The Most Unique Hotels in Houston Texas

If you’re trying to decide where to stay in Houston during your visit, I’m here to help.

If it’s your first time in Houston, Downtown is your best bet. It’s central, close to top attractions like Discovery Green and the Theater District, and ideal for short stays. Check out JW Marriott Downtown or Cambria Hotel for easy access to it all.

Midtown is more affordable and still close to Downtown. It’s great for nightlife, younger crowds, and quick rides to popular neighborhoods.

Galleria is perfect if you’re here for shopping, upscale dining, or a longer stay. Try Hotel Granduca or The Post Oak Hotel.

For luxury, River Oaks and Montrose are among the most expensive. Houston is family-friendly, but not super walkable—stick to Downtown’s main areas for easier exploring.

Best Hotels in Houston, Texas

1. JW Marriott – Houston Downtown

Known worldwide for their luxury service, Marriott Hotels are definitely some of the best, and the one here in Downtown Houston is no exception.

This is where you will find luxury and comfort combined with personalized service to make your stay a memorable one.

The brightly decorated rooms of this hotel feature elegant furnishings and facilities like air conditioning, coffee makers, desks, flat-screen TVs, private bathrooms, and more. Room service is also provided to the guests.

Along with its highly-praised onsite restaurant serving American cuisine, the hotel offers a bar and complimentary daily buffet breakfast.

The property includes free private parking, a fitness center, a spa, and a business area.

Moreover, many great places for dining, shopping, and exploration are within walking distance of the hotel.

With so much on offer and a great location, JW Marriott is definitely the best place to stay in Houston.

2. Hampton Inn – Houston Downtown

Houston Downtown has no shortage of remarkable hotels, and Hampton Inn is another such place here.

It offers many amenities, making for a luxurious stay with all the comfort of upscale hotels in this 3-star property.

The rooms of Hampton Inn are all contemporary and feature lively decor.

They are furnished with air conditioning, cozy beds, flat-screen TVs, desks, and Wi-Fi. Each room also has a safety deposit box and a private bathroom.

Guests have access to the onsite gym, bar, and shared lounge along with the terrace swimming pool.

American and buffet breakfast is also served daily here.

Pets are allowed inside the property, and Hampton Inn has a lift for added convenience.

It’s also located centrally, so the business district, as well as many amazing attractions, restaurants, and shops, are nearby.

And if you’re bringing a car, the hotel provides private parking for its guests free of cost.

3. Cambria Hotel – Houston Downtown Convention Center

Just a short distance from Hampton Inn and just as close to Minute Maid Park is the Cambria Hotel.

This 4-star is also where you will find high-end amenities and unforgettable service along with a really nice location.

The hotel is set within a charming building and features equally delightful decor in all its spaces.

The air-conditioned rooms of Cambria Hotel are all tastefully furnished, complete with flat-screen TVs, refrigerators, safe boxes, and private baths.

Cambria Hotel’s facilities are also really highly rated.

Free Wi-Fi is available to guests throughout the hotel premises, and secure parking is also provided here.

A bar and restaurant are onsite, serving delicious food and drinks throughout the day.

You can also relax in the shared lounge or work out in the hotel’s fitness area.

4. Four Seasons Hotel – Downtown

Last but not least Downtown hotel on my list, Four Season Hotel, is another popular international chain of hotels that offers 5-star facilities in the heart of Houston.

The hotel features a full-service spa, an outdoor pool and hot tub, a fitness center, and many more elegant amenities for a comfy stay.

Rooms at the Four Season Hotel are all furnished with elegant comforts.

Each has air conditioning, flat-screen TVs with cable, minibars, private bathrooms, and fast wireless internet access.

Daily housekeeping is also part of the stay.

An onsite restaurant serves American and Italian cuisines.

Private parking and a 24/7 front desk are also hotel amenities, and the staff is very friendly and accommodating.

Plus, the location of the Four Seasons Hotel in the middle of downtown makes it the perfect place to stay for convenience and comfort.

5. The Post Oak – Hotel Galleria – Uptown

Located in the upscale neighborhood around Galleria, The Post Oak is a premium place to stay in Uptown where lots of amenities and a friendly staff make your stay a delightful experience.

