Sleep in Style in Houston’s Coolest Hotels
- Step into An Authentic Italian Villa at the Hotel Granduca
- Stay in the Old Union National Back at Hotel Icon
- Experience a Techni-color Stay at the Hotel Indigo Houston
- Do Good While You’re Enjoying a Stay at the Hotel Ylem
- Never Get Bored of Staying in Your Room at Hotel ZaZa
- Stay Close to Nature at the Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa
- Get a Taste of Vintage France at the La Colombe d’Or Hotel
- Celebrate Art at the Lancaster Hotel
- Play on an Antique Billiards Table at Magnolia Houston
- Float atop a Texas Shaped Pool at the Marriott Marquis Houston
- Get a Night’s Rest in a Victorian Home at Sara’s Inn
- Enjoy Opulence and Elegance at The Post Oak Hotel
- Stay inside a Mural Covered Hotel at the SAM
- Visit the Hotel with Its Own Bourbon Line at The Whitehall Houston
Traditional hotels used to freak me out as a kid (actually until now) thanks to Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining. Horror movie buffs will know this cult classic and share the dislike for hotel hallways after that scene with the twins on their bicycles.
Thankfully, Houston, especially nowadays, is home to hotels with rooms that look nothing like the carpet lined hotel hallways in my nightmares. The city is filled with hotels that have become places to crash but an experience in themselves.
From funky boutique spots to historic landmarks turned into cozy hideaways, Houston’s hotel scene is anything but mundane. So pack a stay-cation bag and let’s check into the quirkiest and coolest hotels in the city.
Step into An Authentic Italian Villa at the Hotel Granduca
Address: 1080 Uptown Park Blvd, Houston, TX 77056, United States
Phone Number: +1 713 418 1000
Pricing: $$$
Rating: 5 Star Hotel
If you want to experience a hotel stay that transports you into a different country, the Hotel Granduca is the place to book in Houston. This haven that seamlessly blends Italian opulence with Texan hospitality.
Inspired by the 16th-century palazzo of Adalberto Malatesta, the grand duke of Monfalletto, the hotel is decorated in a rich yellow and red color scheme. The Residenza Imperatore is the biggest suite with a private entrance and veranda.
The star of the show is the outdoor pool area that looks exactly like the villas of the rich and famous in Italy with cabanas and landscaping to match.
| Pro Tip: A must-try experience is the English-inspired afternoon tea session. The Tè Pomeridiano is high tea Granduca style with a high quality selection of teas, champagne and Prosecco. There are Italian sandwiches and pastries served as well. |
Stay in the Old Union National Back at Hotel Icon
Address: 220 Main St, Houston, TX 77002, United States
Phone Number: +1 713 224 4266
Pricing: $$$
Rating: 4 Star Hotel
For a retreat steeped in history, Hotel Icon offers an unforgettable experience. Housed in the former Union National Bank of Houston, it’s a great place to stay if you want to feel connected to significant institutions in the past.
The original bank vault in the lobby serves as a testament to its history, adding an intriguing touch to your stay. Architectural enthusiasts will appreciate the Greek and Roman-inspired design that can be spotted in the 135 rooms and 18 lavish suites.
You can choose between any of the rooms which are all decorated and decked out, but the 1000 sq ft penthouse with views of Downtown Houston is the real deal.
| Pro Tip: Located in the heart of Downtown Houston, Hotel Icon places you within reach of iconic landmarks like Minute Maid Park, Revention Music Center, and the George R. Brown Convention Center. Make sure to visit them during your stay. |
Experience a Techni-color Stay at the Hotel Indigo Houston
Address: 4018 Chartres St, Houston, TX 77004, United States
Phone Number: +1 281 501 9610
Pricing: $$
You can experience a hotel stay steeped with style and comfort at Hotel Indigo, a chic place to stay conveniently located near the Galleria. This hotel wows you the moment you step into the lobby and seating area with modern architectural elements.
Boasting modern furniture and vibrant color palettes, the lobby sets the tone for a stylish stay. The colorful rooms, adorned with hardwood floors, oversized beds, and decorative rugs and bed covers provide a perfect retreat after a day of retail therapy.
The rooms are the focal point of our love for this hotel. They look more like lovingly decorated bedrooms rather than boring foreign hotel rooms.
| Pro Tip: The hotel has its own car rental service that you can tap into if you find yourself needing a ride to explore the area surrounding the hotel. If you don’t enjoy driving, the hotel itself is close enough to the center of Houston for exploration. |
Do Good While You’re Enjoying a Stay at the Hotel Ylem
Address: 8080 Main St, Houston, TX 77025, United States
Phone Number: +1 713-665-4439
Pricing: $$
Rating: 2 Star Hotel
For a hotel stay that goes beyond the ordinary, Hotel Ylem presents itself not only as a beacon of art but also for compassion. Adorned with eye-catching hand-painted murals, the hotel is a testament to its commitment to artistry and community support.
The interior boasts an ever-changing gallery of works by local artists, creating an immersive experience for guests who appreciate creativity.
