The courtyard pool at Hotel ZaZa is an oasis in the Museum District. (Hotel ZaZa)
Discover H-Town’s most exclusive boutique hotels, upscale resorts, and hidden luxury retreats perfect for a sophisticated staycation without leaving the city.
Houston has earned its place as a vacation destination, and not just for honkytonks, rodeos, and brisket. This city can be as cosmopolitan as Dallas, as hip as Austin, and as fun as San Antonio, offering rooftop pools, spa sanctuaries, and five-star dining. Houston has always been the home of oil tycoons and big money, but you rarely know you’re talking to a multi-millionaire—Houstonians tend to be down-to-earth and downright hospitable.
That makes a staycation in Houston equal parts upscale and comfortable. No matter where you stay in the city, you’ll find luxurious stays—you just need to know where to look. Here are seven of Houston’s greatest hideaways within neighborhoods filled with restaurants, entertainment, and local charm.
A chic, newly renovated hotel in Uptown Park
On March 3, the curtains went up on the new face of Hotel Granduca, and a staycation here just got a whole lot more beautiful. It all begins upon arrival when you drop your car with the valet and enter the elegant reception area. Fresh flowers overflow from vases, a large Trudon candle emits the most wonderful scent, and smiling staff greet you with a cold towel and a glass of prosecco. Welcome to an unforgettable night, weekend, or extended stay in Houston.
The beauty of Hotel Granduca lies in its design, which is ideal for longer stays. Each enormous room features a kitchen, a living area with a large TV, a huge bedroom with a walk-in closet, a spacious bathroom, and a work area, making it easy to extend your stay as long as you like. I highly recommend a room with a balcony for your morning coffee or afternoon wine. You’ll overlook the Great Gatsby-esque pool in a courtyard with cabanas and a hot tub.
Simple cuisine is prepared exceptionally in the hotel’s restaurant, Remi, with the filet with truffle butter being a true standout. This is the kind of place where you have no regrets about asking the bartender to surprise you—your cocktail will be fabulous. And if you want to venture out, you’re in stylish Uptown Park, filled with great local shops and restaurants. Stroll a little farther and you’ll find yourself in Memorial Park, where you can walk the trails around the arboretum. What more could you want from your Houston staycation?
A luxury boutique hotel in Montrose
A stay at La Colombe d’Or is a study in contrasts. On one hand, you have the main building of the hotel complex—the former Fondren Mansion later transformed into a boutique hotel catering to a who’s who list of celebrities and prominent figures … and you! On the other hand, you have The Towers, where rooms are contemporary and filled with colorful artwork like decidedly adult nudes, slashes of vibrant reds and yellows against a neutral palette. There’s something for every taste, making for a fantastic staycation.
The real gem here can be found in the rooftop refuge. Ooh and aah over the sprawling infinity pool, pool table room, lounge rooms, coffee station, and an impressive fitness center with unobstructed views of the Houston skyline that put you on top of the city.
You’re in Montrose, so utilize your fabulous valets who will keep an eye out for your Uber and greet you warmly upon your return. Downstairs in the mansion, you’ll also find Tonight & Tomorrow, a great little restaurant perfect for a pre-exploration breakfast. Spend time studying the art and sculptures that fill this property—they add a bit of culture to your Houston staycation.
A posh and iconic hotel in the Museum District
When I first moved to H-Town, the Hotel ZaZa Houston Museum District was on everyone’s lips, and it continues to wow with bold pizazz and the ultimate in luxury. Elite suites, each with its own theme, are super classy, as is the entire hotel. This is the place for a romantic getaway, a girls’ weekend, or a party with a group of friends.
The Hotel ZaZa strikes a balance between an instantly impressive, upscale vibe, and comfort and relatability. Yes, it’s posh, but no, it’s absolutely not stuffy. Guests roll out of bed, don plush robes, and head down the hallway to the generous coffee and tea nook found on each floor. Happy hour in the Monarch Lounge is fun and festive, and you’ll find large families and groups lounging in the many seating areas that extend beyond the lobby.
