The 13 best hotels in Houston for an epic Southern getaway

Located in the lively Theatre District of Houston, The Lancaster Hotel is listed as a Texas Historical Landmark and a Historic Hotel of America. Its rooms are adorned in classic American style, boasting white-painted cabinets and marble flooring. The hotel also houses the cozy restaurant, Cultivated F+B, that serves up American cuisine and coffee from Speedy Boy Coffee. If you're craving some culture, you'll find The Houston Museum District, Downtown Aquarium, and Discovery Green Park all within easy reach.

The mood? Warm, classic elegance.

Location perks? Art lovers, this hotel’s for you, with over 200 pieces by top Texas artists throughout.

Budget range? One to keep for a special occasion.

Hotel Granduca Houston is where it’s at for couples in Houston, offering top-notch services and rooms decked out with fully-equipped kitchens, minibars, flat-screen TVs, and cozy lounges. But the luxuries don’t end there: the hotel also boasts a hot tub, fitness center, billiards room, and an inviting outdoor pool for guests to enjoy. Don’t miss Giorgio’s restaurant, which serves up high-end Italian cuisine that’s practically begging for a ‘Lady and the Tramp’ moment.

The mood? Warm and inviting with gold decor throughout.

Location perks? The hotel is right across the road from the boutiques, restaurants, and spas at Uptown Park shopping center.

Budget range? A relatively expensive stay.

When you hear "Four Seasons," you know luxury is on the menu. Located just a short stroll from Discovery Green Park and Market Square Park, this fancy hotel is perfectly situated for soaking in the greenery of Houston. The rooms come fully equipped with Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and all the modern conveniences you could wish for. If you opt for an upgraded suite, you'll get separate living areas with pull-out sofas, while the poolside rooms offer semi-private patios and direct access to the pool – perfect for a refreshing dip during the summer months.

The mood? Unparalleled luxury.

Location perks? Whether you're hitting the fitness center, grabbing a coffee, or unwinding by the outdoor pool and hot tub, there's never a shortage of activities within the hotel's four walls. 

Budget range? Expensive, but hey, it’s The Four Seasons after all.

Nestled in South Central Houston, this hotel boasts a prime location near the Toyota Center and the Houston Museum of Fine Arts. For a cultural experience, don't miss the nearby Cullen Sculpture Garden, Houston Zoo, and Hermann Park, all within a short fifteen-minute stroll. And if you're a sports fan, you're in luck with NRG Stadium and Minute Maid Park just a stone's throw away. Inside, the rooms are decked out with contemporary decor, splashes of color, and plush bedding for your comfort.

The mood? Stylish and comfortable with tons of amenities. Did we mention the outdoor pool and bar?

Location perks? Enjoy some much-needed R&R with a lavish rainforest steam shower in your private bathroom before wrapping yourself in the hotel’s super soft bathrobes.

Budget range? Get ready to splash the cash.

If upscale shopping and fine dining are your jam, you've got to check out the Energy Corridor in Houston. Stay at The Moran CityCentre during your visit and enjoy their swanky onsite bar with a spacious outdoor lounge and a cozy fireplace. There's even an outdoor pool, a spa, and a fitness center to make your stay even more comfortable. The rooms are elegantly simple, making it the perfect spot for recharging between your shopping adventures.

The mood? Modern style meets world-class service.

Location perks? From upscale shopping and entertainment to wellness, fitness, and award-winning dining, you’ll find some of the best things to do in Houston right on your doorstep.

Budget range? On the pricey side.

The Post Oak, among the top 5-star hotels in Houston, oozes glam from every corner. Nestled on acres of land near the Galleria, this place is so much more than luxurious rooms and suites; there's a stunning crystal chandelier in the foyer, an impressive art collection, and even a two-story Rolls Royce showroom for your admiration. After a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool, unwind in air-conditioned rooms with spacious bathrooms, all while having a wealth of Uptown attractions right at your doorstep.

The mood? A 700,000-square-foot tower with showstopping views of downtown Houston.

Location perks? Just 2.2km from Memorial Park, one of the largest urban parks in the United States.

Budget range? On the higher end of the price scale.

Hotel ICON has been around since 1911 and occupies the historic Union National Bank building. They’ve kept the cool stuff like the large pillars, intricate ceilings, and arched doorways, coupling these unique features with royal blue and gold accents. The rooms are equipped with flat-screen TVs, iPod docking stations, opulent bathrooms, and premium amenities to really make you feel like a VIP. To complete your stay, the on-site restaurant, Line & Lariat, offers modern Texan cuisine in a relaxed setting.

