Often ranked among America’s best cities to live in, Houston is usually thought about as a business destination. However, with vibrant art and cultural scene, professional sports, and an eclectic variety of restaurant and bar concepts, it is a great place for a quick getaway.
The top suites of Houston’s best hotels are the subject of this week’s issue.
1. The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston
2. Four Seasons Houston
3. St. Regis Houston
4. The Lancaster
5. The Houstonian
6. Hotel Granduca
1. The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston
Awards: AAA/CAA Five Diamond Awards 2020: Forbes Travel Guide Five Star Awards 2020; Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2020; Condé Nast Readers’ Choice List 2020
US News reports, “Sleek decor, modern amenities, and a standout concierge are just a few reasons why recent guests heap praise upon The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston. The property’s 250 rooms and suites are outfitted in warm cocoa, gold, and mahogany hues, featuring 50-inch smart TVs, marble bathrooms (also equipped with TVs, plus dual vanities, a tub, and a separate shower), free Wi-Fi access, and Nespresso coffee machines. Amenities outside the rooms abound as well: The hotel houses a salon, a spa, and a fitness center equipped with weight and cardio equipment, including Peloton bikes offering live cycling classes, seasonal wellness events, and occasional exercise classes. The pool area billed as a tropical sanctuary, is lined with cushioned lounge chairs and cabanas – and travelers say it’s another fantastic perk of staying here. When it comes to dining, visitors have their pick of five venues, serving everything from steaks to seafood to French fare. The hotel is also home to a chic lobby bar and The Cellar, which boasts an inventory of 30,000 bottles of wine curated by the property’s sommeliers.”
Conde Nast Traveler adds, “This is the most expensive hotel in Houston and that’s something that you notice. The Post Oak’s billionaire owner Tilman Fertitta spared nothing here. He believes, for example, that a great hotel needs great art, so he put large works on display throughout (he’s particularly fond of the Frank Stella in the entry).”
Two-Bedroom Presidential Suite
Serving as Houston’s unmatched, ultra-luxurious suites for visiting dignitaries, celebrities, and the self-indulgent alike, the sophisticated and stylish Presidential Suite, which at 5,000 square feet is one of the largest of its kind in Houston.
This two-bedroom suite offers extra privacy and discretion with private elevator access, a media room, exercise room, secluded terrace, and much more.
More suites at The Post Oak Hotel.
2. Four Seasons Houston
Awards: Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Awards 2020; AAA/CAA Four Diamond Awards 2020
Forbes Travel Guide inspectors say, “Though the exterior isn’t stylish, the Southern charm and elegance of the staff overwhelms you with hospitality — so much so that you’ll completely forget about the dated exterior. The old-school décor in the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star hotel’s lobby and the grand staircase that looks as if it leads all the way to the sky has the elegance of a 1980s mansion. The outdoor pool, fitness center, and spa give the hotel the feel of a resort placed in the middle of the city. Guests can sample tequila, wine, and tapas in the Lobby Lounge.”
U.S. News reports, “Whether in Houston for work or play, recent guests weren’t disappointed with their stay at the Four Seasons Hotel Houston. This five-star property is located downtown on Lamar Street, making it easy to get from your room to game day at Minute Maid Park or the big meeting at the George R. Brown Convention Center.”
Penthouse Suite
The 1,935 sq.ft. Penthouse Suite on the 20th floor features panoramic views of downtown Houston welcoming you to this lavish suite, featuring an oversized dining area and living space ideal for entertaining, a dedicated workout room, a fully stocked wet bar, and a master bedroom.
More suites at Four Seasons Houston.
3. St. Regis Houston
Awards: Fodor’s Choice; Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Awards 2020; AAA/CAA Four Diamond Awards 2020
Forbes Travel Guide writes, “The St. Regis Houston is Texas luxury through and through. The 232 spacious accommodations are accented with rich leather furnishings, oversized headboards, and curated artworks. The fitness center looks out onto a tiered swimming pool, and the room service staff is just a phone call away for a Harry’s Texas Bloody Mary to enjoy on your sun lounger. The hotel’s swanky Remington Bar hosts live music on Friday and Saturday nights, always drawing a crowd of locals, some of them straight from nearby shopping mecca, The Galleria Houston.”
