Houston packs more impressive hotels than most people realize. We found that there was 27 top-rated hotels in the city. The game-changing Post Oak Hotel and The Houstonian with its sprawling 175,000-square-foot health center stand out among the remarkable stays.
The best hotels in Houston back their reputation with impressive numbers. Hotel ZaZa stands proud in the Museum District with guests giving it a remarkable 4.6/5 rating from over 2,500 reviews. The Holiday Inn Houston Downtown matches this excellence with an outstanding 4.7/5 from almost 1,000 visitors.
Your perfect Houston accommodation awaits. The Lancaster Hotel shines with a near-perfect 9.7/10 rating. The Four Seasons delivers a luxurious 9.2/10 experience. In this piece, Metropolitan Shuttle breaks down the top hotels that fit every traveler’s style and budget. Let’s match you with your ideal Houston hotel.
Downtown Houston Hotels: Urban Luxury and Convenience
Downtown Houston pulses with energy. Travelers who want to stay close to business centers, cultural attractions, and entertainment venues will find several outstanding places that combine luxury with convenience. However, Houston is quite spread out so consider a private shuttle bus for your next adventure.
The Lancaster Hotel: Historic Charm in the Theater District
The Lancaster Hotel stands as a Houston landmark that has provided exceptional service for almost 100 years. This property opened as the Auditorium Hotel in 1926 and became a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in the 1980s. The hotel received nominations for prestigious awards that include the Conde Nast Traveler 2023 Readers’ Choice Award and the 2022 Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards.
The hotel’s location in the Theater District puts guests right next to Houston’s cultural heart. You’ll find Art Deco architecture combined with Regency interiors and an impressive art collection. Artist Jay Shinn funded a renovation after Hurricane Harvey and filled the hotel with works from his collection that feature a “who’s who of Texas modern and contemporary artists”.
The Lancaster’s guest experiences consistently earn high marks with a near-perfect 9.7/10 rating. One reviewer wrote: “The Lancaster’s attention to specific details and professional excellence is refreshing in an era of homogenized design and impersonal service”.
Couples can enjoy romantic packages with sparkling wine, chocolate-covered strawberries, complimentary valet parking, and late check-out. The hotel provides turndown service, a complimentary gourmet breakfast buffet, and 15% off all food and beverage purchases during your stay.
Four Seasons Hotel Houston: Five-Star Excellence
The Four Seasons brings five-star luxury to downtown Houston and earned a stellar 4.4/5 rating from over 2,000 reviews. You’ll find this hotel at 1300 Lamar Street, where sophisticated design meets Texas hospitality.
After a day in the city, guests can:
- Unwind at the rooftop pool oasis
- Experience virtual golf at Topgolf Swing Suites
- Indulge at The Spa and Krigler perfumery boutique
- Savor dishes from Chef Partner Richard Sandoval at Toro Toro and Bayou & Bottle
The hotel offers unique experiences like Texas Bourbon Tasting with a certified bourbon steward who presents a flight of three Garrison Brothers Distillery selections. You can also take a three-hour city tour to see Houston’s architectural gems, famous movie locations, and the vibrant theater and museum district.
A guest summed up their stay: “The rooms are luxurious and comfortable, the location is good, and service is good as you would expect from a Four Seasons property”.
Marriott Marquis Houston: Texas-Shaped Lazy River
The Marriott Marquis Houston ranks second for Best Value among Downtown Houston Luxury Hotels with a 4.1/5 rating from nearly 1,300 reviews. The hotel’s most photographed feature – a Texas-shaped lazy river – gives guests a perfect escape from Houston’s heat.
This downtown convention corridor hub offers family-friendly fun with 1,000 rooms and extensive amenities. Food enthusiasts love Xochi, run by James Beard Award-Winning chef Hugo Ortega.
Guests often praise the luxurious atmosphere. Cornell100 described it as “great: luxurious, with a magnific…”, showing why both business and leisure travelers choose this hotel.
