In a notable move for the hospitality industry, owner and developer Rockbridge has acquired three Hotel ZaZa properties in Texas: the 159-room Hotel ZaZa Austin Downtown, the 166-room Hotel ZaZa Dallas Uptown, and the 315-room Hotel ZaZa Houston Museum District. With this deal, Rockbridge adds the flamboyant ZaZa brand—famed for its daring, Hollywood-style décor and over-the-top events—to a portfolio that already includes more than 70 hotels, including The Laylow in Honolulu, Emeline in Charleston, The Eliza Jane in New Orleans, and The Adolphus in Dallas.

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A Brand Born to Entertain

Founded by Charles Givens in 2002, ZaZa hotels have been turning heads for over 25 years with theatrical flair, cheekily themed concept rooms (think “Moulin Rouge” and “Bohemia”), and show-stopping design that makes guests feel like they’ve stepped onto a movie set. Their style evokes comparisons to Kimpton Hotels’ range of Monaco properties, which share a similarly bold and immersive aesthetic.

“I love to see smart, talented, hardworking people enjoy themselves and I love to entertain,” says Givens. “In a different life I might have been a Broadway producer.” Indeed, the ZaZa experience often channels the vibe of a grand stage production. For example, the corridor at the Austin property doubles as an art gallery adorned with modern and vintage-inspired pieces—celebrity portraits and quirky collectibles intentionally placed to surprise and delight.

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Rockbridge’s Vision for Growth

Bringing ZaZa under its umbrella marks a strategic win for Rockbridge, known for focusing on prime real estate in high-demand urban markets. Jimmy Merkel, CEO and cofounder of Rockbridge, is excited about the synergy:

“The ZaZa team has done a great job, creating unique hotel experiences for over 25 years. We are looking forward to bringing our vision and creativity to the ZaZa brand, building on what was started. Stay tuned as we execute our plan and create an exciting future for ZaZa.”

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Prime Properties in Vibrant Markets

Despite their shared DNA, each Hotel ZaZa property stands out with a unique personality and location:

1. Hotel ZaZa Austin Downtown
   Nestled near Austin’s Central Business District, this 159-room gem joined the brand in 2017. Surrounded by acclaimed dining, retail, and live music venues, it perfectly captures the city’s creative spirit. Guests can soak up panoramic views from the hotel’s 7th-floor rooftop pool and Cabana Bar or wander the art-filled corridors for a taste of ZaZa’s signature whimsy.
2. Hotel ZaZa Dallas Uptown
   Opened in 2002, the Dallas Uptown hotel is considered the flagship of the brand. Situated in a district buzzing with upscale restaurants, shopping, and nightlife—and with over a billion dollars in new development planned or underway—this 166-room boutique is a cultural staple that introduced many locals and travelers to ZaZa’s imaginative style.
3. Hotel ZaZa Houston Museum District
   Originally the Warwick Hotel, one of Houston’s first luxury hotels built in 1926, this 315-room landmark became a ZaZa property in 2007. Today, it sits amid a cultural hotspot near the Museum District, Rice University, and the world’s largest medical center—offering a compelling blend of historic charm and modern indulgence.

Notably, there’s also a Hotel ZaZa in Houston’s Memorial District (opened in 2017), but that property is not part of the Rockbridge deal.

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Michelin One Key Accolades

All ZaZa hotels proudly hold the Michelin One Key distinction—a testament to their excellence and consistency in delivering exceptional guest experiences. This added recognition underscores why ZaZa makes a particularly appealing acquisition target.

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Looking to the Future

It’s easy to see why Rockbridge is enthusiastic about adding ZaZa to its roster. With a consistent, theatrically inspired brand image, ZaZa is well-positioned to expand beyond its current Texas foothold. Cities across the Southern U.S.—like Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Memphis, Charleston, Atlanta, and Savannah—could be prime candidates for future conversions (comes to mind the Rockbridge owned Hotel Noelle in Nashville) or new developments. Even broader national and international markets aren’t out of the question.

Rockbridge’s proven track record in hospitality management, combined with ZaZa’s penchant for over-the-top luxury and memorable guest experiences, makes for a potent formula for success. As Merkel hints, this acquisition is just the beginning of a new era for ZaZa—one where bold vision, prime real estate, and high drama continue to captivate both loyal fans and newcomers alike.

In short, expect the ZaZa brand to scale new heights under Rockbridge’s stewardship, bringing its signature theatricality and dazzling hospitality to an ever-wider audience. For those who crave a hotel experience that’s equal parts luxury and spectacle, ZaZa is poised to remain the go-to destination—now with an even more exciting future on the horizon.