La Torretta Lake Resort & Spa

We returned recently from a getaway to La Torretta. I have been chatting with all of my girlfriends at work this week about how much fun we had and we agreed that I should write a review to help out anyone else looking for a quick trip that feels worlds away. I was shocked when I just logged on to see "tinkerbitch" didn't have the same great experience we did. With the busy holiday season over my husband and I really just needed a weekend away of relaxation. When we arrived the hotel was very busy, I think it was a corporate group function but we didn't mind. There are so many areas of this resort for us to escape to. The rooms are very spacious and well decorated. There were two TVs in the room so he could watch the game in the living room while I lounged in the bedroom with my shows. As a treat we decided to go to the spa and what a fantastic experience that was! I know there are a lot of ladies out there who will agree, taking time out for yourself and getting a massage is just what we need to keep us going. We didn't get to try all of the restaurants at La Torretta but we did go to Prime and Yoi. The breakfast buffet in Prime was just delicious. It was very quiet in the restaurant, not many guests, but we liked that. It made us feel like we were not in any rush and could just enjoy the experience. Yoi is the sushi restaurant on the second floor in the lobby. What a WOW experience that is. Even if you don't like sushi, take the time to go up there next time you are there. There is a bar attached to it and then entire second floor is surrounded by floor to ceiling windows which allowed us to watch the most amazing Texas sunsets I've ever seen. It was too cold for us to enjoy the Aqua Park but we had a long chat with the ladies at the front desk who told us all about the recreation they have out there in the warmer months. They told us about how they have kid's games and do movies and s'mores on weekends in the summer and they even had a fireworks display last year for the 4th of July! We were looking that some of the paperwork they gave us at check in and saw that they can do boat rentals in the summer too. A group of friends from church are already talking about getting a few of our families together this summer with the kids and coming back. Even though the weather didn't cooperate as much as we would like and it was a bit quiet after the groups left our first day, we didn't mind at all. We had a relaxing trip, great food, enjoyed the spa and are definitely looking forward to going back. It's sad to know others didn't have the same great experience we did but who knows what really happened. Maybe they were just having a bad day? more

Reserving the villa through Sarah was a breeze. Checking into the hotel was fairly uneventful; they swipe your credit card for incidentals (electronically monitored mini bar) for 250.00. The layout of the "villa" was a bit odd. There are 2 enterances, and you have to unlock the interior adjoining doors to enter the other side. If you plan on taking anything that needs refrigeration, you better pack a cooler, with ice. There is no refrigerator (nor anywhere to get ice) at the lakeside villa's. You have to call room service to get ice, then use one of the sinks to use as an ice chest. And you are out of luck if you want to heat up anything. No microwave or utensils. The description of the villa leads one to think it would have a refrigerator and microwave, which is something you come to expect in higher end accomodations. Although you can tell the new owners have tried to appoiont nice finishes, the quality of detail is almost comical. They didn't bother to replace the single pane windows, and for your security, the windows are screwed shut. If you want a dry bath mat when you get out of the shower, don't place it on the floor because the water leaks under the door and soaks the bath mat . The shower head is horrendous. You just can't get shampoo out of your hair, or the soap off of your body without taking the shower head off and holding it directly on you. Chez Roux was closed at the time we were there so we ate at Prime. We were encouraged to make reservations, so when we arrived it was hilarious that our reservation sign was placed on the table in a room that was completely empty. We were there for about 3 hours enjoying a girls getaway, and there were never more than 9 people there - and there were 3 of us. The menu is very sparse and expensive. The bottle of 10.00 wine cost about 36.00. The table is very crowded and the plates are huge, leaving the waiter standing there holding your plate trying to decide where to put it because there is no room. Suggestion - bigger tables or smaller plates. And whatever you do, do NOT let your credit card out of your sight. Lets just say I had to file a police report with Conroe Police Department for credit card theft in the amount of 1,803.51 that just happened to try to go through my credit card company at the exact time the waiter had my credit card to pay the bill. Thank goodness a hold was placed for my approval and I was contacted by my credit card company. Eric, the manager on duty at the time I found out about the issue, was rude and condescending. I have since been contacted by their Loss Prevention department. If you want to enjoy the services of the spa, wear rubber boots to get through the parking lot. It is unbelievable that you go in to spend 300.00 and have to wade through mud. However, once you get into the spa all of that goes away. We had a spa package that included a massage, facial and mani or pedi. You relax in a chaise massage chair sipping champagne waiting for your service to begin. The facial with Tess is something I will never forget. She is absolutely wonderful. My friend had a great massage, mine was not so great. My pedi was done by a lovely lady and it was sooooo relaxing. And then there was the mud parking lot again. It sure takes away from the whole experience. The property has potential, but i have to agree with a lot of other reviewers, we pretty much had the place to ourselves. I don't see how they can stay open with no business. It was a defunct property in the past, and I foresee the same for this new management. more

