Whether you’re looking for a classic downtown hotel, a boutique hotel in the museum district, or a beach or oceanfront resort, my exclusive Texas hotels offer fine dining, fitness, an inviting pool area, and many tourist activities that can also be encouraged. and refresh you in your being. Come check out my favorite Texas hotels and resorts.
1. La Cantera Resort & Spa
San Antonio
The award-winning, state-of-the-art La Cantera Resort & Spa – set on 550 acres with scenic views of San Antonio, the Texas Hill Country, and golf course views – combines King Ranch decor with a modern Texas vibe. You’ll love the wood floors, stone fireplaces, ornate ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling windows in one of San Antonio’s top boutique hotels.
I was impressed by the 25,000-square-foot Loma de Vida Spa & Wellness retreat, 10 restaurants, five pools with private cabanas, 496 luxurious rooms, and 34 residences scattered across oak and mesquite-covered hills. La Cantera is the #1 resort in the southwest and the #1 resort in Texas for adoption Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.
The Driskill Hotel is a large, stone-lined hotel
Photo credit: Janie Pace
2. The Driskill Hotel
Austin
Completed in 1886, The Driskill Hotel in downtown Austin is my favorite hotel. The Romanesque Revival building is the oldest hotel in the city, built by Colonel Jesse Driskill of Texas. I love the lobby with its large marble churches, the bright Texas Lone Star lights, and the high quality art throughout the hotel.
Enjoy luxury in 189 rooms, including 14 unique suites, such as the LBJ Suite with historic photos and details of his life and an unforgettable 10-piece stained glass wall depicting Ladybird Johnson’s love of bluebonnets.
The five-star Driskill Grill offers dry-aged meats and local cuisine with excellent service. 1886 Café & Bakery serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner 7 days a week.
Ask about the many magical stories left in the halls of this famous hotel.
Bejeweled horse standing in a koi pond in the lobby of Hotel ZaZa
Photo credit: Janie Pace
3. Hotel ZaZa
Houston
The artwork in the boutique Hotel ZaZa in the Museum District near Herman Park is gorgeous, from a larger-than-life horse in jewels above a koi pond to scenes of a kitzy family in an elevator. You’ll find unparalleled guest rooms, suites, pool villas, and a relaxing day spa.
The award-winning Monarch Bistro offers stylish dining, breathtaking views of the Mecom Fountain, and a pool deck. For breakfast, lunch, and dinner, I like avocado toast, aqua chile ceviche made with blue crab and shrimp, and grilled salmon. Sip “Audrey Hepburn Timeless Rita” while you relax and enjoy the view.
Hotel Emma Library
Photo credit: Hotel Emma
4. Hotel Emma
Pearl District, San Antonio
Hotel Emma continues to amaze travelers with its luxurious location, boasting a rich history, luxury, relaxation, and excellent cuisine. You’ll appreciate the great rooms, from the River Cellars to the original Brewhouse Tower. I love the special touches, including the welcome margarita, the colorful robes and linens, and my favorite South Texas favorites that have been preserved in battle.
Enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner at Mgonero, a farm-to-table restaurant where my favorites are scallops or mountain quail. Reserve the cream for the mascarpone cheesecake mousse. Major items include prepared foods, wine, beer, and baked goods to eat in or take out. For a nightcap, head to Sternewirth 1883, Emma’s tavern and club room.
5. Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center
Grapes
Under the sprawling dome of the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center, find 4.5 acres of riverfront and landscaped grounds, four restaurants, and the tranquil Relache Spa for massages, body treatments, or facials.
Check out Paradise Springs Water Park on 10 acres with water features, a meandering lazy river, giant slides, and a zip line. Discover fun and exciting activities for kids, such as themed escape rooms, scavenger hunts, and musical entertainment.
Reserve your spot using the Marriott Bonvoy App, taking advantage of membership discounts on king and queen guest rooms and suites with an atrium or exterior.
6. Hotel Driver
Pictures of the Fort Worth Stockyards
Stay in Texas for a visit to the Forth Worth Historic Stockyards, where cattle drives are held twice daily and you can still buy handmade cowboy boots. Mule Alley offers western shops, restaurants, and museums such as John Wayne, An American Experience.
