Lauded lodging

Luxe Houston boutique hotel named No. 2 in Texas by U.S. News & World Report

Hotel Granduca checks in with a No. 1 spot in Houston and No. 2 in Texas.

With 2019 the year that finds Houston heralded as one of the best places in the world to visit, it stands to reason that all these tourists pouring into our fair city will need accommodations. Fortunately, the Bayou City boasts some of the best hotels in Texas — including the No. 2 spot in the state — according to a new report.

A new ranking of best hotels from U.S. News & World Report

puts Hotel Granduca atop the hotel hierarchy in Houston and the second spot overall in Texas. “From the gourmet cuisine at Ristorante Cavour to afternoon tea, this property knows how to help guests slow down and unwind,” U.S. News & World Report raves.

Inspired by Old World Italy with plush beds, and Italian linens, the Hotel Granduca “treats Houston visitors to a taste of Europe,” says the report. The luxe Residenza Imperatore, which has its own separate entrance and 2,100 square feet of space, earns high praise.

The popular pool and in Bar Malatesta (a noted power player lounge) are also mentioned, as is hotel’s pampering of visiting pets (they receive treats and special pillows). The report also notes perks such as the Leaders Club, where members get room upgrades and complimentary breakfast.

In all, Houston has five properties in the top 15: The St. Regis (No. 7), The Post Oak Hotel (No. 10), The Houstonian Hotel (No. 14), Hotel ZaZa (No. 15).

The best hotel in Texas, according to the list, is San Antonio’s much-honored Hotel Emma. U.S. News & World Report ranked the best hotels in Texas based on its analysis of industry awards, hotel star ratings, and user ratings. After the publication sifted through all of that data, Hotel Emma — a cornerstone of the super-popular Pearl district — comes out on top.

Elsewhere in Texas, four hotels in San Antonio appear on the magazine’s list of the 15 best hotels in Texas, including the Emma, The St. Anthony, Mokara Hotel & Spa, San Antonio, and the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa.

In Dallas-Fort Worth and Austin, three hotels make the top 15 in each region.

Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek earns the top spot in DFW (No. 3). U.S. News & World Report says this property, which sits north of the Dallas Arts District, supplies “the tranquility needed for a good night’s sleep alongside the convenience of a relatively central location.”

Four Seasons Hotel Austin grabs the top spot in the Capital City (No. 5). U.S. News & World Report points out that the Four Seasons “earns rave reviews from travelers thanks to its sumptuous atmosphere and extremely friendly service staff.”

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TRANSPORTATION NEWS

Luxury commuter van startup connects Houston with Austin and San Antonio

Photo courtesy of Shutto.

Shutto's regular routes travel most of the Texas Triangle.

Houstonians now have a new way to hop between cities, and it comes with Wi-Fi, leather seats, and a guaranteed Buc-ee’s stop. On November 17, mobility startup Shutto launched its luxury van service connecting San Antonio, Austin, and Houston, offering travelers a more comfortable alternative to flying or long-haul rideshare.

Bookings are now available Monday through Saturday with departure times in the morning and evening. One-way fares range from $47-$87, positioning Shutto in a similar lane to Dallas-based Vonlane, which also offers routes from Houston to Austin and San Antonio.

Unlike other regional transit options, Shutto builds Texas road-trip culture into every journey. Each route includes a pit stop at Buc-ee’s so riders can stock up on kolaches, Beaver Nuggets, and drinks.

In announcing the launch, founder and CEO Alberto Salcedo called the company a new category in Texas mobility.

“We are bringing true disruptive mobility to Texas: faster and more convenient than flying (no security lines, no delays), more comfortable and exclusive than the bus or train, and up to 70 percent cheaper than private transfers or Uber Black,” Salcedo said in a release. “Whether you’re commuting for business, visiting family, exploring Texas wineries, or doing a taco tour in San Antonio, Shutto makes traveling between these cities as easy and affordable as riding inside the city.”

Shutto enters the market at a time when highway congestion is a hotter topic than ever. With high-speed rail still years in the future, its model aims to provide fast, predictable service at commuter prices. The startup touts an on-time departure guarantee and a relaxed ride. Only 12 passengers fit inside each Mercedes Sprinter van.

Beyond the scheduled routes, Shutto offers private, customizable trips anywhere in the country, a service the company expects will appeal to corporate retreat planners, wedding parties, and tourists wanting to make a day of crawling Hill Country wineries and breweries.

The day-to-day service picks up at the Foam Coffee & Kitchen parking lot at 5819 Richmond Ave. near the Galleria. In San Antonio, it picks up at La Panadería Bakery’s parking lot at 8305 Broadway. In Austin, vans depart from the Pershing East Café parking lot at 2501 E. Fifth St.

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