To be fair, the menu at Chez Roux is quite tasty. Many of the preparations are seasonal and inventive, with several tried and true taste combinations that Chef Roux has maintained on his menus for years. Based on the food alone, I do think the restaurant could be quite successful as a foodie ""destination"" restaurant. But to be honest, if they intend to have people travel far and wide - well, even from Houston - they really must put a fine polish on the restaurant. The service was, well, adequate. I will second an earlier review that the wait staff seemed ""timid."" Our meal was VERY slow in coming, even our cocktails before the meal took a loooong time, and we had to ask for them a second time. Seriously, I understand that things like that happen at restaurants all the time, but when you are paying a premium for an uber-fine dining experience, those little things really shouldn't happen. Really, the most unappealing aspect of the restaurant to me was the decor. It was barely better than a hotel restaurant. The decor was uninspired and unwelcoming. While the food was exceptional, I think for the price, I would prefer a restaurant that really pulls out all the stops to create a truly fine dining experience. Pros: fresh, delicious ingredients, exciting and inventive cuisine Cons: drab decor, general lack of polish more

This resort exceeded my expectations. Let's just say, I have a new sense and respect for Conroe. It didn't even seem like we were in Texas, because we were surrounded with so many Europeans. I posted pics of the backyard of my golf cottage on CitySearch. The golf cottages have a separate living room, 2 TVs, a separate bath tub, a large shower, spacious bathrooms, nice subdued colors that blend with the lakeview, and a golf cart parking spot. Tips: Ask for a lakeview. Make reservations at Chez Roux and see if a chef's cooking class is open. Lounge at the Marina, play golf, go swimming at sunrise and during sunset, do water sports, and finish with a massage at their spa. Here is the research info. from an agency: About La Torretta Lake Resort & Spa-- Designed in an international modern style, La Torretta Lake Resort & Spa is situated approximately 40 minutes north of George Bush Intercontinental Airport and one hour north of downtown Houston. Property highlights include 445 guest accommodations encompassing tower suites, golf and lake villas, more than 70,000 square feet of meeting and event space, 17,000-square-foot spa, 10,000-square-foot fitness center with racquetball, tennis center with five tennis courts, 300-slip marina, championship golf course, 18-hole miniature course and 3.5-acre Aqua Park with sandy beach plus six swimming and activity pools, including the Lay-Z River™ Rapids. La Torretta Lake Resort & Spa is located at 600 La Torretta Boulevard in Montgomery, TX. For additional information, please call 936-448-4400. About Noble House Hotels & Resorts Founded in 1994, Noble House Hotels & Resorts is a privately held real estate development company based in Seattle, Washington. The company owns and manages 14 boutique hotels and resorts located in six states and spanning the four coastal corners of the U.S., including the newly refurbished Riviera Resort & Spa in Palm Springs, Little Palm Island Resort & Spa in the Florida Keys, The Edgewater in Seattle, Washington and Hotel Viking in Newport, Rhode Island. Pros: Views, Chez Roux, New Facilities, Room Upgrades; Kind Cons: an hour from Houston but that's part of escaping, right? more

