We list the best hotels, hostels, B&Bs and guesthouses in Houston as recommended by travel experts from CNN, Lonely Planet, Frommer’s, Fodor’s, New York Times and more. All hotel recommendations have been referenced with customer reviews and we only listed places that have at least a 4 out of 5-star customer review rating.
“Situated in the tony Uptown neighborhood, The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston is redefining luxury in a sprawling city that already has it all. But having it all isn’t enough for billionaire mogul Tilman J. Fertitta, who is raising the hospitality bar for all things extravagant in the nation’s fourth-largest city.”
“Built to look like an overscale Italian villa, Hotel Granduca is close to River Oaks, the famous Galleria mall and sprawling Memorial Park.”
Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Houston.
“This 12-story hotel in the heart of the leafy Museum District offers some of the splashiest digs in town, suitable for rock stars, escapist vacationers, and business travelers with time to play. The Magnificent Seven are ultra-swanky themed suites.”
Featured as Frommer’s Choice in Houston.
“Set in a landmark neoclassical building from 1911, this luxury boutique hotel distinguishes itself with bold, idiosyncratic styling.”
Featured as Frommer’s Exceptional Choice in Houston.
“Set in a Gilded Age mansion with just half a dozen suites, La Colombe d’Or offers a unique experience in business-minded Houston.”
Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Houston.
“This small luxury boutique hotel (formerly the Sam Houston Hotel) is decidedly modern and well located near bustling Main Street and the ballpark. The guest rooms are stylish.”
Featured as Fodor’s Choice in Houston.
“In the heart of the downtown neighborhood, near the business district, sits Four Seasons Hotel Houston. The rustic brown brick building soars above the street with its 30 stories, overlooking the bustling city. This Four-Star hotel is near the home of the Houston Astros and Minute Maid Park.”
“Well-heeled travelers enjoy the hotel’s plush accommodations and thorough service (including butlers on some floors), and local swells arrive for afternoon tea. Rooms are luxuriously furnished, with individually selected artwork.”
Featured as Fodor’s Choice in Houston.
“Layered in luxurious velvet and damask, the 314 rooms in this downtown hotel are both stylish and comfortable. Built in 1926, this landmark building once housed the Houston Post newspaper and later was the US corporate offices for Shell.”
“The first thing you’ll notice about The Moran (formerly the Sorella) is its dynamite location near shops, dining, and entertainment. Shopping enthusiasts—you’re right by the CityCentre plaza in Memorial City, a mixed-use space with something for everyone.”
Recommended by:
Forbes
Recommended by:
New York Times, Frommers, Fodors, Forbes, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Frommers, Fodors
Recommended by:
Frommers, Fodors
Recommended by:
New York Times
Recommended by:
Fodors, Frommers
Recommended by:
Forbes
Recommended by:
Fodors, Frommers, Forbes
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet
Recommended by:
CN Traveler, Telegraph
It is also known as Space City. The reason behind this is Houston houses the headquarter of NASA. Besides, in the United States, Houston is the fourth most populated city. Talking about some of its major attractions, they are the Houston Galleria Mall, the Museum District, Space Centre and more. People here enjoy excellent subtropical weather condition throughout the year. When it comes to the best place to stay in Houston, you can choose the Downtown area. However, there are some more areas that you can choose.
Five best neighborhoods to stay in Houston
Downtown Houston
Termed as the heart of Houston, it is the oldest district in Houston. The area is surrounded by freeways, interstates 69, 10 and 45. In Downtown Houston, you can see different famous monuments, like the Battlefield of San Jacinto, the water wall, and the Townhall. For those who love sports, this can be the best-staying place for them. It houses the Toyota Centre and Minute Maid Park. With great transportation options, you can easily travel to different areas from here. The district has both budget and luxurious hotels.
Midtown and its nearby areas
It is located between the Museum district and downtown. This is an urban area and has three metro stations, i.e., HCC, Wheeler, and McGowen. The area is quite famous for its artistic architectures such as Theater Center Houston and Midtown Art. Another major interest is the Buffalo Soldiers Museum. If you want to enjoy the nightlife of Houston, this can be a perfect place for you.
Museum District
The area is situated near Rice University and Texas Medical Centre. The area has 19 museums, and that’s why it is known as the cultural districts in the US. Some of the major attractions are the Holocaust Museum, the Children’s Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Health Museum, and more. Its rich historic environment has made the area as the perfect place to stay. But you may not be able to a good nightlife here.
Northwest Houston
For tourists, this is a perfect leisure center. Besides, it is a residential area where one can enjoy a unique staying experience. You can go to the karts circuit, Terry Hershey Park, cinema and different shopping centers located in the area. No matter what are your requirements, the place has all the necessary things for you.
Most of the visitors prefer to stay in the Northwest Houston area due to the amazing tranquility it provides. Its house budget accommodation for those who want to spend someday in a quiet neighborhood. Besides, the city also has lots of luxurious hotels who want to enjoy a luxurious stay.
Medical Center Area
Located on the south side of Downtown, it is a perfect place to enjoy a unique stay. You will find a lot of hotels in the area under your budget. The medical center area is well connected through metro rails. Starting from luxurious apartments, two and three-star hotels, and budget-friendly hotels.
Also check out our travel guide about the best areas to stay in Houston.
If money isn't a problem and you're looking for a luxury hotel in Houston, then go for Hotel Granduca. The hotel offers excellent service, it's in a top location, it has been rated very highly by previous guests and renowned travel critics have recommended it. Also check out our list of the best luxury hotels in Houston, it's a manually curated list of the most exclusive 5-star hotels in the city.
