When traveling to the American southwest, not everyone wants to stay at a cookie-cutter property. The savvy tourist understands that boutique hotels offer more intimate accommodations at a reasonable price. In a major metropolitan area like Houston, the personal touch can go a long way in making a guest feel like they’re at home. Here are the best boutique hotels in Houston.
Enjoy a Part of Houston History
Photo by Kristyn D via Trover.com
Founded in 1924, The Sam Houston Hotel embodies the hero of its state. Sam Houston was responsible for the statehood of Texas, and this hotel does justice to the memory of the decorated hero.
The Sam Houston Hotel is such an important landmark that it has secured placement on the National Register of Historic Places. Visiting Houston Astros fans will adore its location half a mile away from Minute Maid Park. Fittingly, it is just a stroll down Texas Avenue away.
Enjoy an Even Bigger Part of Houston History
The immaculately restored Lancaster Hotel embodies old world elegance and grace. Originally built in 1926, when it was known as the Auditorium Hotel, this boutique hotel embraces the Italian Renaissance style throughout the property. Fittingly, it is considered one of the most romantic hotels in Houston.
Positioned perfectly in the Theater District, the Lancaster Hotel is steps away from the Jones Hall for Performing Arts and only four blocks away from the Hobby Performing Arts Center. The Lancaster Hotel provides a familial atmosphere due to its status as the only family owned and managed boutique hotel in the city.
Withdraw at a Former Bank
In 1911, this location was the site of the Union National Bank Building. Fast forward to 2004 and the property was repurposed as the Hotel Icon Autograph Collection. Its signature status as one of Marriott’s prized hotels reflects its opulence and grace.
The Hotel Icon is located in the heart of Houston’s GreenStreet district near the Discovery Green Park. This area is functionally the entertainment capital of the city, making the Hotel Icon the perfect mix of decadent decor and ideal location.
Get Zazzy at ZaZa’s Room 322
If you are feeling a bit more adventurous during your tour of boutique hotels, the Hotel ZaZa offers an inimitable experience. Room 322 at this establishment has created a social media buzz due to the macabre decoration of this room.
Room 322 includes multiple paintings that would creep out Aleister Crowley. The bed in this room is also chained to a wall, which is always a conversation starter. The hotel’s staff claims that there is nothing different about Room 322, as every dwelling at Hotel ZaZa has a theme.
The premise behind Room 322 is allegedly jail, but there are still rumors that the employees would prefer not to book it. You may have to request it specifically, and then you may have an experience like John Cusack’s character in 1408. Consider yourself warned.
All four of these boutique hotels are sizable enough that availability is not an issue. Each one provides a rare glimpse into the Houston of days gone by.