• Home
  • popular
  • EVENTS
  • submit-new-event
  • CHARITY GUIDE
  • Children
  • Education
  • Health
  • Veterans
  • Social Services
  • Arts + Culture
  • Animals
  • LGBTQ
  • New Charity
  • TRENDING NEWS
  • News
  • City Life
  • Entertainment
  • Sports
  • Home + Design
  • Travel
  • Real Estate
  • Restaurants + Bars
  • Arts
  • Society
  • Innovation
  • Fashion + Beauty
  • subscribe
  • about
  • series
  • Embracing Your Inner Cowboy
  • Green Living
  • Summer Fun
  • Real Estate Confidential
  • RX In the City
  • State of the Arts
  • Fall For Fashion
  • Cai's Odyssey
  • Comforts of Home
  • Good Eats
  • Holiday Gift Guide 2010
  • Holiday Gift Guide 2
  • Good Eats 2
  • HMNS Pirates
  • The Future of Houston
  • We Heart Hou 2
  • Music Inspires
  • True Grit
  • Hoops City
  • Green Living 2011
  • Cruizin for a Cure
  • Summer Fun 2011
  • Just Beat It
  • Real Estate 2011
  • Shelby on the Seine
  • Rx in the City 2011
  • Entrepreneur Video Series
  • Going Wild Zoo
  • State of the Arts 2011
  • Fall for Fashion 2011
  • Elaine Turner 2011
  • Comforts of Home 2011
  • King Tut
  • Chevy Girls
  • Good Eats 2011
  • Ready to Jingle
  • Houston at 175
  • The Love Month
  • Clifford on The Catwalk Htx
  • Let's Go Rodeo 2012
  • King's Harbor
  • FotoFest 2012
  • City Centre
  • Hidden Houston
  • Green Living 2012
  • Summer Fun 2012
  • Bookmark
  • 1987: The year that changed Houston
  • Best of Everything 2012
  • Real Estate 2012
  • Rx in the City 2012
  • Lost Pines Road Trip Houston
  • London Dreams
  • State of the Arts 2012
  • HTX Fall For Fashion 2012
  • HTX Good Eats 2012
  • HTX Contemporary Arts 2012
  • HCC 2012
  • Dine to Donate
  • Tasting Room
  • HTX Comforts of Home 2012
  • Charming Charlie
  • Asia Society
  • HTX Ready to Jingle 2012
  • HTX Mistletoe on the go
  • HTX Sun and Ski
  • HTX Cars in Lifestyle
  • HTX New Beginnings
  • HTX Wonderful Weddings
  • HTX Clifford on the Catwalk 2013
  • Zadok Sparkle into Spring
  • HTX Let's Go Rodeo 2013
  • HCC Passion for Fashion
  • BCAF 2013
  • HTX Best of 2013
  • HTX City Centre 2013
  • HTX Real Estate 2013
  • HTX France 2013
  • Driving in Style
  • HTX Island Time
  • HTX Super Season 2013
  • HTX Music Scene 2013
  • HTX Clifford on the Catwalk 2013 2
  • HTX Baker Institute
  • HTX Comforts of Home 2013
  • Mothers Day Gift Guide 2021 Houston
  • Staying Ahead of the Game
  • Wrangler Houston
  • First-time Homebuyers Guide Houston 2021
  • Visit Frisco Houston
  • promoted
  • eventdetail
  • Greystar Novel River Oaks
  • Thirdhome Go Houston
  • Dogfish Head Houston
  • LovBe Houston
  • Claire St Amant podcast Houston
  • The Listing Firm Houston
  • South Padre Houston
  • NextGen Real Estate Houston
  • Pioneer Houston
  • Collaborative for Children
  • Decorum
  • Bold Rock Cider
  • Nasher Houston
  • Houston Tastemaker Awards 2021
  • CityNorth
  • Urban Office
  • Villa Cotton
  • Luck Springs Houston
  • EightyTwo
  • Rectanglo.com
  • Silver Eagle Karbach
  • Mirador Group
  • Nirmanz
  • Bandera Houston
  • Milan Laser
  • Lafayette Travel
  • Highland Park Village Houston
  • Proximo Spirits
  • Douglas Elliman Harris Benson
  • Original ChopShop
  • Bordeaux Houston
  • Strike Marketing
  • Rice Village Gift Guide 2021
  • Downtown District
  • Broadstone Memorial Park
  • Gift Guide
  • Music Lane
  • Blue Circle Foods
  • Houston Tastemaker Awards 2022
  • True Rest
  • Lone Star Sports
  • Silver Eagle Hard Soda
  • Modelo recipes
  • Modelo Fighting Spirit
  • Athletic Brewing
  • Rodeo Houston
  • Silver Eagle Bud Light Next
  • Waco CVB
  • EnerGenie
  • HLSR Wine Committee
  • All Hands
  • El Paso
  • Houston First
  • Visit Lubbock Houston
  • JW Marriott San Antonio
  • Silver Eagle Tupps
  • Space Center Houston
  • Central Market Houston
  • Boulevard Realty
  • Travel Texas Houston
  • Alliantgroup
  • Golf Live
  • DC Partners
  • Under the Influencer
  • Blossom Hotel
  • San Marcos Houston
  • Photo Essay: Holiday Gift Guide 2009
  • We Heart Hou
  • Walker House
  • HTX Good Eats 2013
  • HTX Ready to Jingle 2013
  • HTX Culture Motive
  • HTX Auto Awards
  • HTX Ski Magic
  • HTX Wonderful Weddings 2014
  • HTX Texas Traveler
  • HTX Cifford on the Catwalk 2014
  • HTX United Way 2014
  • HTX Up to Speed
  • HTX Rodeo 2014
  • HTX City Centre 2014
  • HTX Dos Equis
  • HTX Tastemakers 2014
  • HTX Reliant
  • HTX Houston Symphony
  • HTX Trailblazers
  • HTX_RealEstateConfidential_2014
  • HTX_IW_Marks_FashionSeries
  • HTX_Green_Street
  • Dating 101
  • HTX_Clifford_on_the_Catwalk_2014
  • FIVE CultureMap 5th Birthday Bash
  • HTX Clifford on the Catwalk 2014 TEST
  • HTX Texans
  • Bergner and Johnson
  • HTX Good Eats 2014
  • United Way 2014-15_Single Promoted Articles
  • Holiday Pop Up Shop Houston
  • Where to Eat Houston
  • Copious Row Single Promoted Articles
  • HTX Ready to Jingle 2014
  • htx woodford reserve manhattans
  • Zadok Swiss Watches
  • HTX Wonderful Weddings 2015
  • HTX Charity Challenge 2015
  • United Way Helpline Promoted Article
  • Boulevard Realty
  • Fusion Academy Promoted Article
  • Clifford on the Catwalk Fall 2015
  • United Way Book Power Promoted Article
  • Jameson HTX
  • Primavera 2015
  • Promenade Place
  • Hotel Galvez
  • Tremont House
  • HTX Tastemakers 2015
  • HTX Digital Graffiti/Alys Beach
  • MD Anderson Breast Cancer Promoted Article
  • HTX RealEstateConfidential 2015
  • HTX Vargos on the Lake
  • Omni Hotel HTX
  • Undies for Everyone
  • Reliant Bright Ideas Houston
  • 2015 Houston Stylemaker
  • HTX Renewable You
  • Urban Flats Builder
  • Urban Flats Builder
  • HTX New York Fashion Week spring 2016
  • Kyrie Massage
  • Red Bull Flying Bach
  • Hotze Health and Wellness
  • ReadFest 2015
  • Alzheimer's Promoted Article
  • Formula 1 Giveaway
  • Professional Skin Treatments by NuMe Express