This 5-star hotel provides unmatched luxury in every unit, with air-conditioned rooms featuring private baths and facilities like seating areas, flat-screen TVs, personal bars, and coffee makers. The hotel also has a restaurant and bar.

The hotel amenities include an outdoor swimming pool and fitness center, a business center, and a round-the-clock reception desk.

Services include free wifi access, private parking, and room service.

6. Hotel Granduca – Galleria – Uptown

Hotel Granduca is truly a luxury hotel in Uptown, located very close to Galleria and Memorial Park.

It’s also a 5-star property, so you can expect an endless array of amenities along with top-notch service during your stay here.

Amenities of the hotel include a fitness center, garden terrace, hot tub, restaurant, private parking, and an Italian restaurant.

All the rooms here have a warm decor and facilities like kitchens, minibars, seating areas, and private bathrooms.

The outdoor pool of the hotel has a cabana area.

Many great attractions are close to the hotel, and a free shuttle service is provided to its guests to all the places within 3 miles of Hotel Granduca – which includes lots of restaurants, shops, parks, and attractions.

👉 Check rates and availability at Booking.com | Expedia.com | Hotels.com

7. The St. Regis – Galleria – Uptown

The St. Regis is an excellent 4-star hotel in the Uptown District of Houston, offering a pleasant stay close to the Galleria, Post Oak Park, and many more popular attractions of Houston – and Downtown is also nearby.

With modern rooms providing unparalleled comfort, St. Regis makes for a wonderful place to stay in Uptown.

All the rooms are air-conditioned, complete with private bathrooms and rich furnishings. 24-hour room service is also provided.

The hotel has a tea lounge, bar, and restaurant onsite.

A swimming pool, full-service spa, and fitness center are also part of the property.

Free Wi-Fi works throughout the hotel premises. Secure onsite parking is also available.

8. The Royal Sonesta – Houston Galleria

The Royal Sonesta is an elegant hotel located just a short walk from the Galleria.

It offers amenities like an outdoor pool, 24-hour reception and business center, gym, a restaurant and a bar, and wifi connectivity throughout.

Featuring spacious rooms with modern facilities, the hotel is great for a comfy stay.

The hotel also has an onsite restaurant serving American cuisine, and a bar where you can grab refreshing drinks and snacks.

Just like the Granduca Hotel, guests at The Royal Sonesta have a complimentary shuttle service available here that takes them to all the places they want to see within 3 miles of the property.

This is where to stay in Houston for a weekend if you’re visiting to enjoy some shopping in the Galleria.

9. La Colombe d’Or Hotel – Montrose

Montrose is a district perfect for nightlife and restaurants, and La Colombe d’Or is just the hotel from which to enjoy it all.

You will find all the amenities common with high-end hotels here, including an outdoor pool, fitness center, garden, terrace, and lounge.

Rooms are spacious and comfortable here.

The hotel restaurant has American, vegan, and gluten-free options on its menu.

Some rooms feature a kitchen along with the usual facilities.

You will also have access to free wifi during your stay.

Free onsite parking, room service, and a 24-hour front desk are provided to the guests.

The hotel is also praised for its great location because you can easily reach popular neighborhoods like the Downtown, Galleria, and Museum District.

10. Hotel Zaza Houston – Museum District

Located very close to the famous Museum of Fine Arts, Hotel Zaza is a premium accommodation option in the Museum District with tons of amenities, spacious and elegantly furnished rooms, as well as a great staff.

The hotel bar is right by its outdoor pool, and Zaza also features a terrace, spa, and sauna, and an onsite fine-dining restaurant with a lounge.

Rooms are all air-conditioned and feature TVs, refrigerators, and minibars.

Zaza Hotel also offers free borrow bicycles, a car hire service, and a complimentary shuttle on Fridays and Saturdays.

The staff is really attentive and takes care of your every need.

Combined with the facilities and great location, it makes for a memorable stay in the Museum District. 

11. Wanderstay Houston Hostel – Museum District

Wanderstay is a Museum District hostel with a homey feel, comfortable rooms, and many amenities. It offers a delightful budget stay in one of the city’s best neighborhoods.

The hostel’s facilities include a shared kitchen, lounge, free parking, and Wi-Fi connectivity.

Since the hostel is located in a walkable area of Houston and close to Midtown and Downtown, as well as many attractions, it’s a good option if you’re looking for somewhere cheap to stay in the Museum District.

