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Houston boasts 10 of the best hotels in Texas for 2024, says U.S. News

The Post Oak Hotel is the No. 2 best hotel in the state.

Photo courtesy of The Post Oak Hotel

A new list by U.S. News and World Report has ranked 10 Houston hotels among the best in the state, with The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston, Hotel Granduca, and The Lancaster earning top-10 spots.

The 14th annual report by U.S. News analyzes more than 37,000 properties across the United States, Europe, Bermuda, Mexico, Canada, and the Caribbean. Hotels are ranked based on industry awards, star ratings, and Tripadvisor customer ratings.

Houston's distinguished Post Oak Hotel fell one spot into No. 2 this year after previously holding onto the No. 1 spot in 2023. The hotel's standout modern amenities and guest services earned high praise in the report.

"The property's 250 rooms and suites are outfitted in warm cocoa, gold and mahogany hues, featuring 50-inch smart TVs, marble bathrooms (also equipped with TVs, plus dual vanities, a tub and a separate shower), free Wi-Fi access and Nespresso coffee machines," U.S. News wrote in an overview of the hotel. "Amenities outside the rooms abound as well: 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 report continues, "When it comes to dining, visitors have their pick of five venues, serving everything from steaks to seafood to French fare. 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."

The Hotel Granduca rose to prominence to take the No. 7 spot for 2024, in a major improvement from its 2023 rank as No. 22. European hospitality is the main focus at this hotel, whose guest rooms provide luxurious Italian bed linens, comfortable beds, antique furniture and art, and more.

"From the gourmet cuisine at Alba Ristorante to afternoon tea, this property knows how to help guests slow down and unwind," the report says. "You can pick from a number of room types, the most luxurious being the Residenza Imperatore, which has its own separate entrance and 2,100 square feet of space."

Rounding out the top 10 is The Lancaster, located in the heart of downtown Houston. The Lancaster is in an ideal spot for entertainment lovers, with the Bayou Music Center, Houston Grand Opera, Alley Theatre, and Wortham Center all within walking distance. The property was renovated in 2018 to update the most comfortable guest room amenities.

Houston had the greatest number of hotels in the top 25, including:

No. 11 – JW Marriott Houston Downtown
No. 12 – The St. Regis Houston
No. 14 – Hotel ZaZa Houston Museum District
No. 15 – The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa
No. 16 – Four Seasons Hotel Houston
No. 21 – Hotel ZaZa Houston Memorial City
No. 25 – C. Baldwin, Curio Collection by Hilton

In Central Texas
Austin Proper Hotel & Residences amped up its hospitality and customer service over the last year to become the No. 5 best hotel in Texas in 2024. It's a massive leap from its No. 16-rank in 2023.

The 32-story hotel is located downtown, boasting 238 unique guest rooms and suites, and 99 luxury condos. If it weren't for all that Austin has to offer, visitors would never need to leave the hotel. There are four on-site restaurants and bars, a 24-hour fitness center, a spa, and a fifth-floor swimming pool with a sun deck and cabanas.

The award-winning Commodore Perry Estate (No. 6) remains one of the best resorts in Texas, despite slipping three spots from third place in 2023. The resort is well known for its signature Texas hospitality combined with European-inspired elements like its antique furniture, breathtaking gardens, and a cozy library.

The three other Austin hotels that earned recognition in 2024 are:

No. 18 – Four Seasons Hotel Austin
No. 22 – The Loren at Lady Bird Lake, Austin
No. 24 – Archer Hotel Austin

San Antonio's Hotel Emma was deemed the No. 1 best hotel in Texas by U.S. News, and No. 13 in the nation. The Historic Pearl district hotel offers 146 luxurious industrial-style rooms inside a former 19th century brewery. The hotel provides easy access to Pearl foodie favorites, including Supper, the hotel's own restaurant led by executive chef Ned Elliott, and Larder, the hotel's deli market.

Hotel Emma's crowning achievement is a three-spot improvement from its former No.4-rank in 2023.

Four more San Antonio hotels earned recognition on U.S. News' "2024 Best Hotels in Texas" list, including:

No. 13 – Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa
No. 17 – La Cantera Resort & Spa
No. 20 – Thompson San Antonio - Riverwalk
No. 23 – JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa

The only San Antonio hotel that didn't make a reappearance in 2024 was Mokara Hotel and Spa, which ranked No. 21 in last year's list.

In North Texas

Dallas had five luxurious hotels earn spots on U.S. News list:

No. 3 – Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek, Dallas
No. 4 – The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas
No. 8 – Hall Arts Hotel Dallas, Curio Collection by Hilton
No. 9 – The Joule, Dallas
No. 19 – Hotel Crescent Court, Dallas

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where to travel right now

10 ideas for the ultimate spring break trip around Texas in March 2026

The lobby bar at The Monarch San Antonio

Photo courtesy of The Monarch San Antonio

The Lobby Bar is at the center of all of The Monarch's culinary action.

Texas is saying goodbye to its mild winter, and with the arrival of spring come long-awaited spring break vacations. Adventurers can take a road trip to a West Texas museum to visit a groundbreaking fashion icon's legacy, go antiquing in Big Top and book a stay at a luxe farm cottage, or check out a family-friendly circus on the Gulf Coast.