Hotel Drover Marriott Bonvoy Autograph Collection offers accommodations, rooms, and suites with stunning western design and contemporary art. The 97 West Kitchen and Bar offers ranch favorites with a modern twist, Tex-Mex, and comfort food. Enjoy a meal, beer, or wine at the Lobby Bar. Take advantage of food and drink or a drink at the Veranda Bar in the backyard.
Commodore Perry Estate Sunken Garden
Photo credit: Commodore Perry Estate
7. Commodore Perry Estate
Austin
The #1 hotel in Texas according to US News and World Report in 2022, the Commodore Perry Estate in Austin sits on 10 acres in the heart of the city. Part of the Auberge Resorts Collection, European architecture and antiques surround beautiful gardens for a peaceful and romantic escape.
Overnight guests can enjoy the House Menu, including chicken liver mousse, Perry salad, fish of the day, and my favorite, Nojito – strawberry, lime, mint, and sparkling water, zero proof.
Lutie is open to the public, with reservations required. My suggestions include scallop crudo, barbecued gulf shrimp, or bluefin tuna.
8. Horseshoe Bay Resort
Horseshoe Bay
For views of Lake LBJ in the Texas Hill Country, visit Horseshoe Bay Resort, a golf resort and spa near Austin with modern rooms, suites, and villas. Visit one of three golf courses or enjoy family activities such as tennis or boating.
The relaxing Bayside Spa offers body treatments, massages, botanical facials, plus a full menu of salon services.
With seven restaurants, I can find my favorite foods:
- J’s Restaurant and Bar: Texas barbecue
- Slick Rock Grill & Bar: hamburgers, snacks, and breakfast-to-go
- Market: Starbucks® coffee, snacks, sandwiches, and pastries
- Whitewater 360 Sports Club: cold beer, wings, and pizza
- Cafe del Sol: sandwiches, kids snacks, appetizers, and poolside cocktails
- Bayside Spa & Fitness: Healthy snacks, sandwiches, salads, and drinks
- Waterfront Bar & Grill: Texas Gulf Coast seafood
Dinner at Rough Creek Lodge
Photo credit: Janie Pace
9. Rough Creek Lodge And Resort
Glen Rose
Situated on more than 11,000 acres, the rugged sandstone ranch of Rough Creek Lodge and Resort, with 40-foot-tall windows, overlooks Mallard Lake across the marsh and mountains.
Located an hour and a half south of Dallas/Fort Worth, outside of Glen Rose, you can choose from a private home, lodging among 51 rooms or suites, or a luxury home.
Enjoy deluxe accommodations, an award-winning three-course dinner by chef Gerard Thompson, a signature breakfast, and more than 80 activities for children and adults at a fixed price per person staying.
Galvez hotel view is on the beach
Photo credit: Janie Pace
10. Grand Galvez
Galveston
The recent renovation of the Grand Galvez – the Queen of the Gulf that was founded in 1911 – commemorates the only famous beach hotel on the Texas Gulf Coast. The beautiful Founders Bar (which connects to Peacock Alley, both renovated) features drink specials, bar bites, and music.
Enjoy fresh coastal seafood and grilled steaks for dinner at the Monarch Restaurant and shucked oysters from the Oyster Bar. Grab a freshly brewed coffee and pastries from the 1911 Espresso Bar. Wear your favorite hat on Saturday afternoon for a Grand High Tea with mini cakes, scones, and mini sandwiches and reservations are essential. Grand Galvez Sunday Brunch offers breakfast specials, Texas selections, seafood, and a variety of desserts.
11. Rosewood House On Turtle Creek
Dallas
In an established neighborhood in Uptown Dallas, Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek has 142 luxury rooms and suites with bedrooms in the bedrooms. Look for luxury hotel deals, such as direct bookings to get three nights for the price of two, or breakfast for two and parking included with your room.
The Mansion restaurant and The Mansion Bar offer contemporary French-inspired American cuisine with excellent service in a historic 1920s setting. A delicious breakfast on the patio gives you my favorite choice of green beans, huevos rancheros, or traditional eggs Benedict. The weekly menu consists of breakfast and lunch options and delicious mimosas or bloody marys.
Enjoy a massage or sauna, then relax by the Mediterranean-inspired outdoor pool or work out in the fitness studio.
Related reading:
