Local businessman Leslie Doggett has acquired the St. Regis Houston hotel, marking a significant move into the hospitality sector for his family business, Leslie Doggett Industries. The property, located at 1919 Briar Oaks Lane between River Oaks and the Galleria, will undergo a comprehensive renovation over the next two years.
The seller of the hotel was not disclosed, and Doggett declined to reveal the purchase price. The Houston Business Journal first reported on the transaction.
Doggett emphasized both personal and strategic motivations behind the acquisition. He noted that he and his wife spent their wedding night at the hotel in 1984 when it was known as The Remington. “The hotel has excellent bones,” Doggett told the outlet, “but it just needs a few upgrades.”
As part of this transition, the hotel will leave its St. Regis branding—operated by Marriott International—and rebrand under Marriott’s Luxury Collection as The Houston Grand Hotel — River Oaks. Doggett clarified that this property is not connected to the nearby St. Regis Residences Houston condo project.
Originally opened in 1982, the hotel became Houston’s first Ritz-Carlton before losing that brand in 1997 and previously hosted Queen Elizabeth II in 1991. Doggett aims to restore what he describes as “the city’s grandest hotel experience” with a family-owned approach.
Renovation designs are expected this year with completion targeted for late 2027. Saddlebrook Equity and Management, part of Doggett’s larger business group, will oversee renovations while HEI Hotels & Resorts from Connecticut has taken over management duties.
Planned changes include an extensive lobby transformation—removing walls and drop ceilings to restore original heights—as well as new amenities such as a coffee shop, barber shop, restaurant replacing The Remington, gun shop, spirits lounge, and other features intended to enhance guest experiences.
“This area is ground zero for Houston hotels,” said Doggett about the location.
Guest rooms across all twelve floors will be renovated in phases to keep operations running throughout construction. Upgrades are also planned for event spaces, fitness center, and pool deck with New York designer Charlotte Moss leading interior design efforts.
Doggett is additionally involved in a nearby mixed-use development that may introduce a 50-story condo-hotel tower along Post Oak Boulevard.