Hotel Ylem serves as a platform for promoting non-profit organizations and local artists. You can immerse yourself in the vibrant art scene of Houston and contribute to a good cause by purchasing artwork, with all proceeds supporting local philanthropic initiatives.
| Pro Tip: The Hotel Ylem is also a popular spot for locals if you’re looking for a venue for small get togethers. The Space which is exactly what the name suggests is a quirky but cozy area that anyone can rent out for informal and formal events. |
Never Get Bored of Staying in Your Room at Hotel ZaZa
Address: 5701 Main St, Houston, TX 77005, United States
Phone Number: +1 713-526-1991
Pricing: $$$
Rating: 4 Star Hotel
If you’re a visual person and the way to your heart is through aesthetics, then the Hotel Zaza will not disappoint. The selling point of this hotel, aside from the luxury of good service and amenities, are the Magnificent Seven Suits.
Each one of these 7 suites come with uniquely designed interiors featuring stainless steel kitchens and comfortable resting spaces. The dazzling art, furniture, trimmings, and decoration all follow a theme that each room executes with perfection.
These do come with bigger price tags, but they also have concept suites which are smaller but with the same effort placed into decorating them.
| Pro Tip: If you have eccentric taste in styles and decoration like us, we suggest booking the Rock Star Suite. This room is decorated with mirrored walls and loud prints. It’s also the suite with the best view. It gets booked 1 month in advance so don’t wait too long. |
Stay Close to Nature at the Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa
Address: 111 N Post Oak Ln, Houston, TX 77024, United States
Phone Number: +1 713 680 2626
Pricing: $$$
Rating: 4 Star Hotel
Nestled amid towering trees on 27 acres which mostly consist of preserved forests, the Houstonian Hotel is one of the most luxurious and highly rated hotels in the city. So much so that it once served then President George H.W. Bush and his wife.
The location of the hotel makes it feel like you’re in a secluded world, but really it’s just three miles from the Galleria Mall and steps away from Memorial Park.
Exclusive access to the Houstonian Club lets you break a sweat in the 8 tennis courts, basketball court, a rock-climbing wall, and fitness facilities. There are also 3 swimming pools to cool off in or squeeze an extra workout.
Each room exudes classic elegance with fancy furniture, soft and comfortable beds, and views of the city from the floor to ceiling windows.
| Pro Tip: They take hotel spas to the extreme with an onsite one that measures about 17,000 square feet. For those who consider food a therapy, you have to try the Manor House Estate Restaurant which is only one of the 4 places to eat there inside the hotel. |
Get a Taste of Vintage France at the La Colombe d’Or Hotel
Address: 3410 Montrose Blvd, Houston, TX 77006, United States
Phone Number: +1 713 524 7999
Pricing: $$$
Rating: 5 Star Hotel
The feel of vintage elegance from a bygone era is the main selling point of La Colombe d’Or Hotel. It’s housed in a 1920s mansion in Montrose and is named after and inspired by its French counterpart.
With only 32 suites yet many gardens on site and even a private park, the whole hotel grounds create a charming escape in the heart of the city.
For art buffs, there are over 425 pieces of art that you can enjoy there including, paintings, drawings, sculpture, and statues from different artists from inside and outside Houston.
| Pro Tip: There is a restaurant on site, but we suggest requesting to have your meal served in the outdoor seating area or best yet, the sunset terrace. The ambiance of the manicured outdoor area is something to see especially as the sun starts to dip. |
Celebrate Art at the Lancaster Hotel
Address: 701 Texas Ave, Houston, TX 77002, United States
Phone Number: +1 713 228 9500
Pricing: $$$
Rating: 4 Star Hotel
The architecture of the Lancaster Hotel designed by Joseph Finger in 1926 is a piece of art in itself. If that doesn’t cut it for you, over 200 works by Texas-based artists adorn the iconic lobby and staircase.
Works by Margo Sawyer, Aaron Parazetter, Trenton Doyle Hancock, Mark Flood, and Terrell James are hung proudly on the walls of this hotel.
Originally named the Auditorium Hotel, this historic stay in the Theater District has hosted celebrities from different fields. Famous athletes, singers, dancers, artists, poets, writers, and politicians have stayed here.
| Pro Tip: As the only hotel located right in the Theater District, this is the place to book if you want to explore the area. After exploring, we suggest you stay close to enjoy a fine dining dinner at the Cultivated F+B Restaurant. |
Play on an Antique Billiards Table at Magnolia Houston
Address: 1100 Texas Ave, Houston, TX 77002, United States
Phone Number: +1 713 221 0011
Pricing: $$$
Rating: 4 Star Hotel
The Magnolia Houston, located within a 1900s landmark building, gives off an old world Texas feel the moment you step in. The lobby, adorned with leather in hues of brown and black and Texan wall art, sets the stage for a unique stay.
The themed restaurant and bar on site, The Lounge, offers a modern yet laid-back vibe. Here, you can indulge in contemporary American cuisine and creative cocktails, including the signature 1926 Manhattan.
