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    Top Texas Hotels

    The best hotels in Texas for discerning Lone Star travelers

    Jennifer Chininis
    Mar 31, 2014 | 1:00 pm

    A vacation can be as much about the accommodations as the destination. Sometimes all that’s required is a comfy spot to rest a weary head, but more often we require something exceptional that we can’t get at home — whether in the form of ambience, amenities or service.

    Our list comprises properties big and small, brand names and boutiques. But each delivers something distinctive to earn the title best in Texas.

    Hotel Granduca, Houston
    Inspired by a sumptuous 16th century Italian palace known as much for its hospitality as for its opulence, Hotel Granduca excels in European design and service. Are you getting too hot as you lounge around the swimming pool? Iced towels coming up. Need the perfect cappuccino delivered to your suite or tickets for an evening at the ballet? Consider it done. Created by Giorgio Borlenghi, this luxury boutique hotel is a sublime sanctuary where self-indulgence is de rigueur. Also noteworthy is the tiny and romantic Ristorante Cavour featuring standout Tuscan cuisine.

    Hotel Havana, San Antonio
    West Texas-born hotelier Liz Lambert has a knack for transforming properties into something remarkable. Case in point: funky Hotel Havana, on a quiet stretch of the north River Walk, which was originally built in 1914 by a successful local grocer as a residence hotel for his buyers. The hotel’s pan-Latin influence pays homage to its Cuban city namesake as well as San Antonio’s Mexican roots — especially in restaurant-lounge Ocho, which is also a hot spot with the locals. The 27 guest rooms are an exercise in understated elegance, with antique furnishings, Turkish rugs and Cuban artwork.

    Hotel Saint Cecilia, Austin
    The brainchild of hotelier Liz Lambert, Saint Cecilia honors the patron saint of music and poetry for which it’s named. Each of the 14 rooms — five suites, six poolside bungalows and three studios — inspire the artist within, with eclectic decor combining antiques, pop modern furnishings and original artwork, as well as vintage turntables. Luxury is not lost here, however; handmade Hastens mattresses from Sweden ensure a proper night’s rest. Fun touches include mini-bars stocked with local goods and a gift shop featuring irresistible accessories from local artisans. Although the property is just off the main drag of South Congress Avenue, this secluded retreat feels like a world away.

    Hotel ZaZa, Dallas and Houston
    Hotel ZaZa has a rep in Texas for its sexy themed decor — namely in the form of its over-the-top concept suites — and the scene surrounding the swimming pools. When you need to escape that see-and-be-seen thing, you can hide away in ZaSpa, where signature treatments like the Morning After scrub and wrap help purge any signs of partying from the night before. The Dallas property now has bungalows in nearby historic homes, which have a more private, residential feel, and guests have access to all of ZaZa’s swanky amenities.

    The Houstonian Club, Hotel & Spa, Houston
    Located on an 18-acre wooded sanctuary near Memorial Park, this 289-room hotel offers plenty of opportunities to sweat, stretch and self-indulge. Rooms have floor-to-ceiling views of the lush grounds, premium bedding and all the latest high-tech gadgets. Guests have access to one of the nation’s top 10 fitness centers — which boasts a 20-foot rock climbing wall, full-size basketball court, eight outdoor tennis courts, three swimming pools, and squash and racquetball courts — and a posh spa with indoor float pool and more than 100 decadent treatments from which to choose. In addition to the gigantic wood-burning fireplace in the lobby, which gives The Houstonian an exclusive hunting-lodge feel, we love the Manor House, an elegant old home-turned-restaurant for hotel guests and health club members only.

    Inn at Dos Brisas, Washington
    About an hour outside of Houston sits this tiny — only nine Spanish-style haciendas and casitas — Relais & Chateaux property, where 1,200-thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets, stone fireplaces, private patios and plunge pools, and tranquil views of the surrounding meadows and ponds await. Plus guests have access to one of the largest equestrian facilities in Texas. But it’s the restaurant here that is truly special: It’s the only Forbes Travel Guide five-star restaurant in Texas, and it has also been recognized as one of the 10 best farm-to-table restaurants in the world. The culinary team plucks ingredients from the 24-acre USDA-certified organic farm and high-tech 7,000-square-foot greenhouse — think herbs and heirloom varietals of figs, persimmons, peaches and tomatoes — to create dishes that blend French techniques and Texas flavors.