    hospitality awards

    Houston billionaire's Uptown hotel ranks No. 2 in Texas, says U.S. News

    Amber Heckler
    Feb 13, 2025 | 5:30 pm
    The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston

    The Post Oak Hotel has held on to its No. 2 ranking for the second year in a row.

    Photo courtesy of U.S. News & World Report

    Houston billionaire Tilman Fertitta's famous hotel has earned a new award to add to its trophy case. The Post Oak Hotel has claimed the No. 2 spot in U.S. News & World Report's just-released rankings of the Best Hotels in Texas for 2025 for the second consecutive year.

    The 15th annual report by U.S. News analyzes more than 31,000 properties across the United States, Europe, Bermuda, Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean. Hotels are ranked based on industry awards, star ratings, published opinions from travel experts, and online guest reviews.

    San Antonio's Hotel Emma continues its reign as the No. 1 best Texas hotel, and ranked 19th U.S. News' list of the best hotels in the nation.

    The Post Oak Hotel fell into second place statewide in 2024, after previously holding the crown in 2023. It also ranks 45th in the publication's national rankings for 2025.

    This resplendent hotel has been on the radar for many Houstonians and out-of-towners that want the most luxurious experiences in the city. But a stay there won't come cheap, U.S. News warns, considering its numerous amenities inside and outside their guest rooms.

    "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 hotel's profile says. "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."

    The Post Oak HotelVisitors can enjoy the best Houston has to offer. Photo courtesy of U.S. News & World Report

    The hotel also boasts five different dining establishments with varying lavish cuisines.

    "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," U.S. News says.

    The esteemed hotel has received many top awards as of late, including earning one Michelin Key in its inaugural Texas guide. The One Key status is awarded for hotels that provide exceptional stays with guest services that go above and beyond what other similar hotels would offer.

    10 more Houston hotels earned recognition among the top 50 best hotels in Texas, including:

    • No. 8 – Four Seasons Hotel Houston
    • No. 15 – The Lancaster Hotel
    • No. 18 – The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa
    • No. 20 – The St. Regis Houston
    • No. 23 – Hotel ZaZa Houston Memorial City
    • No. 32 – The Woodlands Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton
    • No. 33 – The Moran CityCentre
    • No. 34 – JW Marriott Houston Downtown
    • No. 35 – Hotel Granduca Houston
    • No. 50 – Houston CityPlace Marriott at Springwoods Village, Spring
    The best resorts in Texas
    In U.S. News' separate ranking of the best Texas resorts for 2025, The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa ranked No. 3 statewide, the highest out of all Houston-area resorts.