If you're looking for a cheap hotel in Houston, then book Holiday Inn Express and Suites. It's an excellent budget hotel offering great value for money. It's in a good location, it's been recommended by travel experts and the hotel has excellent customer reviews. Also check out our list of the best cheap hotels in Houston.
The average prices for a 3-star hotel in Houston are $110 per night. For a 4-star hotel you can expect to pay around $165 per night and if you're looking for a luxury 5-star hotel in Houston, then you probably have to pay around $320 per night.
If you're looking for a Houston hotel that serves great breakfast, try Hotel ZaZa Museum District. The hotel has some excellent reviews for their breakfast.
Looking for a room with a view? Try Hotel ZaZa Museum District, it offers some great views of the Houston skyline.
NASA's Space Center plus Houston's Official City Tour. See top sights around the city like parks, landmarks, and historic districts, and then head to the official visitor center for NASA’s Johnson Space Center for a self-guided tour. Price: $83.
Underground Tunnel Tour of Downtown Houston. Explore North America's largest tunnel system including some of Texas' most notable Fortune 500 headquarters. Price: $40.
Houston Museum of Natural Science General Admission. Visit the Houston Museum of Natural Science to see the largest dinosaur hall in North America, check out the extensive collection of rare gems, and stop into your choice of permanent exhibits. Price: $14.
More things to do in Houston
Houston, the fourth-largest city in the United States, has much to offer travelers. This fast-growing city has an excellent combination of culture and attractions, all within a relatively small area. Although it’s not as well-known as other major cities such as New York or San Francisco, Houston is home to some of the best hotels, restaurants and bars in the country. The city is also within reach of many smaller towns with charming Main Streets and unique housing options that give visitors a chance to experience authentic Texas life. If you are planning a trip to Houston soon, check out these tips on how to make the most of your time there.
Get to know the city before you go
One of the best ways to enjoy your trip to Houston is to do some research before you go. The more you know about the city, the more opportunities you have for making the most of your time there. Check out a map of all the things you want to see and do before you go, so that you can plan a route or two in advance. While on your trip, take photos and share them on social media using #HoustonLove so that people back home can follow along with what you are doing.
The best neighborhoods to visit
Although Houston is a large city, it’s quite easy to navigate. Here are a few neighborhoods that should be on your list for exploring.
Montrose: This neighborhood is known as the “gayborhood” of Houston and features many popular restaurants, bars and boutiques.
Rice Village: This area is known for its shops, restaurants and movie theaters.
Downtown Houston: This area is the cultural heart of Houston and has many attractions including Discovery Green Park.
The Heights: This hipster neighborhood has some of the best coffee shops in town.
Culture is key in Houston
Houston is a cultural melting pot. Home to over 780,000 people of Hispanic descent, Houston has the third-largest Mexican population in the country. The city is also home to large Vietnamese and Cambodian populations as well. Therefore, it’s no surprise that Houston is one of the best cities in the nation for dining options. In fact, it’s hard to walk more than a few blocks without finding an authentic ethnic restaurant from any part of the world you can think of. From Tex-Mex and Cajun to authentic Chinese cuisine, Houston has something for everyone. Houston is also a great destination for those who are interested in art and culture. The city has some excellent museums like The Menil Collection Museum which houses an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art from around the world. There are also many live theater performances throughout the year with some well-known actors performing in them, including Tony Award winner Laura Benanti who recently starred in “She Loves Me” at Main Street Theater. There are also plenty of family-friendly activities in Houston like Space Center Houston or Discovery Green Park which is equipped with an outdoor amphitheater, running trails, splash pad water park and children’s playgrounds among other attractions.
Where to eat while in Houston
Houston has an incredible selection of restaurants. You could spend days looking at what the city has to offer, but you’ll have to narrow it down to a few places as you can only eat so much. Here are some highlights:
Tex-Mex: Benjy’s Mexican Restaurant (multiple locations) or Pappasito’s Cantina (located in Uptown)
Vietnamese: Pho Binh by Night (multiple locations) or The Rice Box (located in Midtown)
American: Underbelly (downtown location), Girl & the Goat (downtown location), or Hunky Dory (downtown location).
Sightseeing tips and activities
If you are short on time, the Houston City Pass is a great way to save money and see the best of what the city has to offer. This pass includes four attractions: Space Center Houston, Downtown Aquarium, Kemah Boardwalk and either Museum of Natural Science or Children’s Museum of Houston. If you have more time in town and want to experience different neighborhoods, you can use RideHouston to explore the city via public transit for $3 a day. Use this app to map out your route, which will get you from one end of the city to another for a fraction of the cost! If you’re looking for something more active to do, head over to Discovery Green Park where there are lots of outdoor activities like walking trails and playgrounds. Another great activity is exploring Buffalo Bayou Park’s many paths by bike or canoe. You’ll enjoy acres of green space with beautiful views along a bayou that flows into downtown Houston. Houston offers visitors an amazing variety of attractions that range from the high culture at museums like The Menil Collection and Rothko Chapel to annual events like Art Car Parade or The Texas Renaissance Festival. Travelers who come here will find something new each time they visit!
Bottom line
Houston is a great place to visit, but you need a good plan. If you are going to be in Houston for more than one day, make sure that you know where you want to go and what your schedule looks like. We found this guide helpful for making the most of your trip. They’ve done all the research for you and have compiled some of their favorite places and tips on how to get the most out of your trip.
We recommend that you read our guide about where to stay in Houston. It gives you an excellent overview of the most popular areas, highlighting the main attractions and hotel recommendations for each area.
If you like our hotel recommendations for Houston, then you should also check out the best hotels in Dallas and recommended hotels in Austin.