What a treat!\r \r A group of us (some foodies, some first-time cooks)learned side-by-side of the award winning kitchen staff of Chez Roux, at La Torretta Lake Resort & Spa, off Lake Conroe. Michelin Chef Matthew Gray of the the famed Inverlochy Castle in Scotland and famous Chef Albert Roux who has many restaurants in England and even taught Gordon Ramsey educated us on preparing exquisite dishes fit for royalty. \r \r We prepared 4 courses which were paired with a glass of wine, sherry, and/or champagne selected by Restaurant Director Garrett Donovan. I suggest you ask to work with Damien, a Michelin-trained chef from London, he answered all of our questions and was a great conversationalist. \r \r Below was our menu (which was printed on plush paper...which they recycle btw):\r REGION OF FRANCE: LANGUEDOC and ROUSSILLON\r 1) Soupe de Moules au Safran\r Mussel Soup with Saffron\r 2) Gâteau de Brandade, Sauce Homard\r Salt Cod Cake with Lobster Sauce\r 3) Cassoulet de Castelnaundry\r Lamb, Duck Confit, Toulouse Sausage & Haricot Beans\r 4) Iced Nougat with Melons and Blueberry Sauce garnished with Sesame and Poppy Seed Tuiles \r \r Chez Roux tends their own herb garden, has beautiful dining views, showcases a lovely display of wines, and keeps a sparkling clean kitchen (I'm happy to report).\r \r We received a menu and the recipes to take home with us. The recipes are printed on gorgeous paper and worthy of keeping in a memory book. \r \r I think the class would be great for any quaint gathering. I can see men, women, couples, foodies, bachelors, bachelorettes, large family, and older teens making this a special event. \r \r My personal tips: Bring a camera, don't wear fingernail polish, wear cotton, wear a pony tail, wash your hands often, don't eat prior to your class, and wear flat shoes. They will offer you a black apron. It's also a nice temperature in the kitchen. \r \r Here are the details regarding the French cooking classes--\r Classes are offered on a weekly basis, every Wednesday beginning May 12. Two classes are offered each Wednesday. \r Morning Session: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.\r After the conclusion of the morning session, guests dine at the chef's table to enjoy your masterpieces.\r Afternoon Session: 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. \r Following the afternoon session, guests have the option to invite friends and family to dine with you in the dining room with your prepared menu or dine at the chef's table. \r Reservations: 936.448.4400\r Class Size: 8 guests\r Class Cost: $79.00 per guest, excluding tax Pros: Euro chef team; food; scenery; table setting Cons: We don't have a Chez Roux in Houston more

From the luxurious accommodations that make you feel like you are in an upscale boutique property, to the wonderful waterpark, to the welcoming staff, this resort is one to add to your weekend getaway list! Right on the water, Torretta is at once romantic AND family friendly!! An amazing value tucked away just outside Houston!!! We will be back!!! Pros: Gorgeous accomodations; wonderful staff! more

My family stayed at LaTorretta and had a great time. The staff said that they just completed a renovation and it shows! Everthing is new, The suites are spacious and have all the modern amenities that I look for in a hotel. We couldn't stay away from the pools. The kids pool is amazing. Waterslides, a big bucket that pours water down, a lazy river and even a toddler pool. If you want to be away from the noise of families there are two other secluded pools. I can't say enough about the staff. They really made our stay special. They knew our names after the first day, even our kids names. My wife loved the huge spa and said she had some of the best treatments ever. The onsite golf course was challenging but fair. We never left the hotel! Can't wait to go back. Pros: Room suites, golf, spa, awesome pools more