    Besides its glorious forested landscape, U.S. News says this luxe resort is highly valued by guests for its expansive size.

    "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," the resort's profile says. "If you're looking to burn some energy, you'll find a rock-climbing wall and a gymnasium – where more than 180 fitness classes are held each week – at your service."

    The Houstonian Hotel, Club & SpaGet some laps in before heading off to the spa for a little relaxation.Photo courtesy of U.S. News & World Report

    The hotel's up-to-date tech also helps improve guest experiences.

    "Inside your digs, you'll find luxury bath products, Keurig coffee makers and occupancy sensors to let housekeeping know when you're in the room so as not to disturb you," the profile says.

    Other Houston-area resorts that ranked among the top 25 include:

    • No. 8 – The Woodlands Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton
    • No. 17 – Moody Gardens Hotel Spa and Convention Center, Galveston
    • No. 24 – Grand Galvez Resort, Autograph Collection, Galveston
    hotelsresortsus news & world reportawardshouston
    news/travel

    most read posts

    Award-winning Houston brewery will soon shutter in EaDo

    World Cup's 14-mile Green Corridor will leave a lasting impact on Houston

    Houston restaurant celebrates 3 years with new cocktail program

    surf's up

    2 Texas beaches near Houston swim among 10 best in U.S. for 2026

    Amber Heckler
    Mar 25, 2026 | 9:15 am
    Waterfront homes - Jamaica Beach, Texas
    Getty Images
    Jamaica Beach earned a 9.20 "local secret" score.

    The Lone Star State has already preheated for the summer, and two coastal shores on Galveston Island have emerged atop a new list of the best beach destinations in the U.S.

    HomeToGo's 2026 U.S. Beach Index ranked Galveston's Jamaica and Terramar beaches the third and sixth best destinations nationwide for a "beach break" in 2026.

    To determine the rankings, HomeToGo created a shortlist of 100 U.S. beaches where vacation accommodations had a median price per person of less than $200 per night. The list was then ranked based on five metrics: a "hidden gem" score; the median nightly price for accommodations; average high temperatures from April to September; average visitor satisfaction based on Google, Tripadvisor, Yelp, and Facebook reviews; and a "local secret" score based on the average distance traveled by vacationers to reach the destination.

    "While traditional hot spots remain popular, this year’s index shines light on some lesser-known beach destinations where travelers can make the most of their vacation without the stress of overcrowded shorelines or overburdened budgets,” said HomeToGo spokesperson Eleanor Moody.

    Jamaica Beach, a tiny beach town located next to Galveston Island State Park, landed in third place nationwide after Florida's Saint Joe Beach (No. 1) and Bethune Beach (No. 2). Last year, Jamaica Beach ranked 17th on the list.

    Other than sunbathing and getting your feet wet in the water, visitors are welcome to fish from the shore or in West Bay, go kayaking in dedicated areas, or enjoy a relaxing picnic in the sand. Visit Galveston recommends travelers visit during the middle of the week during spring and fall to avoid heavy crowds and the brutal summer sun.

    Jamaica Beach Jamaica Beach is a vacation hotspot for 2026. visitgalveston.com/

    According to the report's findings, many visitors who travel to Jamaica Beach aren't coming from too far away. The beach earned a 9.20 "local secret" score, where locations with the shortest average distance traveled by visitors are awarded a maximum score of 10.

    Vacationers expect to spend about $93 per person per night on accommodations at Jamaica Beach, which also earned it high marks for its affordability.

    "Covering just under a square mile, this small coastal community moves at an easy island pace, offering quieter sands than busier parts of Galveston and space for beachcombing, sunbathing, kayaking, and paddleboarding," the report said.

    No. 6-ranking Terramar Beach is situated less than 10 miles west from Jamaica Beach down Galveston Island. This little seashore offers an even better "hidden gem" feel than Jamaica Beach, and is slightly more affordable. Accommodations cost about $86 per person per night at Terramar Beach, HomeToGo found.

    The top 10 best beach destinations in the U.S. in 2026 are:

    • No. 1 – Saint Joe Beach, Florida
    • No. 2 – Bethune Beach, Florida
    • No. 3 – Jamaica Beach, Texas
    • No. 4 – Butler Beach, Florida
    • No. 5 – South Bethany Beach, Delaware
    • No. 6 – Terramar Beach, Texas
    • No. 7 – Satellite Beach, Florida
    • No. 8 – Shell Beach, California
    • No. 9 – Litchfield Beach, South Carolina
    • No. 10 – Indian Beach, North Carolina
    beachestexashometogotravelvacationsbests
    news/travel
    CULTUREMAP EMAILS ARE AWESOME
    Get Houston intel delivered daily.
    Loading...