Houston offers many things for the discerning traveler. Food, culture, and plenty of sightseeing await you. Why not make the place that you stay an integral part of that experience, as well? Houston has a strong boutique hotel selection, and here are some of the standouts.
Hotel Zaza
Whatever you want out of a hotel, Hotel Zaza can supply that for you. Just two minutes away from Hermann Park, and a three-minute walk to the Museum District light rail station, Zaza is conveniently located, and it makes the most of it. The jewels in its crown are the Magnificent Seven suites, each of the seven offering a different kind of opulence, for any taste. The rich colors and globetrotting decor of the "It Happened One Night" suite are a particular standout. The Concept Suites are just as intriguing, though. "Houston We Have a Problem," with its mod-inspired decor, is sure to leave a lasting impression. Each detail of each room, from the hardwood floors to the chandeliers, is deliberately curated so that every room is special.
Magnolia Hotel Houston
Originally a office building in the 1920s (and a landmark in its own right), the Magnolia Hotel Houston was painstakingly refitted in 2003, and named one of the world's top 100 new hotels by Condé Nast Traveler upon completion. Beyond the large tubs, the cunning retro-modern decor, and the flat-screen TVs, there is a complimentary "bedtime cookie bar" and a complimentary beer and wine reception daily. Be sure to check out the rooftop pool for a stunning view of the city. The hotel is located 7 minutes from the Wortham Theater Center, and a 14-minute walk from the George R. Brown Convention Center. The plethora of corporate headquarters nearby makes it an ideal choice for the business traveler.
The Lancaster
Located mere blocks from the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts and the Downtown Aquarium, The Lancaster's commitment to luxury includes Carrera marble in its bathrooms, a driving service, a hosted wine hour, and a full breakfast buffet each morning. Deluxe accommodations include the spacious-yet-homey DeGeorge 1926 Suite, and the enormous DiGiorgio 1836 Suite. The decor is deliberately more low-key than some other hotels on the list, but it's well-selected and carefully placed.
Hotel Icon
More local developers are starting to place boutique hotels around Houston, but several international hotel corporations have gotten into the game, as well. Take Hotel Icon, part of Marriott's Autograph Collection. A short, 10-minute walk from downtown (and a block away from public transit stops), Hotel Icon boasts, among other things, a café that serves three Texas-sourced meals a day. Clawfoot tubs, jet tubs, and rainfall showers abound. Whether you're staying in a standard guest room or the tri-level penthouse suite, you'll feel well-cared-for as you take in the view.
Hotel Sorella
Located in West Houston's CityCentre Plaza, this hotel is at the center of high-end shopping and a bustling nightlife. Survey the plaza from the second-floor infinity pool after dining at Monnalisa, then go back to your suite, where you'll find deep, rich colors, hardwood floors, and clean, smooth lines everywhere. The aesthetics of the Hotel Sorella are stunning, and the accommodations match.