12. Blossom Hotel Houston – Medical Center

Speaking of cheap stays, the Houston Medical Center area has no shortage of them.

Blossom Hotel is one of the top options there, offering an upscale atmosphere, premium service, and many amenities.

In addition to its extensive business facilities, the hotel offers on-site parking, a 24-hour front desk, and free Wi-Fi.

The hotel’s rooms are spacious and well-furnished. Daily breakfast is served a la carte, and the property has a bar.

13. Hotel Baldwin, Curio Collection

The C. Baldwin, Curio Collection by Hilton in Houston, Texas, offers a luxurious and modern hotel experience in the heart of downtown Houston’s financial district. The hotel features stylish accommodations, including premium rooms with immersive spin bikes.

Guests can enjoy various amenities such as dining options, a speakeasy, and access to Houston’s underground tunnel system. The C. Baldwin Hotel boasts 354 guest rooms and over 14,000 square feet of meeting space, making it ideal for both leisure and business travelers

Best Areas to Stay in Houston

👍🏼 Downtown: Where to Stay in Houston for First-Time Tourists

Downtown makes it to the top of Houston’s list of nice areas.

It’s lively and charming and the thriving heart of the city.

The area features restaurants, bars, cafes, shops, parks, and more.

And, with many accommodation options, it’s perfect for both exploration and business stays.

I recommend the area for first-time visitors because sightseeing is also stunning here.

This is where many incredible attractions in Houston are found.

The area has unique neighborhoods that you can explore, including the Historic District in the north of downtown, the Ballpark, Civic Center, and Southern Downtown.

You can explore places like the Houston Aquarium, the Heritage Society Museum, and gorgeous parks and public spaces.

Houston Aquarium is a family-friendly attraction with touchpools and a shark tank. The museum is a 19-acre parkland featuring historic buildings dating back to the 1820s, and tours and excursions are available for many of its other attractions.

The downtown art community is a favorite for tourists and locals alike.

The area has many theaters, including the famous AMC Houston 8 Theater.

Then there are the galleries, art museums, and iconic buildings you can explore.

Downtown also remains buzzing because of the many notable events, such as concerts and festivals, throughout the year.

Downtown is one of the best places to stay in Houston, full of fun, exploration, and charm.

👍🏼 Galleria – Uptown: Where to Stay in Houston for Shopping

Uptown is the vibrant shopping district of Houston.

When it comes to world-class shopping, this part of the city is unparalleled.

It’s located just a few miles west of Downtown and offers a premium shopping experience with its many designer boutiques, international chains, and luxury stores.

This is where the famous Galleria shopping complex is.

It’s the largest mall in Texas, so the area around it is sometimes called the Galleria.

Along with its huge mall and hundreds of shops, the area also features an ice rink that is open to visitors throughout the calendar.

You can combine the high-end shopping experience of Uptown with some fresh air exploration and fine dining in Uptown Park, which has restaurants, bars, and designer stores.

The palm tree-lined Highland Village also offers a similar experience and it also has many local shops.

Uptown also has a decent number of hotels that range from luxury and boutique hotels to more intimate options as well as bed and breakfasts.

This means you will find just the right accommodation for your stay in the area very easily.

In short, whether you ask locals or tourists who have visited here from around the world, Uptown/Galleria is the place everyone thinks of when it comes to the best location to stay in Houston for upscale shopping.

👍🏼 Museum District: Where to Stay in Houston with Family

The Museum District of Houston is the place that keeps you busy all day if you’re up for exploration.

As its name implies, this is where you will find so many museums to explore.

In fact, visitors could spend days exploring just the 19 renowned museums of the area.

However, the Museum District offers much more than just museums.

This area also includes the famous Hermann Park, which is known for its relaxing atmosphere and many things to do.

The park alone has an 8-acre lake, a zoo, a golf course, a theater, several gardens, hiking and bike trails, and a museum of natural sciences.

The art scene of this district is also quite unique.

Many cultural exhibits take place in the Museum District of Houston, and its thriving art community makes it one of the go-to cultural destinations in the city. 

Families can enjoy many activities in the Museum District, including visiting the Children’s Museum of Houston for some interactive learning and fun for the little ones.

