Best hotels in Houston

Houston’s hotels are some of the best in Texas. Expect luxurious, chic, sky-rise suites, Italian-style villas and boutique venues that wow with helipads and chandeliers. If all that sounds a little beyond your budget, there are family friendly suites that leave plenty of spending money left over to explore attractions across Houston.

We’ve picked hotels with free parking and valet services, we’ve found places to stay just minutes from Houston’s theatre district and we’ve tracked down the ultimate holiday must-have you didn’t know you needed – a lazy river. Read our Houston hotel guide to find your next city break stay.

JW Marriott Houston Downtown

806 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002

Located between the city’s theatre and business district, the JW Marriott Houston Downtown is one of the best hotels in Houston. With just the right level of luxurious amenities, the service here is first rate – without ever feeling overwhelming or intrusive.

Expect to find the usual in-room amenities – think mini fridge and Nespresso coffee maker, alongside more unusual perks such as an iPad for ordering room service or asking the valet to bring your car around. Relax among the gorgeous interiors and neutral shades of your room, enjoy a massage in the hotel’s spa or burn off steam in the well-equipped fitness center.

Don’t miss a chance to refuel at Main Kitchen, this onsite restaurant goes above merely providing a place to grab a bite.

The Whitehall

1700 Smith Street, Houston, TX 77002

Driving into the city with all the family in tow? The Whitehall is one of the best hotels in Houston for families – especially if you’ve brought your dog along too. Your canine companion will get their own bed – and a bag of treats on arrival, but there is a non-refundable cleaning fee to pay first.

Once you’ve settled in your four-legged friend, it’s time to hit the pool and relax on the poolside cabanas. In terms of exploring locally, the complimentary shuttle will get you to the Downtown and Midtown areas – leaving you relaxed and restored, ready for road trips to wider Houston.

Spacious standard doubles with eco-friendly botanicals and super-comfy Beautyrest mattresses will tempt you back to your room. The Southern Tex-Mex room service menu makes an evening in the hotel quite appealing.

The Lancaster

701 Texas Avenue, Houston, TX 77002

For just under a century, The Lancaster has been a bright light on the Houston hospitality scene. Excelling at customer service – while providing complimentary amenities – makes the luxurious surroundings and accompanying room rate feel very much worthwhile.

A multi-million dollar revamp in 2019 brought marble to the bathrooms and contemporary art to The Lancaster’s 93 bedrooms. The location, just moments away from Houston Symphony’s Jones Hall, the Houston Ballet and Houston Wortham Center puts you at the heart of the city’s arts district.

When you retire for the night, the Bulgari bathroom products and luxury Frette sheets ensure a good night’s sleep before you wake and experience the gourmet, yet still complimentary, breakfast buffet.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Houston West

16435 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77094

If you’re looking for a great family-friendly hotel in Houston, at a budget-friendly rate, Drive out to the west of Houston on the city’s ‘Energy Corridor’. The Embassy Suites by Hilton Houston West are just 15 minutes away from the Typhoon Texas Waterpark and 20 minutes away from Minute Maid Park – home of the Houston Astros.

There are parking options, as well as on site amenities. Free breakfasts, an indoor pool and connecting rooms help you relax as a family. Embassy suites come with a small kitchen, modestly equipped with a microwave and fridge to ensure all the family can eat, day or night, during your stay.

Hotel Granduca Houston

Hotel Granduca, 1080 Uptown Park Boulevard, Houston, TX 77056

Upscale and uptown, the Italian stylings of the Hotel Granduca Houston stand out among the city’s soaring skyscrapers. It has 122 rooms sprawled across the villa, offering guests the option of 1-, 2-, or 3-bedroom suites.

The fine Italian linens are almost a given, but the walk-in closet (in even the smallest suites) fully equipped kitchens and hi-tech home entertainment options are a nice surprise in this old-world glamor hotel.

Italian charm is ramped up even further in the hotel’s restaurant, Ristorante Cavour. Innovative but still very much authentic, the menu showcases the finest recipes that transport your tastebuds straight to a terracotta terrace in Northern Italy.

The Post Oak Hotel

1600 West Loop South, Houston, TX 77027

For a lavish treat, consider a stay at The Post Oak Hotel. The only hotel in Texas to achieve the coveted Forbes five stars award, this hotel’s amenities are jaw-dropping.

The rooftop helipad on the 38th story might be out-of-reach for most, but the Rolls Royce showroom is ideal for a little window shopping. Elsewhere, the giant crystal chandelier, huge art canvasses and 500-count Egyptian cotton linens are available for every guest to enjoy.

Don’t miss an appointment in the Salon – for haircuts, luxe nail treatments and skincare sessions. The uptown location may well be close to gourmet eats, but The Bouchée Patisserie in the main lobby is chock-full of Parisian artisan confectionery you won’t be able to resist.

Marriott Marquis Houston

1777 Walker Street, Houston, TX 77010

Possibly the best hotel in Houston, the Marriott Marquis ticks all the boxes for the perfect city break. Connected by a skywalk to the George R. Brown Convention Center, a stay here puts you within walking distance of the city’s gaming, anime and business expos.

Located in Houston’s busy Downtown area, the city’s theatre district is just a 20-minute drive away. Families will love the Discovery Green Park across the street, where the McNair Jogging Trail, ice rink and playground are the ideal places to burn off some excess energy.

The standout amenities are the hotel’s lazy river, infinity pool and whirlpool. After a long day exploring Houston, the Marriott’s comfortable rooms are flexible for families of all sizes and ages

Moody Gardens Hotel

One Hope Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77554

Heading to Houston for a family vacation? Consider spending part or all of your stay in Galveston. Just a 50-minute drive from downtown Houston, the hotel and spa resort at Moody Gardens is the perfect place to stay for families looking for fun and entertainment.

The golf, aquarium, marina and rainforest pyramid are just minutes away from the Moody Gardens Resort. Set among tropical gardens, the hotel makes the most of its island setting. Explore further to swap the bay views for a day at the beach – just a five-minute drive away. With a nearby waterpark, pleasure pier and nature trail, Moody Gardens has a lot to offer.

Don’t miss a meal at Shearn’s Seafood and Prime Steaks. The hotel’s award-winning restaurant serves signature dishes and Gulf of Mexico views.

Consider splitting your time between two of the best hotels in Houston. Stay in the city for shopping, Astro’s games and southern cuisine before driving out to Galveston for a few days of island life.

Get to know more about Houston

Planning a road trip to Houston? Read our expert guides to learn more about the Texas city that serves up plenty of southern hospitality.

• Best restaurants in Houston
• Best things to do in Houston
• Houston driving guide