Houstonia Magazine
329 NE Couch Street, Suite 200
Portland, OR 97232
By Sofia Gonzalez and Houstonia Staff
The Thompson, part of Hyatt, is a perfect Houston hotel for a staycation.
Image: Credit Thompson Houston
Whether you find yourself visiting our great city or you’re a local looking for a staycation, there are plenty of boutique and luxury hotels in Houston to pick from. From architectural clout to fancy pools, these destinations offer something for everyone. Here are some of our favorite hotels in Houston.
The Blossom Hotel’s central location is ideal for all kinds of stays.
Image: Courtesy Blossom Hotel Houston
Right there in the Medical Center, the Blossom Hotel is next to beautiful Hermann Park, Brays Bayou, and NRG Stadium if you’re heading to a game or big event. The 267-room hotel has a rooftop pool, an on-site restaurant, and a Peloton studio. The hotel’s 13th floor is also home to the Plum Skybar and Lounge, another dining option that comes with city skyline views.
Quiet elegance is the name of the game at C. Baldwin.
Image: Courtesy C. Baldwin, Curio Collection by Hilton
A Curio Collection by Hilton property, the C. Baldwin is named after Charlotte Baldwin Allen, the wife of one of Houston’s founders. The 354-room hotel has a 24-hour fitness center and plenty of options for Houstonians looking to host a wedding, event, or meeting. Situated inside the hotel is Rosalie Italian Soul, one of our favorite spots for Italian-American comfort food. Don’t forget to stop by the historic Sam Houston Park next door during your stay.
La Colombe d’Or is housed in a mansion in Montrose.
Image: Courtesy Como Creatives
No hotel recommendations are complete without the gold standard. Houston’s Four Seasons location retains the elevated service and amenities that the global brand has become known for. Between the rooftop pool, spa, the Topgolf Swing Suites, and Toro Toro, there’s plenty of entertainment within the hotel. But the best not-so-secret activity in the Four Seasons is spending some time at Bandista, a speakeasy bar with fun service and cocktails that are strong, pricey, and excellent.
Image: Courtesy Julie Soefer Photography
This Uptown hotel is the perfect spot for Houstonians who want to feel like they’re escaping to Europe. The 122-suite hotel has five private event spaces, outdoor gardens, and a pool. You can also treat yourself to a meal from the hotel’s restaurant Remi, which offers American classics with European flair, or enjoy a drink from Bar Remi.
Image: Courtesy Autograph Collection
Once the Union National Bank of Houston, Hotel Icon still has the bank’s original vault in the main lobby. The hotel is a staple for anyone craving a weekend away with a side of history lessons. With architecture modeled after Greek and Roman styles, you’ll feel as though you’ve left Houston while in one of the 135 rooms and 18 lavish suites. Don’t forget to grab a drink at the L&L Bar and the Line & Lariat is an easy go to for a taste of what our Gulf Coast has to offer.
Image: Courtesy of Julie Soefer
Just steps away from the Menil campus is the Hotel Saint Augustine by Bunkhouse Hotels, an Austin-based hospitality group. The Montrose property spans 2.2 acres with 71 rooms, and boasts an all-day lobby lounge, a heated pool, and an 1,850-square-foot indoor-outdoor space dubbed the Montrose ballroom. Hotel Saint Augustine is also home to Perseid, a restaurant by chef Aaron Bludorn, and the Augustine Lounge, which serves beer, wine, cocktails, and light bites.
Whether you’re in Memorial City or the Museum District, you have the option to stay at Hotel Zaza. The hotel’s two Houston locations are known for their uniquely designed interiors, chandeliers, and dazzling art displays. Both locations offer on-site dining, the Zaspa, and a pool for lounging around.
The Houstonian is the granddaddy of Houston hotels.
Image: The Houstonian Hotel
A staycationer’s dream, this 18-acre property includes 280 guest rooms and suites, a 185,000-square-foot private health and fitness center, and a spa with soaking pools and garden area. Head to Tribute for a taste of Texas or the hotel’s bar, simply called the Bar & Patio, for cocktails and light bites. You can even book the Manor House for a private party, once the home of President George H.W. Bush and his wife, Barbara.
Image: Courtesy Lancaster Hotel
Designed by notable Houston architect Joseph Finger, the Lancaster Hotel opened in 1926 and was originally the Auditorium Hotel until it was renamed in 1983. All kinds of celebrity guests—musicians, actors, dancers, authors, politicians, wrestlers, boxers—have stayed at this Theater District property. Amenities include a complimentary breakfast buffet, afternoon tea, a fitness room with Peloton bikes, Bulgari bathroom products, and indulgent bedding.
Relax poolside on the Laura Hotel’s rooftop.
Image: courtesy of Autograph Collection
Part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, the Laura Hotel is full of charm and Art Deco touches. Stop by the on-site Hull & Oak restaurant for Southern cuisine, head to the bar for cocktails and live music, or the deck for a downtown view. No visit to the Laura is complete without a dip in the rooftop pool and a mani-pedi or facial at the spa.
Image: Post Oak Hotel
This opulent, Tilman Fertitta–owned, 38-story tower is the only hotel in Texas to be named a double five-star hotel by Forbes. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by the hotel’s crystal chandelier valued at $1 million. Bask in all of the art, including paintings by Frank Stella. Particularly affluent guests can even opt for helicopter service. There are no less than nine different dining experiences inside the hotel, including a Mastro’s Steakhouse. Head to Stella’s Wine Bar—no relation to the painter, but rather, Fertitta’s pig—for a robust sommelier-curated wine selection.
The large pool is the main draw at the St. Regis Houston.
Image: Courtesy The St. Regis Houston, Marriott Bonvoy
Located in River Oaks, the Houston location of the St. Regis features a lushly green entrance, old-world room design, and a pool perfect for both lounging around or swimming some laps. Indulge in bites served from the Remington Restaurant, and take advantage of the Tea Lounge, which is famous among those who love a good high tea service.
You can bathe with a stellar view at the Thompson Hotel in Houston.
Image: Credit Thompson Houston
The 172-room, 34-suite property is located right on Buffalo Bayou, providing guests with views of the park and the downtown Houston skyline. Expect midcentury modern design, an infinity pool with cabanas for lounging, an outdoor rooftop, and a spa outfitted with saunas, a salon, and a fitness center. Hotel guests can also enjoy bites from Sol 7 or Chardon, and get their caffeine fix with Maven Coffee Co.
Wanderstay Boutique Hotel is a good, affordable alternative to Houston’s luxury lodgings.
Image: Courtesy Wanderstay Boutique Hotel
For a more intimate and budget-friendly stay, check out Wanderstay. This 10-room hotel boasts a modern and very millennial-friendly aesthetic, with rooms decorated with Selena posters, Rockets jerseys, and vinyl on the walls. Wanderstay also happens to be one of the only Black-owned hotels in Houston, and owner Deidre Mathis is actually on-site to make sure guests are well-accommodated during their stay.
Emma Balter, Stephanie Bartels, Geneva Diaz, and Sofia Gonzalez contributed to this guide.