Hotel ICON: Banking on History
Hotel ICON lives in the original 1912 Union National Bank Building, where modern luxury meets historic character. Photography enthusiasts love this 135-room hotel’s stunning turn-of-the-century architecture.
This 12-story structure was one of America’s first steel and concrete skyscrapers. The building showcases neo-classical design with intricate exterior Corinthian columns and 30-foot Doric interior columns. Architecture buffs appreciate the decorative interior molding.
The building’s history includes architect John Staub, who designed Houston’s Museum of Fine Arts landmarks Bayou Bend and Rienzi. Jesse H. Jones, Texas’ first investment banking firm Neuhaus & Co., and international construction company Brown and Root also called this place home.
Modern guests give Hotel ICON 4.4/5 stars across nearly 1,800 reviews. Jennifer M called it the “Best Luxurious Hotel in Downtown Houston…”, showing its appeal to travelers who love historical accommodations.
Downtown Houston grows as a destination for both business and leisure travelers. These four remarkable properties – The Lancaster, Four Seasons, Marriott Marquis, and Hotel ICON – each offer unique experiences while sharing excellent service, prime locations, and memorable atmospheres. They represent the best places to stay for travelers who want to experience Houston’s dynamic urban core.
Galleria Area Hotels: Shopping Paradise and Upscale Living
The Galleria area stands as Houston’s shopping paradise and upscale living district. This buzzing neighborhood attracts more than 30 million visitors each year. Luxury accommodations here put you right next to retail therapy, fine dining, and sophisticated entertainment.
The Post Oak Hotel: Houston’s Premier Luxury Stay
Texas’ only Forbes Five-Star Hotel and Spa, The Post Oak Hotel, dominates Houston’s luxury scene. A stunning 38-story tower rises above the glamorous Uptown and Galleria area, making quite a statement.
The atrium lobby welcomes guests with:
- A grand Swarovski crystal chandelier
- An impressive art collection
- Plush living areas that set expectations high
This 250-room property ranges from modern rooms to spectacular multi-level penthouses. Each room comes packed with five-fixture deluxe bathrooms, cutting-edge audio-visual tech, and three TVs. The Presidential Suite ranks among Houston’s largest, giving sophisticated visitors an extraordinary level of comfort.
Sports lovers can book a unique sports-themed suite that features a regulation-sized half-court basketball playground. The suite includes an interactive putting green, steam room, fitness center, and personal theater. Guests also get amazing views of downtown Houston, access to Mastro’s excellent cuisine, and direct helicopter pad access.
You’ll find the Post Oak complex sprawled across 10 acres in Houston’s upscale Post Oak Uptown area, just steps from The Galleria shopping center. The hotel ranks among just 19 properties in the United States with the prestigious Forbes Five-Star rating, making it one of Houston’s crown jewels.
Hotel Granduca Houston: Italian-Inspired Elegance
Hotel Granduca takes you straight to a peaceful European villa with its Italian design and atmosphere. The property got a fresh makeover recently, and its all-suite setup gives modern travelers a refined place to stay.
Since 2006, Hotel Granduca has mixed Italian elegance with Texas hospitality. A 16th-century Italian palazzo inspired the hotel’s design, creating timeless refinement through carefully chosen Italian artifacts, custom furnishings, and beautiful gardens.
The 122 suites showcase thoughtfully designed spaces with hand-picked Italian décor and peaceful views of the pool or gardens. Little extras make the experience special – like getting a free Maserati ride to nearby spots.
Hotel Granduca sits in Uptown Park, putting The Galleria just minutes away. The hotel holds a special place as Houston’s only property in the prestigious Leading Hotels of the World collection.
Guests love Hotel Granduca’s charm. One visitor shared, “The hotel itself is very beautiful and has a medieval theme which at first is a little comical but soon you realize how charming it is”. The property maintains a stellar 4.6/5 rating from over 1,100 reviews.
The Westin Galleria Houston: Connected to Shopping Heaven
Shopping fans will love The Westin Galleria Houston – it connects directly to The Galleria mall. This Four-Diamond AAA rated hotel got a fresh look with renovated guest rooms and convention spaces.