U.S. News notes, “Sitting about a mile from The Galleria, The St. Regis Houston is one of only a few five-star hotels in the city…Previous guests say that the outdoor pool is gorgeous and that they enjoy soaking up some sun in the comfy lounge chairs lining the pool deck…When dinnertime rolls around, treat yourself to a hearty steak at The Remington Restaurant.”
Presidential Suite
The 2,500 sq.ft. Presidential Suite features two bedrooms, separate dining and living room with two fireplaces.
More suites at St. Regis Houston.
4. The Lancaster
Awards: TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards 2020; Condé Nast Readers’ Choice List 2020
Conde Nast Traveler writes, “There’s been a lot of buzz surrounding the multi-million-dollar renovation of The Lancaster, a historic hotel that enjoys a great location in the heart of the Houston Theater District. Fresh off a renovation that ended in fall 2019, the 93 guest rooms and suites boast luxurious touches like Carrara marble and upscale finishes, along with Bulgari toiletries and Fretté linens. There’s a new focus on contemporary art, with each room featuring a unique piece, as well as a new on-site restaurant.”
U.S. News reports, “The Lancaster Hotel occupies a prime spot in downtown Houston, amid numerous theater venues, including the Bayou Music Center, Alley Theatre, and the Wortham Theater Center. So it goes without saying, fans of music and the arts often book a room here thanks to its proximity to these venues…When it’s time to explore what Houston has to offer, The Lancaster offers a car service that will transport guests around town anywhere within a 3-mile radius of the hotel”
The Director’s Penthouse Suite
The 1,100 sq. Ft. Penthouse Suite features high ceilings, a living room, formal dining, a separate master bedroom, hand-scraped hardwood floors, and arched windows with a view of the Theater District. The spacious bedroom looks over downtown’s world-class architecture and entertainment district.
More suites at The Lancaster.
5. The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa
Awards: Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Awards 2020; AAA/CAA Four Diamond Awards 2020
U.S. News writes, “Sitting about seven miles west of downtown, this hotel calls itself a wooded oasis in the heart of Houston. And with its multiple pools, tennis courts, and jogging paths (all set in 27 acres of forest), it’s no wonder a lot of recent guests couldn’t find a reason to leave the property. If you’re looking to burn some energy, you’ll find a rock-climbing wall and a gymnasium – where more than 100 fitness classes are held each week – at your service. Meanwhile, The Houstonian houses four distinct eateries.”
Conde Nast Traveler adds, “The Houstonian, a welcome reprieve from urban life, is not a place one stumbles upon just by happenstance; rather, you’re probably here for a wedding or huge family event. The sprawling grounds, which are lush with beautiful botanicals, have amenities galore, including a number of pools—a sports pool, a resort pool, a garden pool—as well as a 175,000-square-foot health and fitness club offering everything from tennis to Pilates.”
Presidential Suite
The 1,300 sq.ft. Presidential Suite features a king-size poster bed, entryway with powder bath, spacious living room with wet bar, large sofa and club chairs seating area, fireplace, large dining room table, separate full-service kitchenette, master bath features marble soaking tub, walk-in shower, large walk-in closet. There is a connecting room option.
More suites at The Houstonian.
6. Hotel Granduca
Awards: Fodor’s Choice; Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Awards 2020
US News reports, “Inspired by Old World Italy, the Hotel Granduca treats Houston visitors to a taste of Europe. From the gourmet cuisine at Ristorante Cavour to afternoon tea, this property knows how to help guests slow down and unwind…To top it all off, Hotel Granduca gladly welcomes pets, pampering them with treats and special pillows.”
Forbes Travel Guide adds, “Travel to Italy without breaking out a passport when staying at Houston’s Hotel Granduca. From its pastel-colored exterior to its striking interior design, this lovely hotel blends Old World style with modern amenities. Hotel Granduca may feel like a secluded resort thanks to its quiet sophistication, yet this hotel has a prime location in Houston’s Uptown neighborhood. The services, from chauffeur service and personal trainers to a lovely heated outdoor pool, are impressive. Just like a grand private residence, the veranda, conservatory, and club room are among the many spots to dine.”
Residenza Imperatore
With a private entrance, veranda, and located just steps away from the pool, the 2,100 sq.ft. Residenza Imperatore features a Tuscan-inspired living and dining area overlooking the pool and gardens. The king master bedroom offers monogrammed linens, a large walk-in closet, a shower, and a soaking tub. Opposite the living area finds a private study as well as a large guest bedroom and an additional bath.
More suites at Hotel Granduca.
