Traditional Texan hospitality meets cosmopolitan vibes in these 10 outstanding boutique hotels in Texas. From Dallas to trendy Austin and the arts oasis of Marfa, we profile the most beautiful, daring and luxurious accommodations across the state.
El Cosmico, a nomadic 18-acre hotel and campground, merges Buddhist ethos with hippy-inspired bohemianism to formulate a contemplative space detached from everyday chaos in the oasis of Marfa. This tranquil retreat hosts intensive design workshops, culinary training and music festivals, all of which seek to celebrate local and national cultural traditions.
There are just seven rooms at the Kimber Modern Boutique Hotel | Courtesy of Kimber Modern Boutique Hotel / Hotels.com
Decorated by local artists, this multi-level architectural masterpiece is no run-of-the-mill luxury establishment. Created by Burton Baldrige, winner of the Texas Society of Architects Design Award, Kimber Modern’s unique twist on contemporary minimalism will enthuse design buffs worldwide.
Designed by award winning architect Adam Tihany, the extravagant highlights of The Joule Dallas surpass all ordinary expectations. Showcasing works by Andy Warhol, Tony Cragg, Adam Fuss and Richard Phillips alongside a newly installed Taschen library, The Joule offers unconventional luxury with an intellectual edge in Dallas.
Hotel Saint Cecilia has its own lending library | Courtesy of Hotel Saint Cecilia / Booking.com
Reflecting Austin’s quirky vibe, cool-chic Hotel Saint Cecilia combines iconic pop art design with a 70s-inspired attitude to create an ideal haven for artistic souls and free spirits alike.
The epitome of Texan hospitality, The Driskill exudes a timeless opulence which echoes its turn of the century heritage. Having hosted an eclectic mix of legendary figures, from Bill Clinton to Bob Dylan, this iconic hotel offers a grand alternative to Austin’s laid-back cool.
With a rich history as a former Victorian mansion and later, student residence, neo-classical Hotel Ella oozes chic sophistication. In harmony with Ella’s elegant aesthetic, this newly renovated hotel exhibits sculpture by the Texan artist Charles Umlauf, designating its courtyard an open gallery.
Hotel San José houses 40 motel-style rooms | Courtesy of Hotel San José / Hotels.com
Situated on South Congress, Hotel San Jose is a unique amalgamation of fresh minimalism and musical legacy with touches of Austin style that reflect the hotel’s communal atmosphere. Promoting a chilled-out vibe, bungalow-hotel San Jose hosts regular events like film nights, tarot readings and DJ sets, delivering eclectic entertainment.
Judging by the lavishness of ZaZa’s thematic ‘concept’ suites, this eccentric hotel is not one to shy away from innovation. With design inspirations ranging from Toulouse Lautrec’s ‘Bohemia’ to ‘Leonardo’s’ Italian Renaissance, guests may pursue literary fantasies and immerse themselves in a bygone era. An exclusive Art House hosting exhibitions, installations and seminars further reinforces ZaZa’s unique cultural reputation.
A recognised historic landmark since 1912, The Adolphus encompasses baroque sensibilities in both architectural merit and majestic character. Bedecked with museum-worthy features like a Victorian Steinway belonging to the Guggenheim family and Flemish tapestries, the Adolphus has accommodated Queen Elizabeth II and Oscar de la Renta .
An interactive hub for the ultra-trendy traveller, NYLO’s urban loft-style interiors act as a visual platform for locally sourced creativity. NYLO seeks to celebrate the Dallas community by commissioning resident artists to decorate the hotels’ bar, restaurant and public areas’ generating vibrant spaces for a stimulating experience.