The hotel’s location means you never need to step outside to shop at one of America’s biggest malls. The Westin Galleria serves as your perfect base to explore Texas’ largest shopping center, which ranks fourth nationwide.
Beyond retail therapy, guests enjoy sophisticated amenities in newly updated rooms and suites plus beautiful meeting spaces. Combined with The Westin Oaks next door, you get over 90,000 square feet of meeting space and more than 850 well-designed guest rooms.
The Westin Galleria scores a solid 3.8/5 from over 1,200 reviews. A business traveler noted, “I just got back home from a business trip…”, showing why corporate visitors keep coming back.
JW Marriott Houston by The Galleria: Business Meets Pleasure
The JW Marriott Houston by The Galleria mixes work and luxury perfectly. Just 0.19 miles from The Galleria and 5 miles from downtown, this 4-star property puts you right where you need to be.
An impressive 8.6/10 rating from over 1,200 reviews puts the JW Marriott at #3 for Best Value among Great Uptown Luxury Hotels. A happy guest called it “beautiful and very luxurious”, showing off its upscale character.
Business travelers appreciate the well-equipped business center and fitness facilities. The location near corporate offices makes work convenient while keeping shopping and dining close by.
The JW Marriott sits across from The Galleria, putting over 400 stores and restaurants at your doorstep. This setup works great for visitors mixing business with shopping or dining at upscale spots.
These four Galleria area hotels each bring something special: The Post Oak offers unmatched luxury, Hotel Granduca creates a European escape, The Westin Galleria connects you straight to shopping, and the JW Marriott balances work with upscale comfort.
Museum District Hotels: Cultural Immersion
Culture enthusiasts flock to Houston’s Museum District, which houses 19 museums within a 1.5-mile radius of Mecom Fountain. This lively neighborhood has excellent places to stay for visitors who want to soak in art, history, and science.
Hotel ZaZa Houston Museum District: Boutique Luxury
Hotel ZaZa ranks as the #1 Best Value in The Museum District with an impressive 4.6/5 rating from 2,552 reviews. The hotel sits at the heart of the district near the Texas Medical Center and provides a captivating experience for both business and leisure travelers.
You might wonder what makes Hotel ZaZa worth booking. Here are some standout features:
- Exquisite guestrooms and specialty suites (including Pool Villas and Concept Suites)
- Award-winning dining at Monarch Bistro
- On-site day spa to unwind after museum visits
A guest mentioned that Hotel ZaZa “is perfect for the museum district”, highlighting its ideal location for cultural exploration. The property amazes guests with “larger than life” experiences that set it apart from typical hotel stays.
Hotel ZaZa serves as a memorable base for travelers who want both cultural enrichment and luxury. The hotel’s location near the Museum District’s attractions lets guests easily access Houston’s major galleries and exhibitions. This means guests can enjoy more cultural experiences without wasting time on transportation.
InterContinental Houston Medical Center: Modern Comfort
The InterContinental Houston Medical Center scores high with a 4.6/5 rating from 524 reviews, ranking 30th among 643 Houston hotels. While we primarily see Medical Center visitors here, the hotel’s proximity to the Museum District makes it great for cultural travelers too.
Guests love the staff, as Paul Bridges points out in his review of “The staff at the Intercontinental hotel…”. Modern comfort seekers who want to stay near both medical facilities and cultural attractions will appreciate this property.
The hotel’s strategic spot offers quick access to the Texas Medical Center’s renowned institutions. Museum lovers can easily reach the district’s cultural offerings from here. Families visiting patients or medical professionals at conferences can take welcome breaks at nearby museums.
InterContinental Houston shines with impressive amenities:
- On-site restaurant for convenient dining
- Family-friendly rooms for groups
- Pet-friendly accommodations for animal companions
- Air conditioning for Houston’s warm climate
Medical visitors aren’t the only ones who love this hotel. Its polished facilities and professional service attract many travelers who want to explore Houston’s cultural scene.