This hotel’s location in the Museum District can’t be beat. Ask for a room with a view, or simply take a walk through Hermann Park or to the Houston Museum of Fine Arts just across the street. This Houston staycation destination will keep you as busy or relaxed as you want it to be.
A new hotel within walking distance of The Galleria
Tourists flock to The Galleria to shop all the designers and walk Houston’s most famous mall. The locals love it too, but parking can be a bit of a bear. The solution? A staycation at Hotel Vesper, a Marriott Tribute Portfolio hotel that opened in 2024. This new hotel puts you within walking distance of The Galleria and offers self-parking, something not often found at Houston hotels.
Guest rooms are designed in the contemporary style with a French-inspired flair. Brown and moss green spaces are accented with mauve, and beautiful marble bathrooms feel rich and elegant, all making for a soft, calm staycation retreat that makes you forget you’re in one of the most visited parts of Houston.
Whether shopping till you drop or taking Instagram-worthy photos at Waterwall Park, make sure you’re back to your hotel in time for happy hour at Cache Cocktail Bar. Order some truly creative cocktails with garnishes you’ll want to recreate at home and nosh on the shareable small plates before sitting down to dinner at one of Houston’s many noteworthy restaurants.
An award-winning hotel with delicious food and drink
Sometimes a fancy hotel can be a bit too stuffy for a comfortable staycation. But that is not the case with The Four Seasons Houston, an absolute treat when it comes to cozy rooms, delicious food, and inspired drinks.
This property consistently ranks at the top of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hotels in the United States list, and 2025 is no exception. The Four Seasons brand is known for exemplary service and resort-style offerings, and The Four Seasons Houston embodies that spirit. Pop-ups and events feature local talent—including chefs, distillers, and fashion designers—all providing experiences you won’t find at other hotels. A roster of evolving activities means that every time you visit, you’ll discover something new at this staycation destination.
What you can always count on, however, is a top-notch meal at Toro Toro, a fun speakeasy experience (complete with a hidden entrance) at Bandista, and a full-bodied cup of coffee at Bayou & Bean café. Enjoy live music just steps away at House of Blues or cheer on the World Series-winning Astros at Daiken Park.
A downtown hotel that captures the heart of Texas
When I heard there was a hotel in Houston with a rooftop lazy river in the shape of Texas, well, I just had to see it for myself. And you should, too, on your next Houston staycation.
The Marriott Marquis Houston is a high-rise in the center of all the action, whether you’re catching a game, staying the weekend after a business conference at the neighboring George R. Brown Convention Center, or attending an event at Discovery Green. If you want to soak up the downtime vibe, this is the place to do it.
The Marriott Marquis’ Summer Elevated Program makes it especially inviting for a Houston staycation. Weekend pool parties at Altitude Rooftop and Pool bring sweeping views of the city, cabanas, bar service, and summertime music. Or go all in for concerts under the stars as well as movie and karaoke nights.
For a different kind of music, indulge in a sound bath, a complimentary perk that will send you into La La Land as you relax with a HydraFacial or custom massage at Pure Spa. As much as there is to do in downtown Houston, sometimes a staycation is all about being pampered, and this is the place for it.
A Houston hotel where you may spot celebrities
Looking for an ultra-luxe staycation where guests go to see and be seen? Look no further than the Forbes 5-Star Post Oak Hotel, a hub for celebrities and VIPs who arrive by helicopter or limo and shop for their next Rolls-Royce in the hotel’s showroom.
Treat yourself to a Concierge guest room or suite—it gives you exclusive access to the Concierge Lounge, a private enclave where you can relax, be served the drink of your choice, or enjoy breakfast while the sun rises over the city.
But be sure to check out this entire Uptown Houston hotel during your staycation. Lounge at the gorgeous pool, dine at Bloom & Bee, shop the boutique stores, and end your day with a nightcap at H Bar. A common thread throughout your stay is impeccable service and VIP treatment, taking this staycation to the next level.