Thursdays here are for Family Nights, provided free of cost between 5-8 PM.

In addition to having so many family-friendly accommodation options and activities, the Museum District is located very close to the Downtown area, making it a really good choice when wondering where to stay in Houston for vacation with your family.

👍🏼 Montrose: Where to Stay in Houston for Nightlife and Restaurants

Montrose is the small, eccentric part of central Houston with the most vibrant nightlife scene complemented by many lively restaurants, neon-lit tattoo parlors, hip bars, quaint cafes, indie art galleries, and overall a very urban vibe.

This welcoming neighborhood comes alive at night with its many clubs and bars.

The area also features a diverse range of eateries, including options for delightful American, Mexican, Mediterranean, and European cuisines.

A stay in Montrose means experiencing the best nightlife and dining in town.

Then there are the amazing art pieces that you can admire both in galleries like Rothko Chapel and Menil Collection and in the area’s outdoors.

Rothko Chapel is a magnificent work of art and architecture. At the same time, the Menil Collection features thousands of art pieces and artifacts dating all the way back to the Paleolithic Period – making Montrose a paradise for art lovers.

Sightseeing is also nice here, with the Downtown skyline and public spaces like Eleanor Tinsley Park.

Another unique aspect of the area is its thrift stores, where you can shop for handicrafts, art, jewelry, clothing, and much more.

Montrose is a hub for not only nightlife but also culture, art, and food; so much so that it’s considered a unique small town of its own within Houston.

With so much to enjoy in this neighborhood, a stay here is bound to be full of buzz and glamor.

👍🏼 Medical Center: Where to Stay for Cheap Accommodations in Central Houston

The Medical Center area of Houston is another neighborhood great for a stay in the center of the city.

Known as the largest life sciences destination in the world, this district is famous for its unparalleled healthcare service at the Texas Medical Center.

Featuring the top cancer hospital in the world along with many other hospitals, medical centers, and colleges, Texas Medical Center is where people from all around the globe come for their health concerns.

However, the neighborhood has much more on offer than just healthcare services.

It also has some really good hotel and dining options, ranging from budget all the way to luxury.

I recommend it for cheap stays because some of the millions of people who come to TMC seeking medical care every year end up staying near it for extended periods, which is why the area has many great accommodation options for pocket-friendly rates.

It’s also close to the center of the city, so you can easily explore Houston from here while enjoying a budget stay.

The area itself is also very scenic and features both new apartments and homes from the 1900s, making it the best area to stay in Houston on a budget.

Where is the safest place to stay in Houston?

Houston is generally a safe city, so there are many places to stay and enjoy a worry-free trip.

But if you’re wondering where to stay in Houston, TX, for the safest vacation, you can choose from a wide selection of areas.

The areas I have highlighted in central Houston above, including Downtown, Uptown/Galleria, and the Museum District, are all really nice and some of the safest.

You can read more about those in the best areas section above. Midtown, Hunters Creek Village, and Bunker Hill Village are some other really safe areas in Houston.

Again, these areas are just some of the safest in Houston.

But the city itself has a low crime rate, so most of the other areas are pretty safe for a stay as well.

Follow the common-sense precautions that apply worldwide, and you won’t have to worry about a thing.

How to get around Houston?

Getting around Houston is pretty easy. The best way to do it is by car.

If you have a car, you can drive to any place in Houston and nearby whenever you want.

What’s more, the flexibility offered by a car is another great thing about it, because it means you can explore all the attractions at your own pace.

If you want to rent a car, there are plenty of rentals in Houston.

A shuttle service is also provided from some of the airports to these rentals.

Parking isn’t an issue in most places, but it might be in busier areas like Downtown.

For those, you can use a service like Parking Panda to reserve a spot in advance, so it’s no biggie.

However, a car isn’t the only option to get around Houston.

You can also use the rail system if you’re going to stay within the heart of the city; it’s a cheap and convenient way to explore the Downtown, Museum District, Medical Center, and Theater District.

Buses and taxis are also aplenty in Houston.

METRO buses are on most city streets, and there are many taxi stands and hailing sites in town.

Also, ride-share services like Uber and Lyft work really well in Houston, so you can use those to get around too.

The city also has a bicycle program that’s growing in popularity because of being a fun way to explore the streets and attractions.