The Whitehall: Mid-Century Modern Design
The Whitehall embodies mid-century modern design and boasts 4.6/5 bubbles from 1,410 reviews. Though located Downtown, you can easily reach the Museum District’s attractions from here.
Le Méridien Houston Downtown (part of The Whitehall family) blends mid-century modern luxury with Southern hospitality. Guests love returning to “tastefully appointed” rooms designed for comfort after exploring Houston’s cultural sites.
Design enthusiasts appreciate The Whitehall’s distinctive mid-century esthetic. A returning guest noted, “This is the second time I have stayed at…”. The property’s period details create an atmosphere that perfectly complements visits to Houston’s art museums.
The hotel presents a “modern reinterpretation” of traditional spaces. You’ll find thoughtful design elements throughout the property, from lobby to private rooms. The Whitehall’s architecture and interiors mirror the artistic spirit found in many Museum District institutions.
The hotel’s location lets guests easily visit Buffalo Bayou Park’s outdoor sculptures and Hermann Park’s Japanese Garden. The building itself becomes part of your cultural experience with its distinctive design approach.
Museum District accommodation options cater to different priorities:
| Hotel | Notable Feature | Rating |
| Hotel ZaZa | Boutique luxury experience | 4.6/5 (2,552 reviews) |
| InterContinental | Medical Center proximity | 4.6/5 (524 reviews) |
| The Whitehall | Mid-century design elements | 4.6/5 (1,410 reviews) |
These three properties maintain consistent quality rankings despite their different styles and locations. They rank among Houston’s top hotels for cultural explorers.
Staying in the Museum District puts you close to the Houston Museum of Fine Arts, Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, and The Menil Collection’s impressive surrealist art, African art, and ancient artifacts. METRORail connections make exploring other Houston areas simple.
Cultural travelers might also like other nearby options. The Westin Houston Medical Center/Museum District sits right next to the district and connects to the Texas Medical Center. Thompson Houston features a “mid-century modern-styled lobby” that matches the artistic surroundings.
These Museum District hotels offer exceptional stays while keeping you close to Houston’s artistic center. They’re perfect for travelers who want the best cultural immersion experience in the city.
Memorial City and Energy Corridor Hotels
West Houston provides excellent accommodation options near business parks and shopping centers. The Memorial City and Energy Corridor areas have some of Houston’s top hotels that serve both business and leisure guests.
Hotel ZaZa Memorial City: Poolside Paradise
Hotel ZaZa Memorial City stands as the #1 Best Value hotel near Memorial City with an impressive 4.9/5 rating from 521 reviews. This property sits just 0.3 miles from Memorial City and delivers the same upscale experience as its Museum District location, while maintaining its own unique character.
“The Beach Club” shines as the hotel’s signature feature – a glamorous, resort-style pool area that creates an urban oasis. This stylish retreat offers:
- Plush benches and chic chaise lounges for sunbathing
- An outdoor bar serving signature cocktails
- Poolside al fresco dining at Tipping Point Restaurant and Terrace
Guests love its location, with one describing it as “a stone throw away from CityCentre”. The hotel’s position lets visitors easily explore multiple parts of West Houston.
The Moran CITYCENTRE: Mixed-Use Magic
The Moran CITYCENTRE sits 1.4 miles from Memorial City and boasts an excellent 4.6/5 rating from 2,416 reviews. This hotel serves as the cornerstone of the vibrant CITYCENTRE development, creating a “live-work-play” atmosphere that modern travelers love.
The property ranks as the #3 Best Value among hotels near Memorial City. Its location within a mixed-use development gives guests quick access to shopping, dining, and entertainment right outside their door. One guest highlighted that the “staff was very accommodating”, showing the high service standards at this property.
The Westin Houston Memorial City: Mall Connection
The Westin Houston Memorial City combines convenient location with thoughtful amenities. The hotel maintains a 4.6/5 rating from 1,389 reviews and ranks as the #2 Best Value hotel near Memorial City.
