The Royal Sonesta Hotel Houston is launching a $25M renovation. GMMonte Hansen says it will focus on the interior--including 485 rooms and 50k SF of meeting space--and aims to make the luxury property one of the city's premier hotels. Looney & Associates is handling design, which is influenced by science and technology (including sculptural light fixtures and a contemporary lobbysee below). The 23-story property was rebranded as a Royal Sonesta one year ago and is the only full-service Royal Sonesta in Texas.

A rendering of the new lobby lounge, which is being dramatically retooled, including relocating the bar to become a focal point. (Why did nobody finish their wine? Think of the sober children in Africa.) The meeting and event reception area is also being reoriented to highlight the grand staircase and open mezzanine. One cool design detail: Custom carpeting will depict Houston as viewed from space. Construction on the property begins June 28 and most work will be done by early fall.