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    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

    schedule your pto

    Far West Texas city recognized as a top travel destination for 2026

    Amber Heckler
    Dec 15, 2025 | 2:30 pm
    El Paso, Texas
    Photo by Raul Miranda on Unsplash
    El Paso was named one of the "Rising Star Destinations" to book for a vacation in 2026.

    A new 2026 Travel Trends Forecast from vacation rental marketplace HomeToGo has unveiled the top U.S. cities that are on travelers' minds for the next year, and one unsuspecting far West Texas city was included on the list: El Paso.

    El Paso was named one of six most sought-after "Rising Star Destinations" in the Southwest and Mountain West regions. Search trends revealed traveler interest in El Paso skyrocketed 191 percent year-over-year, with vacationers pining after "desert landscapes" and "frontier-style towns with modern Western flair."

    To determine where travelers are planning on booking their 2026 vacations, HomeToGo surveyed 1,000 American adults from November 26-28, 2025 to discover which locales offer "both affordability and under-the-radar appeal." Search interest and price insights were based on observed searches executed via HomeToGo's website from August 1-November 15, 2025, with a check-in date during 2026.

    The reports findings show the vacation accommodations in El Paso cost a median $62.21 per night, earning the city a reputation for being more affordable than Texas' major cities like Dallas or Houston. HomeToGo also said travelers are "increasingly turning to smaller [Southwestern] towns" to find accommodations rather than booking a stay at a large resort.

    Additionally, younger travelers like Gen Zers and Millennials are driving the shift toward these hidden gem destinations after collecting inspiration from social media sites like Instagram and TikTok.

    "Western destinations are seeing a rise in interest, fueled by a broader cultural moment that has placed such locations firmly in the spotlight," the report's author wrote. "In 2025, artists such as Beyoncé and Sabrina Carpenter brought fresh takes on the visual language of country music firmly into the mainstream, with this movement further amplified across social media platforms."

    There's plenty to do in the self-proclaimed "Sun City," such as hiking in Franklin Mountains State Park or Guadalupe Mountains National Park, visiting local museums, and much more.

    Other top "Neo-Western Revival" destinations to visit in 2026 include:

    • Marana, Arizona
    • Cañon City, Colorado
    • Yucca Valley, California
    • Queen Creek, Arizona
    • Bisbee, Arizona
    "According to the survey findings, 76 percent of U.S. travelers plan to go on vacation in 2026, with over a quarter (26 percent) actively booking longer and more extravagant breaks," the report said. "Fifty-seven percent plan to spend more on vacations in comparison to 2025, indicating that the appetite for travel is clearly growing."
    vacationsel pasowest texastravel trendstravel
    news/travel

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