    Mokara Hotel & Spa, San Antonio
    You could stay here without visiting the spa, but that would just be silly, wouldn’t it? This property, with a prime location on the River Walk, sells serenity from the onset. The 17,000-square-foot spa is the ultimate sanctuary within the city, with 18 treatment rooms and a staff dedicated to your every need. Guest rooms are not an afterthought, however, as they boast high ceilings, wood and marble finishes, fine linens, and Jacuzzi tubs. Ostra provides romantic riverfront dining, so fine food — in this case, sustainable seafood and raw bar — is never very far away. The heated rooftop pool affords the best views in the city.

    The Joule, Dallas
    With all of the recent additions to the Adam Tihany-designed Joule complex in downtown Dallas — ESPA, Vital fitness studio, TenOverSix and Traffic LA, Weekend coffee shop, and CBD Provisions — one could argue there is no reason to leave the property at all, despite its proximity to the original Neiman Marcus and burgeoning Dallas Arts District. Sultry guestrooms also got a facelift during the transformation; if you have the means to splurge, do it on the two-bed, two-bath Joule penthouse with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking downtown Dallas. Weather permitting, take a dip in the spectacular pool that cantilevers eight feet beyond the hotel’s structure.

    Ritz-Carlton, Dallas
    When it comes to luxury, the little things matter, and the Ritz knows it. So guests are treated to complimentary mini-margaritas and freshly made guacamole every evening. But of course the big things matter too: comfortably elegant rooms and suites with views of Uptown and downtown, a fabulous full-service spa, and chef Dean Fearing’s award-winning cuisine at the restaurant that bears his name. Other amenities include 24-hour room service, a chauffeured Bentley (available on a first-come, first-served basis), and excellent people watching at Rattlesnake Bar.

    Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek, Dallas
    Whereas the Ritz sits in the middle of the action, the Mansion feels like a residential hideaway — not surprisingly, because it used to be the private residence of a wealthy cotton baron and his wife. Although hand-carved fireplaces and stained-glass windows evoke eras past, most features are totally of-the-moment, including the Tex-French cuisine of James Beard Award nominee Bruno Davaillon and the impeccable yet non-intrusive service for which Rosewood is known. Book a terrace suite on the top floor of the hotel, which has a luxurious terrace almost as big as the room itself. Need a nightcap? Curl up in the dark confines of the Mansion Bar, where you can rub shoulders with the locals or simply sit back and take in the scene.

    A suite at Hotel Saint Cecilia in Austin.

    News_Travel_Lonnie Schiller_Hotel Saint Cecilia_suite
      
    Photo by Allison V. Smith
    A suite at Hotel Saint Cecilia in Austin.
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    Hill Country wine fest tops the 13 best Texas travel getaways for July

    Amber Heckler
    Jul 1, 2025 | 5:38 pm
    Hacienda del Rio pool
    Photo courtesy of Hacienda del Rio
    No matter how cosmopolitan the hotel gets, nothing can beat the trees around this pool at Hacienda del Rio.

    Options abound for a fun-filled vacation around Texas in July, from a just-opened hotel in Gruene to a cowboy-themed celebration at a San Antonio art museum. There are also great ways to "escape" closer to home Dallas-Fort Worth, such as booking a staycation at a Frisco hotel or relaxing in a cabana at an iconic Fort Worth Stockyards retreat.

    Here are our top picks for summer travel events, hotel deals, and more in July.

    Houston

    The Thompson Houston hotel is ready to dazzle guests with a once-in-a-lifetime, over-the-top July 4th package for a whopping $25,000. It includes a two-night stay in the hotel's penthouse suite; dinner for two with butler champagne service on the 36th-story rooftop helipad, with 360-degree views of the Houston skyline and fireworks displays; a couples massage at the luxurious Thompson Spa; and private, first-class ground transportation to and from the airport. The package will be available exclusively on Friday, July 4.

    Austin

    Austin visitors who want to relive the fun of going to a summer camp can recapture the magic with these 24 à la carte activities, from horseback riding in Lockhart to ceramic classes at a newly opened pottery studio on Austin's iconic South Congress Avenue. Prices for the activities vary, and several are free or under $50 per person.

    Hacienda del Rio pool
      

    Photo courtesy of Hacienda del Rio

    No matter how cosmopolitan the hotel gets, nothing can beat the trees around this pool at Hacienda del Rio.

    For weary travelers in need of a self care day, Viva Day Spa is celebrating its 20th anniversary with 20 days of specials until Thursday, July 12. Among the deals are a 50-minute full-body Swedish massage or a custom designer facial with a neck and shoulder massage for $100 (both valued at $150 each), or a "Viva Sampler Spa Package" that includes a 45-minute Swedish massage, Viva Express facial and pedicure, and a limited edition take-home gift for $300 (valued at $400). Services can be booked online.

