The 9 Best Houston Hotels of 2023

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The Rundown

Best Overall: The Lancaster — See Rates at TripAdvisor

"The service here exudes turn-of-the-century sophistication."

Best Budget: Best Western Plus Downtown Inn & Suites — See Rates at TripAdvisor

"An excellent option for those that want to stay close to the city center without having to pay premium prices."

Best Boutique: Hotel Sorella CITYCENTRE — See Rates at TripAdvisor

"The perfect fit for design-conscious travelers with a fondness for the unique."

Best for Families: Omni Houston Hotel — See Rates at TripAdvisor

"Perfect for families hoping to combine their urban vacation with a taste of the great outdoors."

Best for Romance: Hotel ZaZa Houston — See Rates at TripAdvisor

"A tranquil enclave on the edge of the Museum District’s Hermann Park."

Best Luxury: Hotel Granduca Houston — See Rates at tripadvisor.co.za

"Each of its rooms and suites offers a private kitchen, fine Italian linens and Acqua di Parma toiletries."

Best for Nightlife: Hotel ICON, Autograph Collection — See Rates at TripAdvisor

"The hotel’s own L&L Bar provides the ideal start to your evening."

Best for Business: Hilton Americas - Houston — See Rates at TripAdvisor

"A convenient pick for those in town on business."

Best B&B: Sara’s Bed & Breakfast Inn — See Rates at TripAdvisor

"Breakfast is a highlight, featuring made-to-order pancakes, eggs and waffles."

Best Overall: The Lancaster

Located opposite Jones Hall in the heart of downtown Houston’s Theater District, four-star hotel The Lancaster is a Texas Historical Landmark. Built in 1926, it impresses with soaring Italian Renaissance architecture and original collection of artwork. Many guests report a welcome glass of champagne in their reviews, and the service here exudes turn-of-the-century sophistication. Rooms and suites are made exceptional by luxurious, comfortable beds and Carrara marble bathrooms.

Standard amenities include an Nespresso coffee machine, soft drinks, and snacks, as well as a flat-screen TV and Frette linens. Savor a complimentary gourmet breakfast buffet each morning, as well as a Nespresso machine in your room. High-speed Wi-Fi, concierge service, and access to a nearby gym are all included in your room rate. Upscale restaurant Cultivated F+B serves food throughout the day and it's the perfect pre-theater dinner spot for contemporary American cuisine and fine international wines.

Best Budget: Best Western Plus Downtown Inn & Suites

The Best Western Plus Downtown Inn & Suites is an excellent option for those that want to stay close to the city center without having to pay premium prices. Located a short walk from Sam Houston Park, the hotel offers easy access to the attractions of downtown. Rooms and suites are well-equipped despite their low rates. Expect a fridge, a microwave, a Keurig coffee maker and a 42” TV with more than 100 HD channels. A pillow top mattress ensures a good night’s sleep.

Several floor plans sleep up to four guests, making this a good choice for budget getaways with friends or family. You’ll also benefit from an impressive range of free amenities, including a full breakfast, Wi-Fi and on-site parking. The hotel offers a free downtown shuttle service. Other useful amenities include a fitness room, an outdoor pool and a handy business center.

Best Boutique: Hotel Sorella CITYCENTRE

Part of the upscale retail community CityCentre, The Moran is surrounded by chic shops and restaurants. Decorated with Murano glass chandeliers, sleek ceramic floors and contemporary furnishings, it is the perfect fit for design-conscious travelers with a fondness for the unique. Rooms and suites coffeemakers, free Wi-Fi and a 49” LED TV. Sink into your custom bed, with Egyptian cotton sheets and goose down pillows.

Room rates include a generous continental breakfast buffet, while Radio Milano restaurant serves modern Italian fare paired with craft beers and cocktails from Milano Bar. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, unwind after dark at Fireside, the hotel’s trendy lounge bar. There’s a fireplace inside, an open-air courtyard overlooking the infinity pool and live music from Thursday to Saturday. The hotel also offers a fitness center and extended-stay penthouse residences.