With great anticipation, I scheduled a valentine dinner at the celebrated Chez Roux restaurant. We had previously dined there and were pleased with our meal which achieved the class of the gourmet eating establishments in New Orleans, New York, and even Paris. We were seated promptly as the half-occupied tables allowed efficiency. The feast began with an appetizer consisting of two baby oysters that could easily have sit in a tablespoon with room to spare, a tittle of caviar, two strands of cucumber spaghetti, and a calamari the size of a small house spider. The sauce was excellent. They must be getting our appetite primed for the feast to come, I thought. The next course was two three inch pieces of asparagus that looked lonely but dabbed with béarnaise sauce tasted great. Our wine medley was similarly downsized to two sips a glass but the pairing was excellent. We began to believe that we were characters in a Monty Python skit and increased our enjoyment by bursting into laughter when each new course was served and with the pouring of each fourth of a glass of wine. As the second glass was poured, I remarked that I need not be concerned about driving home which brought a scowl from our waiter. The remainder of the evening, he slighted me even more as compared to my wife’s portions. The entrée (French usage) was a lone scallop from which I extracted more savors by cutting it into six pieces and chewing glacially. The main course was a medallion of veal several times the scallop but unfortunately one third was gristle. Our waiter scowled again, sans comment, when my wife complained. Desert was the best course, a large tasty soufflé which we scoffed down because we were hungry. In addition, to be fair, we did get one piece of bread at the beginning of the meal. Also, our water glasses were kept to the brim. Since my wife was an apprentice chef in New Orleans and we traveled extensively, I realize that the more exclusive restraints serve smaller portions. However, our meal was analogous to the childhood story “The king’s new clothes”; nothing was what was mostly served. And, for this area and even south of Lake Conroe the price was astronomical, in a recession. I looked up the price of the wines served in the pairing on the internet assured that they must have been exceptionally expensive. The ranged from $24 to $12. It was tasty but the least value ever. I did not waste the nothing we were served; although, it was bland. Cheers \r \r Pros: Well prepared Cons: minuscule more

What a great find. My wife and I had dinner here recently and from start to finish it was an excellent experience. Service was prompt and efficient, the staff were courteous and knowledgeable, and the food was absolutely wonderful -- best I've had in the area, downtown included, and my wife and I are shameless foodies who indulge often and have sampled broadly. A new favorite -- we'll be back soon. Pros: Fantastic, inventive french cuisine more

Chez Roux Restaurant was an outstanding choice as the setting, overlooking Lake Conroe, combined with the outstanding food make it truly a memorable experience. I recommend it for both special occasions and for the times when you want to just unwind and enjoy a relaxing meal. The Pre Fix menu, complete with a starter, the main course, dessert and 1/2 bottle of wine was priced at a very reasonable $65. Portions were perfect and the presentation of the food was excellent. For the starter, I had the ""Rare Peppered Tenderloin of Venison"" which was perfectly prepared. The fine bean and caper relish that accompanied it balanced out the dish. The Parmesan Wafer was an unexpected treat that just rounded out a fantastic starter. Starting out like this, I knew that this experience was one I would remember for a very long time. As an added note, the 1/2 bottle of wine selection was either ""Murphy Goode, 2006 Fume Blanc Sonoma California or the Jean Luc Colombo, 2005 Rouge Rhone Valley (France). I selected the 2006 Fume Blanc which paired very well with my dinner. For the main course I selected the ""Butter Poached Breast of Chicken"" which was exceptional. The hints of the aged parmesan along with the shitake mushrooms that enhanced the asparagus risotto convinced me that Chef Albert Roux's reputation is fully represented in this new venture. Chef Roux has an impressive reputation as does the executive chef, Matthew Gray and the food we enjoyed reaffirmed that to us. For dessert, I went with Ice Cream: a scoop of white chocolate and a scoop of marzipan infused ice cream. Everyone else had the selection from french and domestic cheeses that were offered. Honestly, we were surprised at the large variety of cheeses offered and I was happy to have been able to choose from 4 different ice creams and 4 different sorbets. Simply stated, the desserts from the fixed menu were very nice. Overall, a fantastic experience and a place I highly recommend! You will leave with fond memories. Pros: Excellent food, Pre Fix menu outstanding, beautiful view more

