Houston's acclaimed hotels and resorts are shining stars in the travel world, according to Travel + Leisure's 2024 World's Best Awards. The Woodlands Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton and The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa were ranked among the top five best resorts in Texas, as determined by the publication's readers. Lancaster Hotel was deemed the No. 1 hotel in all of Houston.
The annual World's Best Awards asks Travel + Leisure readers to determine the ultimate travel experiences around the world, which include the top hotels, resorts, cities, and more. The 2024 survey had more than 186,000 responses from T+L readers with over 700,000 votes across 8,700 destinations and accommodations.
In T+L's ranking of "Readers’ 5 Favorite Resorts in Texas of 2024," The Woodlands Resort landed at the top as No. 2, and The Houstonian Hotel earned No. 4.
Notable amenities that make The Woodlands Resort stand out above the rest in Texas is its two championship golf courses, a fitness center, the lavish spa, the Forest Oasis pool complex, and much more. T+L readers also praised the resort's family-friendly programming.
"The heart of excitement at The Woodlands Resort is the Forest Oasis pool complex, a vast poolside waterscape surrounded by three luxurious guestroom buildings with easy-access pool walkout rooms, the Panther Trail™ golf course, and the towering pines of the lush forest," the resort's website says. "During the fall and winter, both the waterfall pool and double helix slide/pool are heated to over 85 degrees, plus you can cozy up on the pool deck with s’mores and toasty beverages."
The Lazy River winding through The Woodlands Resort.
Photo courtesy of The Woodlands Resort
Meanwhile, The Houstonian thrives with myriad members and guests who enjoy the top-tier exercise and wellness offerings, family-oriented membership, and elite, if-you-know-you-know status. One reader lauded The Houstonian as "a true oasis in the middle of the city."
"The 27-acre resort has easy access to Houston’s iconic Memorial Park and bustling downtown area, while still managing to feel like a well-kept secret," the report said.
The full list of top Texas resorts, in order, are:
- No. 1 – Omni PGA Frisco Resort, Frisco
- No. 2 – The Woodlands Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton, The Woodlands
- No. 3 – The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas, Irving
- No. 4 – The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa, Houston
- No. 5 – Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection, Austin
The top five hotels in Houston
Many snaps and claps are in order for the luxurious historic Lancaster Hotel, which was crowned the No. 1 best hotel in all of Houston in 2024.
Each standout hotel in T+L's best hotel rankings is critiqued based on its rooms and facilities, location, guest services, food, and overall value. This is the first year Lancaster was ranked at the top citywide.
Many readers appreciated the hotel's proximity to some of Houston's premier performing arts venues – the Lynn Wyatt Square for the Performing Arts, Jones Hall for the Performing Arts, and Alley Theatre – plus the hotel staff's top-notch guest service and the attention to detail with its decor.
"Superb luxury boutique hotel next to the theater," a reader said. "Staff was some of the best. Friendly, efficient and eager to help."
Guests adored the classic afternoon tea service at The Lancaster Hotel.
Photo by Teresa Rafidi
Guests additionally commended the Lancaster's vast amenities, including complimentary gourmet breakfast, complimentary in-room snacks, and the afternoon tea service.
The Lancaster Hotel also ranked No. 2 in T+L's "Readers' 15 Favorite City Hotels in the Continental U.S. of 2024."
The full list of Houston winning hotels, in order, are:
- No. 1 – Lancaster Hotel
- No. 2 – Hotel ZaZa Houston Museum District
- No. 3 – The Moran Citycentre
- No. 4 – The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston
- No. 5 – Four Seasons Hotel Houston
"For nearly three decades, our World's Best Awards have set the standard for excellence in travel, as chosen by our dedicated and discerning readers," said Jacqui Gifford, Editor in Chief of Travel + Leisure, in a release. "The 2024 results highlight a blend of time-honored favorites and emerging destinations, reflecting the diverse interests of today's travelers. We're delighted to honor these exceptional places and experiences that inspire our audience to explore the world."
Participants at last year's inaugural Yuletide Festival. Photo courtesy of Sherwood Forest Faire 
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