    The world-renowned Balloon Museum, a highly Instagrammable interactive art installation, has just opened its doors in Austin. The family-friendly exhibit is perfect for visitors who love a good psychedelic and immersive experience, featuring works from 19 artists from around the world, such as aerial installations, lighting displays, and (of course) many balloons. Tickets range from $34 to $50, depending on a guest's age and time of day, and are available online.

    "Hyperstellar" installation at the Balloon Museum"Hyperstellar" by Hyperstudio is one of the mind-bending works at the Balloon Museum internationally. It won't be coming to Austin, but more work from Hyperstudio will. Photo courtesy of the Balloon Museum

    Swim Club, the refreshing pool-turned-restaurant at the Downright Austin hotel, is hosting a "dive-in" movie series this summer, including showings of iconic films like The Meg (July 9), a 50th anniversary screening of Jaws (July 10), and Sharknado (July 24). Free night swim will begin at 7 pm, and screenings will take place by the pool and on the lawn starting at around 8:15 pm (depending on when the sun sets). Admission is free.

    The Hill Country

    The Fredericksburg Food and Wine Festival is planning special wine pairings and culinary experiences for its second-ever "Preview Week" from July 21-27. The lineup of events include a conversation with Women for WineSense on July 21, an oyster and martini mixer on July 23, a boozy brunch at The Albert Hotel on July 26th, and much more. Ticket prices start at $25 per person and vary by event.

    The Lower Colorado River Authority has debuted a cool glamping solution for those unbearably hot Texas summer days: The Ööd Mirror Houses, located at Lake Bastrop South Shore Park. The two pet-friendly tiny homes feature floor-to-ceiling mirrored glass walls for guests to immerse themselves into nature while enjoying complete privacy. Rates start at just over $200 per night before fees, and increase to more than $300 before fees during certain times.

    Carter Creek Winery Resort and Spa, a road trip-worthy retreat in Johnson City, is launching its new "Hidden Gems of the Texas Hill Country Package" for guests booking two-night stays to explore the region's best wine, beer, and whiskey. Guests will be treated with tastings for two at the resort restaurant Old 290 Brewery, Hye-based Garrison Brothers Distillery, and at Wildseed Farms Winery in Fredericksburg. Rates for two-night stays begin at $401; use the promo code "CCWGEMS". The package will be available through August 2025.

    Carter Creek Winery Resort & SpaCarter Creek Winery Resort & Spa is located in Johnson City, a Hill Country town 235 miles from Dallas.Photo courtesy of Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa

    After a two-year renovation and rebranding, Hacienda Del Rio Hotel and Bar has opened in Gruene, a historic district within New Braunfels. The property now has 48 renovated midcentury-style rooms, updated pool amenities, and much more. The hotel will also partner with Paddle Texas to offer river adventures like kayaking or paddle boarding. Rates at Hacienda Del Rio Hotel begin at $125 per night, and introductory rates are available for those who book through December 31, 2025.

    San Antonio

    The beloved Briscoe Western Art Museum is saddling up for National Day of the Cowboy with a free, all-day celebration on Saturday, July 26, from 10 am to 4 pm. The museum and McNutt Sculpture Garden will offer free admission all day, and families can enjoy watching local rodeo cowboys practice lasso and roping demonstrations, as well as live demonstrations from local artists, and many more cowboy-themed activities.

    The DoSeum, San Antonio's interactive museum for kids, was recently hailed as one of Condé Nast Traveler's best children's museums nationwide. The list of acclaimed winners are "powerhouses of play" that inspire curiosity and creativity among their young patrons, according to the national publication. Admission is $18 for both adults and children, and free for children under one year old.

    At home in Dallas-Fort Worth

    Taking a summer trip doesn't necessarily mean having to travel long distances. Residents can relish some summer fun closer to home with a weekend trip to Frisco, where several local hotels are offering discounted stays with nightly rates up to 30 percent off when booked through Visit Frisco's website. Additional summer savings are available from KidZania and Strikz Entertainment. The "Summer Family Fun Sale" will run through September 2025.

    Fort Worth's award-winning Hotel Drover is offering guests a "Midweek Cabana Retreat" from Monday through Thursday, complete with special cabana rates, complimentary overnight valet, and enhanced Wi-Fi. The Veranda Bar + Pool is also unveiling its new summer menu with new refreshing cocktails and mocktails, plus new dishes like parmesan truffle fries and a barbacoa quesadilla. Cabanas can be reserved online.

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