Best for Families: Omni Houston Hotel

Situated next door to Memorial Park, Omni Houston Hotel is perfect for families hoping to combine their urban vacation with a taste of the great outdoors. Thanks to the Omni Junior Chefs program children can enjoy a fun and nutritious food experience. They'll receive a lunch bag with snacks, juice, crayons, activity book, to-go cup, and a post card.

If you’re traveling with young children, book the Kids Sensory Suite, which features a fun beach themed bathroom and colorful bedding. There’s a reading nook, age-appropriate books and games, a chalkboard and a 55” TV with an Xbox One for older kids. The suite has two queen beds, as well as an adjoining room for Mom and Dad. Two outdoor pools and sprawling grounds complete with real swans add to this hotel’s family appeal.

Best for Romance: Hotel ZaZa Houston

Hotel ZaZa Houston creates a tranquil enclave on the edge of the Museum District’s Hermann Park. Rooms and suites foster romance with a gourmet minibar, luxury linens and a rainforest shower. Take things to the next level in one of the hotel’s Concept Suites. An Affair to Remember offers an antique bed and a red leather banquette; while Geisha House charms with a pagoda poster bed and chandelier.

Open throughout the day, Monarch Bistro treats you to succulent steaks and indulgent desserts on an open-air terrace with memorable views of the Mecom Fountain. Head to Poolside at ZaZa bar for skyline views and specialty cocktails by the pool; or indulge in The Romance Ritual treatment for two at ZaSpa. The hotel also has a sleek fitness center for health-conscious couples.

Best Luxury: Hotel Granduca Houston

Located in the exclusive uptown area, five-star Hotel Granduca Houston’s elaborate architecture is inspired by the 16th-century palazzo of Italian noble, Adalberto Malatesta. Each of its rooms and suites offers a private kitchen, fine Italian linens and Bulgari toiletries. For top tier luxury, choose Residenza Imperatore, a magnificent apartment spread across 2,100 square feet and adorned with imported antiques.

As well as lush grounds and a crystalline outdoor pool, Hotel Granduca offers several exquisite dining options. Enjoy Italian menus prepared by Executive Chef Maurizio Ferrarese. For more Italian food there is Alba Ristorante, serving northern cuisine. The hotel also hosts weekend brunches, has Giorgio's bar for cocktails, and il Giardino for outdoor dining. Lastly, the hotel offers English afternoon tea with an Italian twist. Concierge services and in-room dining are both available 24/7.

Best for Nightlife: Hotel ICON, Autograph Collection

You’ll find Hotel ICON at the center of Houston’s lively nightlife scene, near top-rated downtown bars. The hotel’s own L&L Bar provides the ideal start to your evening with an extensive menu of classic and contemporary cocktails. Make the most of the happy hour, hosted on weekdays between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. If you’re looking for a more sophisticated night out, the Theater District is also a short walk away. In between parties, Line & Lariat restaurant invites you to refuel on prime Texas steak and seafood. Rooms and suites come with a Keurig coffee maker, a mini fridge and a 42” LCD TV; while hotel amenities include free Wi-Fi and a fitness center.

Best for Business: Hilton Americas - Houston

Connected via two indoor skywalks to the George R. Brown Convention Center, Hilton Americas - Houston is a convenient pick for those in town on business. In addition to a choice of on-site meeting rooms, the hotel offers a business center. WiFi is free for Hilton Honors loyalty program members and those who book directly. Recharge between meetings in your room or suite. All floor plans include a work desk, an HD TV and allergen-free bedding. 1600 Bar & Grille is your go-to for upscale seasonal cuisine, while Pappasito’s Cantina serves laid-back Mexican fare. There’s a Starbucks, a Lobby Bar and Skyline Spa & Health Club with an indoor pool.

Best B&B: Sara’s Bed & Breakfast Inn

Sara’s Bed & Breakfast Inn enjoys a charming location in historic Houston Heights. The brightly painted clapboard house is over 100 years old and paints a pretty picture with a quaint turret and widow’s walk. Choose from 11 uniquely decorated rooms, all of which offer a flat-screen TV, hair dryer, coffee maker, as well as a high quality mattress. Antique design elements include a claw foot tub here or a four-poster bed there. Breakfast is a highlight, featuring made-to-order pancakes, eggs and waffles, while complimentary amenities include Wi-Fi and parking help to make you feel at home.

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