Name: The Rice (fka Rice Hotel)
Sight Location: Houston, USA (See walking tours in Houston)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Houston, USA (See walking tours in Houston)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
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