Chez Roux Restaurant at La Torretta Del Lago Resort is perfect for fine food, if you don't mind spending a lot of coin while you're there. For my money, I would prefer Mark's, Da Marco, Mockingbird Bistro, or a fine Houston steakhouse instead. \r \r Chez Roux serves top-quality food in a neat lakeside setting, and the chef does a great job of mixing various flavors and paring foods; however, the price of a meal there is hard to justify. For appetizers, I had a crab and lobster dish, which was priced about $24. While it was delicious, the portion size of the appetizer warranted a price more along the lines of $12-15, given that it hardly served as an appetizer for one person, much less two. The entree selections are few, and most run from $35 and up, again with portions more along the lines of $20-35 entrees. The wine list is extensive, with lots of older vintages from top-notch vineyards, but the selections of red wine under $100 are few and far between, and the markup in some instances is outrageous. The most notable ""values"" were the 1997 and 1999 Mondavi Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (around $140-170). On top of the already astronomical prices, note that there is a forced 18% gratuity included, NO MATTER THE SIZE OF YOUR PARTY. As a custom, I usually tip around 10% for wine, and 20% for food service (and I know that everyone has their quirks in this realm of tipping on wine). I was quite astonished that they would force-tip a party of two, including the marked-up wine that we had, but I'm not sure on whom the blame rests for that. As for the service, I expected a bit more knowledgeable staff. While the waitstaff was friendly and attentive, they seemed inexperienced and timid.\r \r In sum, when I decide to have another $100-125/plate dinner, I would rather go to a steakhouse like Pappas Bros., or go to one of the above 3 restaurants instead, so that the hole in my wallet is at least somewhat alleviated by a full stomach. Pros: Food; extensive wine list Cons: Price for food and wine; young waitstaff; forced gratuity more

My husband and I went to La Torretta to celebrate our 1st wedding anniversary. I can't tell you enough how wonderful the staff was to us. They really paid attention to the details and made our weekend very special. I am a vegetarian, and every restaurant had something to offer. During the day we lounged by the pool and floated down the lazy river, in the evening we went to YOI for dinner and visited the piano bar for a few drinks. The next day we went jet skiing and at night we visited the lounge, ate at Chex Roux, and went for a round of putt putt. The restaurant Chex Roux blew us away with their exceptional service and food. We can't wait to go back for another weekend of fun. On another note, this place is great for bringing the kids too! Pros: Best service, great ambiance more

My wife and I had the dining experience of a lifetime at the new Chez Roux Restaurant at the La Torretta Del Lago Resort and Spa on Lake Conroe We highly recommend this world class restaurant to anyone who is looking for an extraordinary dining experience that is sure to impress you and your guests. Our Chez Roux experience began with a glass of champagne on the deck while watching one of the most beautiful sunsets we have ever seen. The fine dining began with lime and orange cured salmon imported from New Zealand that was truely exquisite. Schrambsberg Blanc de Blanc 2005 Napa Valley was the perfect choice to enhance the flavor. This was followed by a winter terrine of squab, parma hame, foie gras, shiitake mushrooms, and truffle vinaigrette that made the mouth water with each bite Next came a cssoulet of scallops and gulf shrimp that was expertly prepared and cooked to perfection. Silverado Vinyards Chardonnay 2006 Napa Valley accompanied these delightful entrees. A loin of venison, bitter chocolate, and raspberry sauce followed that was simply indescribably delicious, served with Chateau Montelena Savignon 2005 Napa Valley that was a perfect accompaniment. The blanco bianco, with cumin marinated baby carrots was the perfect compliment to the aforementioned delicaces. Dessert consisted of incomparable raspberry napoleon with chocolate sorbet with cafe petit fours. The evening was capped with Les Clos de Peulles Banyuls from Rousillon France. The trip to Lake Conroe's Chez Roux is an experience that is simply as unforgettable as beautiful Lake Conroe. We can't imagine a better restaurant anywhere in the United States. Don't take our word for it Make your plans and reservations now! Pros: Valet parking, highly attentive service, beautiful setting more

Incredibly delicious food in a beautiful atmosphere with a spectacular view of Lake Conroe at sunset. La Torrretta Del Lago has created what will soon be known as one of the best restaurants in the Houston area if not all of the US.\r We had dinner there last night and the food was superb and the presentations of the food is fun and exciting. We started with the Scallops and Pork Belly as well as a thinly sliced raw Tuna for appetizers both with light flavorful sauces. Then we had a wonderful Veal as well as Grouper for our entree. The desserts were out of this world trying the Raspberry Souffle, Fresh Raspberry Sauce with White Chocolate Sorbet as well as the Chocolate Mousse cylinder with Pralines. \r I will be back again soon to enjoy this rare gem. Pros: Food, Valet Parking, Ambience, Setting and View more