Here are CultureMap's top picks for a refreshing spring break escape around Texas in March.

Across Texas

Travelers that want to learn more about Black history and landmarks in Texas can take self-led tours using The Texas Historical Commission's recently updated guide: African Americans in Texas: A Lasting Legacy. The guide identifies schools, universities, monuments, churches, and cultural sites established by Black communities during segregation, which includes landmarks in East Austin and San Antonio. The guide is available to download for free online.

West Texas

Road trip enthusiasts won't want to miss this: A rare exhibition honoring American fashion designer Halston has popped up at the Ellen Noël Art Museum in Odessa, about 500 miles west of Houston. Called "Halston: Inventing American Fashion," the 75 mannequins on display are outfitted with showstopping ensembles from flowing Ultrasuede daywear to dramatic draped gowns. "Halston: Inventing American Fashion" will run through March 22, and museum admission is free.

$Halston: Inventing American Fashion exhibit Ellen No\u00ebl Art Museum$ The exhibits includes photos of the Halstonettes, models who walked most of Halston's runway shows. Photo courtesy of Ellen Noël Art Museum

Central Texas

It's almost time for Spring at The Silos in Waco, a celebration of the season of renewal and growth held every Friday and Saturday from March 6 through April 25. The extravaganza is hosted at the sprawling Magnolia property owned by Fixer Upper stars and Magnolia moguls Chip and Joanna Gaines. This year's festivities include mahjong classes, spring craft workshops, live music, outdoor movie nights, an Easter egg hunt, and shopping, of course.

Travelers heading to Round Top to shop for the best antiques at the 2026 Spring Show from March 22-28 can book their overnight stays at Hideaway Round Top, a newly opened elevated farm retreat. The 21-acre property is located less than 10 minutes from the Big Red Barn, and is just under 100 miles from Houston. Hideaway is also near other Round Top attractions like The Compound and Marburger Farm. Rates begin at $450 per night in March.

The iconic Central Texas renaissance festival Sherwood Forest Faire, located about an hour from Austin in the town of McDade, has begun its 2026 season running every weekend through April 19, plus one extra day, on March 20. An average day at the fair includes 150 shows — from full-contact jousting and falconry to live music, and a castle siege — and 170 artisans. Tickets ($16.59-$33.48 for one day) are available online via etix.com.

San Antonio

San Antonio's Briscoe Western Art Museum has prepared a whole week of family-friendly craft events in anticipation of spring break visitors from March 9-13. Each day will have its own theme: Native People of the Americas (Mar. 9), Cowboy and Vaqueros (Mar. 10), Wildlife and the Land (Mar. 11), Tejanos and Spanish Heritage (Mar. 12), and Full STEAM (Science, Technology, Education, Art, and Mathematics) Ahead (Mar. 13). These Spring Break Roundup events are included with museum admission ($16 for non-members, with discounts for active duty military, seniors, and children), and admission is free on March 11 for Wild West Wildlife Wednesday.

After years of development, San Antonio's newest luxury hotel is finally ready to welcome its first guests. The Monarch San Antonio, a 17-story, 200-room boutique hotel featuring three on-site restaurants, opened its doors on March 3. The property's design was inspired by the monarch butterfly's migration journey, and includes sustainable design elements like native landscaping, while its water features will mirror the natural beauty of Balcones Escarpment. Nightly rates start at $465 in March.

King guest room at The Monarch San Antonio The hotel shows off the San Antonio skyline.Photo courtesy of The Monarch San Antonio

At home in Houston

The Lancaster Hotel, located in the heart of Houston's Theater District, is celebrating its 100th anniversary with special events and a dedicated "Centennial Package" for bookings made from March 4 until December 31, 2026. Per a release, the package includes "a custom Lancaster candle infused with the hotel’s signature scent and a beautifully designed booklet chronicling a century of timeless hospitality and unforgettable stays." The hotel will also host quarterly centennial celebrations, with the first two planned on March 4 and May 20.

Along the Gulf Coast

The Zoppé Italian Family Circus is heading to Galveston's Stewart Beach from March 6-30 for several weeks of fun-filled shows under a 550-seat big top tent. Attendees at this family-friendly affair will be no more than 20 feet from the action, which includes acrobatics, equestrian and canine performances, antics from Nino the Clown, and more. General admission starts at $28 per person, and VIP tickets begin at $48.

North Texas

ICYMI: The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) opened the state's first new state park in 25 years on March 1. Palo Pinto Mountains State Park is located about a five-hour drive west from Houston, and offers 4,871 acres of former ranchland plus a 68-acre lake for visitors to explore. Ahead of spring break, TPWD encourages visitors to reserve day passes in advance, which can be reserved online or by calling the Customer Service Center during regular business hours at (512) 389-8900. Entrance fees are $7 daily for adults and children aged 13 and older, and admission is free for children 12 years old and younger.

$The lobby bar at The Monarch San Antonio \u200b$

Photo courtesy of The Monarch San Antonio

The Lobby Bar is at the center of all of The Monarch's culinary action.

hotels travel austin houston dallas central texas west texas museums spring break vacations