The mood? Authentic Texas charm meets contemporary decor.

Location perks? Houston Rockets fan? The Toyota Center is just a quick 10-minute drive from the hotel, so you can easily catch a game while you’re in town.

Budget range? Not crazy expensive, but still on the pricey side.

This eco-friendly hotel sits right in Houston's Uptown District, a shopping mecca with the famous Galleria Mall. After you've shopped till you dropped, sink into one of the comfy beds for a breather. The hotel has a pool, in-room WiFi, TVs, and ergonomic chairs if you need to check your emails. If you're in the mood for socializing, swing by the W XYZ bar, chill by the fire pit, or shoot some pool in the lounge. And guess what? You can even bring your furry friends along.

The mood? Vibrant decor that will add some color to your stay.

Location perks? Enjoy Houston's Museum and Theatre District within a 10km radius.

Budget range? A more affordable option for your Texas getaway.

JW Marriott Houston Downtown is all about that five-star luxury vibe. They've got stylish rooms decked out with modern furniture, Nespresso machines, and even iPads for ordering room service or booking spa treatments. Speaking of which, The Spa by JW offers some serious pampering with super relaxing foot soaks, massages, and facials. Don't forget to kick start your day with a delicious buffet breakfast courtesy of the hotel before unwinding at the spa.

The mood? Sleek and timeless.

Location perks? Located in the business district, this place is a hotspot for jet-setters, so top-notch service is the name of the game.

Budget range? We’re not gunna lie, it’s expensive.

With a dark brown, burnt orange, and powder blue color scheme, St. Regis Houston is where chic meets luxury. This four-star hotel offers gourmet on-site dining, a full-service spa, and spacious guestrooms. After a day of adventures, unwind with afternoon tea at the Tea Lounge, savor American cuisine at The Remington Restaurant, or sip classic cocktails in The Remington Bar. They’ve even got an outdoor pool, spa facilities, and a gym to keep you pampered. And if that’s not enough, Heights shopping center is just a stone's throw away!

The mood? Elegant rooms with sweeping views of the Houston skyline.

Location perks? If you’re interested in the city’s links to NASA, the Houston Space Center Houston is only a short distance away.

Budget range? Prepare for a more expensive stay at one of the city’s five-star hotels.

Sure, you can have all the modern conveniences, fancy spa facilities, and upscale dining you want, but can anything top a hotel with a Texas-shaped lazy river? We think not. Marriott Marquis Houston is a top pick for families, thanks to its prime location near Minute Maid Park (home of the Houston Astros), Discovery Green Park, and the Children's Museum of Houston. You can savor classic American fare at Biggio's or dive into exquisite Mexican cuisine at Xochi. And for the grown-ups, there's Cueva wine bar, where tapas are expertly paired with over 200 varieties of wine.

The mood? Super chic with all the amenities you could wish for.

Location perks? We think the pool speaks for itself. It's also the closest hotel in the list to George Bush International Airport. 

Budget range? It may be a slight splurge, but the location is unbeatable.

C. Balwin likes to keep it sleek and sexy with high design, gold accenting, and – our personal favorite – stunning floor-to-ceiling views of downtown. Not just cool rooms, you'll find spunky decor throughout the hotel too, along with an on-site restaurant serving up delicious, Italian fare with bold flavors, a fitness center, and a laundry service to take care of the smelly gear. 

The mood? Business meets pleasure. 

Location perks? Security is top-notch here too – you'll receive a nifty digital keycard to gain easy access to your room. 

Budget range? On the luxury scale, but you can find rooms for three nights for under $1000. 

Whether it's a long-haul stay or a short stopover, you deserve somewhere that feels more like a home than a shoebox. For that, we think this trendy loft-style aparthotel in downtown will definitely fit the bill. Why we love it? It boasts a ton of light and space making it perfect for splitting work and leisure if need be. On top of that,  it comes fully equipped with all the essentials and luxuries you could want in a home-from-home, including air-conditioned rooms, a wardrobe, dishwasher, coffee machine, private bathroom, and more. We reckon sipping coffee by the large factory windows and an evening soak in the bathtub will probably be the hallmark of your stay. 

The mood? Cozy Industrial vibes.

Location perks? Located in the heart of Houston's Theatre District, so you won't be short of ways to entertain yourself. 

Budget range? Reasonably priced for a typical three-night stay.