There are around 90 stations within Houston, where you can rent a bike at one of the kiosks to take a quick and inexpensive trip to any of the nearby places.

The program is called BCycle and you can download the app for it or sign up online on houston.bcycle.com.

What is the best month to visit Houston?

Houston is a charming place with sunny and warm weather, but no single month is best for everyone.

Generally, you can visit any time of year, meaning the best time would depend on your preferences.

Spring is considered a great time to visit for the best weather.

Tourism peaks from February through April, so prices and crowds are at their highest during this time of year. Many notable events also take place between these months.

The weather is also reasonable between May and June, when the days are warm and sunny, but evenings are cooler.

This is when there are fewer tourists compared to the peak tourism season.

Afterward, summers bring hot and muggy weather and thunderstorms, so visiting during them isn’t ideal for outdoor exploration.

If you want to avoid crowds or visit on a budget, the off-season months of September through January are the best time for it.

Though temperatures are chilly during them, there are almost no crowds, there are plenty of deals and discounts on top of low rates, and some really nice festivals and events also take place in them.

How many days should I stay in Houston?

Depending on your preferences and the things you plan on doing, you could easily spend a week or even more in Houston.

But if you just want to visit the top attractions and get a good taste of the city, 2-3 days should be enough for it.

In those three days, you can visit places like the famous Space Center, explore the Downtown and Museum Districts and their attractions, enjoy Houston’s delicious cuisine, and much more.

Oh, and you should also be able to fit in some fun tours into your trip.

Tips to Have the Best Stay in Houston

📌 Choose the right time for your visit: Houston can be a year-round destination, but the weather, prices, activities, events, and overall experience is different based on when you’re visiting.

Research the attractions and all these things before you plan your trip to Houston.

📌 Plan and book your stay well in advance: Many great hotel options exist in different parts of Houston.

However, things can get hectic during the peak tourism season, so you might not find a room in your chosen hotel.

To avoid that, make sure you book your stay well in advance. Doing so will also get you a decent rate on the room!

📌 Explore the outdoors: Houston is an enchanting city with many unique neighborhoods, such as the Downtown, Museum District, and Uptown, and many outdoor spaces.

Don’t miss out on exploring all the charming parts of the town!

📌 Don’t forget to visit the world-famous spots: Houston is also home to many famous attractions.

These include the Space Center, Museum of Natural Sciences, and The Galleria. Visiting these is definitely a must.

📌 Experience the culinary delights of Houston: Houston offers a huge variety of cuisines, and I highly recommend taking full advantage of it.

You can choose from luxury restaurants serving American food, quaint cafes offering a touch of the local, and eateries serving European, Mexican, and Mediterranean dishes.

📌 Attend an event or two: Houston usually has some event or festival upcoming no matter the time of year.

Participating in one of those will give you a deeper glance into the city’s culture.

Frequently Asked Questions about Staying in Houston

Is it better to stay in Uptown or Downtown Houston?

Both these areas are really great and unique, so that might depend on what you’re looking to experience.

Downtown Houston has lots of sightseeing opportunities, a historic district, and overall a memorable experience on offer if you’re visiting for the first time.

Uptown is famous for its urban vibes and upscale shopping experience.

So, if you’re visiting for the first time and considering where to stay in Houston for a vacation, Downtown is the best choice for it.

On the other hand, if you’re coming here to shop a lot and experience some urban charm, Uptown is great for it.

What area of Houston is the best?

Houston has lots of unique and unforgettable areas, so calling any one of them the best wouldn’t be fair.

But you can choose one for a stay depending on your preferences and budget.

If you’re visiting for the first time, Downtown is the best.

If you want to explore, the Museum District is great for it.

Galleria has the best shopping. Montrose has some of the best restaurants and bars.

The Medical Center area is perfect for budget-friendly stays. And the list goes on.

Conclusion: Where to stay in Houston

The city of Houston is just as diverse as it is charming, and staying in it makes for an unforgettable experience.

You can choose from a variety of hotels in areas like the Downtown, Museum District, Uptown, Montrose, and Medical Center.

No matter what your budget or preferences, you will definitely find accommodation options here that suit your tastes and needs.

I have highlighted the top Houston hotels in this post, so all you have to do is book one that you like and you will be all set to enjoy everything this incredible destination has on offer!