A skywalk connects the hotel directly to Memorial City Mall. The hotel website highlights this feature as “convenience at your doorstep” with “easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment just steps away”.
The hotel’s impressive amenities include:
- An 18th-floor infinity-edge pool with city views
- State-of-the-art fitness workout studio
- A full-service Starbucks on the 3rd floor
- Over 30,000 square feet of event space
Guests can easily reach TopGolf, iFLY Indoor Skydiving, Main Event entertainment center, and ice skating at Memorial City. The hotel’s connection to Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center makes it perfect for healthcare professionals, while leisure travelers appreciate its comfort and location.
These three West Houston properties each offer unique benefits:
| Hotel | Rating | Distance from Memorial City | Notable Feature |
| Hotel ZaZa | 4.9/5 (521 reviews) | 0.3 miles | The Beach Club pool area |
| The Westin | 4.6/5 (1,389 reviews) | 0.4 miles | Direct mall connection |
| The Moran | 4.6/5 (2,416 reviews) | 1.4 miles | CITYCENTRE location |
These properties give excellent alternatives to downtown or Galleria accommodations in Houston’s western areas. You can choose between Hotel ZaZa’s boutique luxury, The Moran’s mixed-use convenience, or The Westin’s mall-connected practicality – Memorial City has quality options for every traveler.
Budget-Friendly Houston Hotels That Don’t Sacrifice Quality
You don’t need to sacrifice quality or comfort to find affordable hotels in Houston. Smart travelers can get great deals at stylish properties all over the city.
Aloft Houston by the Galleria: Stylish and Affordable
Aloft Houston combines modern design with reasonable prices in the upscale Galleria area. Priced from $149 per night, this hotel gives you great value in one of Houston’s most desirable neighborhoods.
What makes Aloft special? The hotel has:
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the property
- Refreshing pool facilities
- Pet-friendly rooms for your furry friends
The hotel sits right next to the Galleria Mall, which means world-class shopping without paying the premium rates of other luxury hotels nearby. Aloft is the quickest way to stay in Houston’s best shopping district without breaking the bank.
Business travelers love the hotel’s location. The hotel saves you money compared to its neighbors when you need quick access to the Galleria area without paying corporate rates.
C. Baldwin, Curio Collection by Hilton: Downtown Value
C. Baldwin brings affordable luxury to Downtown Houston and ranks as the #7 booked hotel near The Galleria Houston. Rooms start around USD 189.00, making it perfect for budget-conscious visitors who want to stay in the heart of the city.
The hotel’s solid 7.9/10 rating from 567 reviews shows that lower prices don’t mean lower standards. As I wrote in our luxury downtown section about The Lancaster and Four Seasons, C. Baldwin costs less while keeping Hilton’s quality service standards.
This hotel works well for travelers who need a downtown location without the big costs. Business travelers stay close to corporate offices and convention spaces but pay much less than the high-end hotels in the area.
C. Baldwin gives you downtown convenience without the steep prices. Budget travelers looking for a place to stay in Houston will find excellent value here in a premium location.
Sonder The Hogg Palace: Apartment-Style Living
Sonder The Hogg Palace offers a different take on budget accommodation. Starting at USD 150.00 per night, these apartment-style units give you extra space and the comforts of home.
Located downtown with an 8.5/10 (Very Good) rating, Sonder works well for longer stays or travelers who want home comforts. Each unit has kitchen facilities and separate living spaces, which creates great value for families or extended-stay guests watching their budget.
The property features:
- Free Wi-Fi connection
- Swimming pool access
- Pet-friendly policies for your four-legged companions
One guest called Sonder The Hogg Palace “very cozy and stylish” with “everything you could possibly need”. This shows why independent travelers who want self-sufficiency and space love this place.
These three hotels show that budget options in Houston are a big deal as they mean better value than you might expect. Rates drop even more in January and February when these properties run seasonal specials.
Houston has many more affordable options beyond these three gems, including places in the Heights and Energy Corridor areas. Budget-conscious visitors can find relaxed stays throughout Houston’s many neighborhoods. The city’s MetroRail system connects most tourist spots, so affordable hotels outside prime areas work well for seeing Houston’s attractions.