The billiards table there, including the sticks and balls are all originals from a set all the way back in the 1930s.
| Pro Tip: You can enjoy the mesmerizing views of Minute Maid Park and the city skyline from the rooftop pool, but the view is especially pretty at night with the night lights. If you time your visit to an Astros game, the lit up stadium adds an extra layer to the sights. |
Float atop a Texas Shaped Pool at the Marriott Marquis Houston
Address: 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010, United States
Phone Number: +1 713 654 1777
Pricing: $$$
Rating: 4 Star Hotel
The Marriott Marquis Houston tops our list of coolest hotels to stay at in Houston. Yes, the rooms are pretty great and comfy with floor to ceiling windows that give you outstanding views of the Houston skyline.
But what stands out is not just the lobby, full spa, fitness center, but the Texas-sized Texas shaped pool that sits on the rooftop. This lazy river is the world’s largest Texas-shaped one. Beside it, there is also an infinity pool and a kids’ area.
The hotel’s strategic location connected via skybridge to the George R. Brown Convention Center and Discovery Green park offers you convenience.
| Pro Tip: For dining, you have the option to choose Biggio’s Sport Bar for American eats and beers, the Walker Street Kitchen for farm to table meals. Mexican food lovers should head to Xochi by Hugo Ortega for traditional Oaxacan dishes. |
Get a Night’s Rest in a Victorian Home at Sara’s Inn
Media Credit: layla_moon
Address: 941 Heights Blvd, Houston, TX 77008, United States
Phone Number: +1 713 868 1130
Pricing: $$
If you feel more comfortable in inns than hotels but still crave the quality hotels can guarantee, then Sara’s Inn on the Boulevard is just the thing to book. This bed and breakfast is located in a vividly colorful Victorian home in Houston Heights
just four miles from downtown.
The hotel has 11 unique rooms, each of which has its own theme. Some of them are more modern and mirror the suites in boutique hotels, while others pay homage to the exterior by having traditional Victornian elements and antique furniture.
You can enjoy the slow mornings people enjoyed before the noise and distraction of technology with simple breakfast items they serve like waffles and syrup with tea.
| Pro Tip: There are plenty of places you can enjoy on your down time apart from the comfy rooms. The wrap-around porch, the parlor room, and the garden are one of our favorite places to relax and enjoy coffee in the morning before setting out for the day. |
Enjoy Opulence and Elegance at The Post Oak Hotel
Address: 1600 W Loop S, Houston, TX 77027, United States
Phone Number: +1 844 386 1600
Pricing: $$$
Rating: 5 Star Hotel
The Post Oak Hotel near the Galleria is the only Forbes 5 star hotel in Texas for a reason. If you’re looking for a place to feel like a million bucks, staying at the Post Oak Hotel won’t disappoint.
Starting from the Swarovski crystal chandelier hanging in the lobby as you enter and the extensive array of artwork and one of a kind furniture, the hotel takes it up a notch with rooms and suites and top-tier amenities that leave nothing to the imagination.
The peak of luxury? A 2 story Rolls Royce showroom with different cars on display rotated regularly and a helicopter pad.
| Pro Tip: You can (and should) indulge in the culinary delights of Mastro’s, which is part of the top 10 steakhouses in the US. After dinner, you can unwind at the pool area near the fire pit at night or under the cabanas in the morning heat. |
Stay inside a Mural Covered Hotel at the SAM
Address: 1117 Prairie St, Houston, TX 77002, United States
Phone Number: +1 832 200 8800
Pricing: $$$
Rating: 4 Star Hotel
The SAM holds the distinction of being Houston’s oldest operating hotel. Established in 1924, it’s now part of the CURIO Collection by Hilton. It is part of the National Register of Historic Places, and offers a perfect blend of historic charm and modern amenities.
Originally a 10-story hotel with budget-friendly rooms, The SAM has evolved into a contemporary retreat that can compete with the other hotels in the city.
Now, it has 100 hundred rooms, all decked out in everything you need for a comfortable and convenient stay. Don’t miss the iconic mural on the side of the building, that is a n integral part of the mural scene in the city.
| Pro Tip: A stay at the SAM is not complete without a meal at the Pear Restaurant and Bar. Chef Raphael Roger paid tribute to the history of the hotel by creating a menu that features seafood and Tex-Mex dishes. Order the Sam Houston, the most iconic dish. |
Visit the Hotel with Its Own Bourbon Line at The Whitehall Houston
Address: 1700 Smith St, Houston, TX 77002, United States
Phone Number: +1 855 318 8945
Pricing: $$$
Rating: 4 Star Hotel
If you’re an avid bourbon fan, then The Whitehall Houston with its own private label bourbon, should be on your to visit list in Houston.
A mid-century landmark hotel, The Whitehall Houston has been welcoming guests since 1963 all while keeping up with the times. Nestled in the heart of Bayou City, this hotel offers stylish rooms with high end bed covers and amenities.
The central staircase in the middle of the lobby has a visual effect of floating in mid air and is among the fan favorite installations of this hotel.
| Pro Tip: Art lovers will be glad to hear that the Whitehall Houston also has an in-house art gallery with its own exclusive playlist. The hotel partnered with the Savannah College of Art and Design for local artists to be able to showcase their pieces at the hotel. |
