a major award
Art and more earned Houston airports global acclaim at Skytrax
For the third year in a row, Houston airports have proven that they are some of the best in the word. The London-based airport consultancy and review service Skytrax awarded Houston airports several honors recently, including their third win in a row for airport art as well as a 5-star rating for William P. Hobby Airport (HOU).
“This recognition is meaningful,” said Jim Szczesniak, director of aviation for Houston Airports. “But awards aren’t the goal — passenger experience is. We’re focused on tackling traffic, streamlining parking, renovating restrooms, and making infrastructure improvements that people can feel. Our 1,300 City of Houston employees are committed to delivering a world-class experience every day.”
Houston airports continuing to dominate the Best Airport Art category isn't surprising. Ever since former mayor and city council member Annise Parker spearheaded an initiative to dedicating city funds to beautifying public spaces in 1999, Houston airports have especially become venues for impressive art. Under the guidance of Alton DuLaney, curator of public art for Houston Airports, both HOU and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) have added scultipres by David Adickes, art cars celebrating famous musicians, a massive glass flower installation by Dale Chihuly, and dozens of other works from Texas and around the world.
“At Houston Airports, we don’t just showcase art — we create cultural moments,” said DuLaney. “Every piece, every performance, every interaction is designed to surprise and resonate with travelers. It’s a reflection of Houston’s artistic spirit — and it’s making waves around the world.”
Hobby is the only airport in the United States to get a full five-star rating from Skytrax, which cited the airport's efficient processing, decor, access to public transportation, child-friendly areas, and extensive dining as reasons for the accolades. Other airports in the United States such as Newark Liberty and LaGuardia also rank five stars for individual terminals, but only HOU made the list across the board. Partial credit goes to the $470 million West Concourse expansion and new TSA check-in terminals, all of which have vastly reduced wait times and traffic at the airport.
IAH also did well, earning a four-star rank. A large factor was the incredible traffic reduction efforts that opened in 2024. After opening new lanes, the airport had only two minutes of heavy traffic congestion across the entire 2024 holiday season despite record numbers of travelers, a 99 percent drop.
Skytrax began independently reviewing airports in 2016, offering rankings that have become the gold standard in international travel. These rankings coincided with major pushes in Houston airports to upgrade, update, and improve overall traveler experiences, leading to some of the most well-regarded airports in the world. The pressure to be so mounts as Houston becomes a major gateway to Latin and South America thanks to new routes.
best new stays
Houston's recently opened Hotel Saint Augustine was the only Texas hotel to earn acclaim on Esquire's just-released list of the Best New Hotels in the World 2025.
The travel industry has entered a new era when it comes to finding the best places to stay, boosted by TikTok influencers flaunting a hotel's plush amenities and other social media-backed endorsements. But Esquire's travel experts pick their 42 best new hotels "the old-fashioned way" by staying at each property and exploring everything it has to offer.
Previously, The Thompson Hotel was the sole Houston representative on the magazine's 2024 list of best stays in North America and Europe.
Hotel Saint Augustine opened in Houston's artistic Montrose neighborhood in December 2024, presenting a sophisticated-yet-approachable atmosphere to locals and visitors alike. It boasts 71 boutique guest rooms and suites across five, two-story buildings, and more than half of rooms have their own balconies or terraces. Most of the rooms also have a stunning view of the courtyard.
A view of the courtyard lounge seating and Perseid's patio. Photo by Julie Soefer
"Each room [is] decorated in an archly mid-century fashion inspired by the private quarters of the August family," Esquire contributor Joshua David Stein wrote. "Colors are sage, mustard, and siena; the print on the couch is inspired by Charles James, the couturier who designed the de Menils’ home."
Other must-try amenities that were highlighted in the hotel's review include the temperature-controlled pool – an absolute necessity during Houston's brutal summers – and the listening room at the Augustine Lounge.
"A listening room holds a reel-to-reel tape player and plush geometric couches on which recline hot, louche Houstonians with stunning décolletage while mere feet away the awe of Cy Twombly’s monumental works beckon in majestic repose," Stein wrote.
A listening room with a reel-to-reel tape deck sets the mood. Photo by Julie Soefer
The Augustine Lounge is open to the public, so visitors don't need to book a room at the hotel to pop in and visit. The lounge is designed as a "third space" for travelers, featuring multiple seated gathering areas, a walk-up bar, and a laid-back feel that's perfect for hanging out with friends.
The publication also praised the French and Gulf Coast-inspired cuisine at Perseid, the hotel's signature restaurant led by iconic Houston chef Aaron Bludorn. Notable dishes included the crawfish sausage and the classic St. Augustine Burger topped with a duck-liver mousse.
Nightly rates at Hotel Saint Augustine begin at $429.