Comparison Table
| Hotel Name | Location/Area | Rating | Key Features | Notable Amenities | Price Range |
| The Lancaster | Downtown | 9.7/10 | Historic landmark, Art Deco architecture | Gourmet breakfast buffet, Turndown service, Art collection | Not mentioned |
| Four Seasons | Downtown | 4.4/5 | Five-star luxury | Rooftop pool, Topgolf Swing Suites, Spa | Not mentioned |
| Post Oak Hotel | Galleria | Forbes Five-Star | 38-story tower, 250 rooms | Helicopter pad, Sports suite, Crystal chandelier | Not mentioned |
| Hotel ZaZa Museum | Museum District | 4.6/5 | Boutique luxury | Pool Villas, Day spa, Monarch Bistro | Not mentioned |
| Hotel ZaZa Memorial | Memorial City | 4.9/5 | The Beach Club pool area | Outdoor bar, Al fresco dining, Pool lounges | Not mentioned |
| Aloft Houston | Galleria | Not mentioned | Modern design | Free Wi-Fi, Pool, Pet-friendly | From $149/night |
| C. Baldwin | Downtown | 7.9/10 | Hilton Curio Collection | Not mentioned | From $189/night |
| Sonder Hogg Palace | Downtown | 8.5/10 | Apartment-style units | Kitchen facilities, Pool, Free Wi-Fi | From $150/night |
Conclusion
Houston offers amazing hotel stays that fit any budget or style. The Lancaster Hotel and Four Seasons represent downtown luxury, and The Post Oak Hotel stands out as Texas’ only Forbes Five-Star property in the Galleria area.
Art and history buffs love Hotel ZaZa’s location in the Museum District, just steps away from 19 world-class museums. The Westin in Memorial City caters perfectly to business travelers with its direct skywalk connection to Memorial City Mall.
Smart travelers can find great deals starting at $149 per night at places like Aloft Houston by the Galleria. These budget-friendly options maintain excellent standards and sit close to Houston’s main attractions.
Each Houston district brings something special:
- Downtown: Historic architecture meets modern luxury
- Galleria: Premium shopping and sophisticated accommodations
- Museum District: Cultural attractions and boutique hotels
- Memorial City: Business-friendly stays with entertainment options
- Budget Properties: Quality experiences without premium prices
My best advice is to pick your hotel location based on your planned activities, then choose a place that fits your comfort level and budget. Houston’s wide range of hotels ensures every traveler finds their perfect match.
FAQs
Q1. What is the best area to stay in Houston for tourists?
Downtown Houston is generally considered the best area for tourists, especially first-time visitors. It offers a wide selection of hotels, restaurants, and bars, and provides easy access to many of the city’s main attractions.
Q2. How do the Downtown and Galleria areas compare for accommodations?
While both areas offer excellent hotels, Downtown is often preferred by tourists due to its proximity to major attractions and better accessibility. The Galleria area is known for its upscale shopping and dining options but may be less convenient for sightseeing.
Q3. Where are some popular hotels for celebrity sightings in Houston?
Luxury hotels like the Four Seasons Hotel Houston and Hotel ZaZa in the Museum District are known for hosting celebrities. The historic La Colombe d’Or Hotel is also popular among high-profile guests, including politicians and celebrities.
Q4. Is a car necessary for tourists visiting Houston?
While not absolutely necessary, having a car can be helpful for tourists in Houston due to the city’s sprawling nature. It allows visitors to easily explore multiple attractions across different areas of the city, maximizing their experience.
Q5. What unique amenities do some of Houston’s top hotels offer?
Houston’s top hotels offer a range of unique amenities. For example, the Marriott Marquis Houston features a Texas-shaped lazy river, while The Post Oak Hotel boasts a helicopter pad and a sports-themed suite with a basketball court. Hotel ZaZa properties are known for their themed concept suites and stylish pool areas.
