The Most Luxurious Hotels to Book in Texas

In a suburban Dallas region more known for massive malls and conference hotels, Hotel Vin’s boutique sensibilities present a welcome change from the cookie-cutter usual. Sitting on Main Street in historic Grapevine – just off the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport’s northwest corner – the Vin’s wine-themed style is centrally situated for easy access to everything DFW-Metroplex related. Custom-designed furnishings dabble between mid-century modern and Texas flair in the 120 rooms and suites, while Euro-Mediterranean-centric dishes like ricotta ravioli with nduja or halibut with smoked trout roe and pistachio gremolata are certainly more palette-tempting than the Rainforest Café at Grapevine Mills. Sleep differently.

This historical 1920s-era boutique hotel in the heart of Houston’s Theater District melds contemporary flourishes with 100 years of history. From the street, its classically derived architectural style, complete with Italian Renaissance detailing, stands as a neighborhood icon; inside, an art collection of over 200 works by noted contemporary Texas artists and rooms awash in light and soothing earth tones with archetypal touches like Carrara marble, Frette bedding and towels and Bulgari bath amenities ensure elegance and sophistication. Together, it feels at once like a living museum and a modern Texas hotel – a textbook twosome in the hospitality game.

This relaxing retreat sits along San Antonio’s charming River Walk – the people-watching alone from its tranquil riverside terrace is worth the price of admission – and offers a matchless level of luxury in the Alamo City. Hand-forged iron four-poster beds and oversized soaking tubs are highlights among the 99 rooms, and both the rooftop pool with city views and the exclusive in-house spa are idyllic escapes from the tourist bustle around the environs of the hotel. Locally sourced seafood served in a romantic riverside setting at Ostra is another reason discerning travelers are lured in here.

One of only 19 Forbes five-star-rated properties in the US, Houston’s Post Oak Hotel holds court on 10 acres (4ha) in the city’s tiny Post Oak Uptown district, content in its position as the lone Texas hotel representative. Chandeliers composed of Swarovski crystals greet guests in the soaring atrium, setting a posh tone for this billionaire-owned, spare-no-expense choice. The 500-count Egyptian cotton bed linens and plush, multi-length robes carry on with the luxurious theme in the masculine-centric rooms, of which there are 250 on the hotel side. Lavish to the hilt, the Post Oak flips the extravagance script in Houston.

Overlooking South Central Austin’s idyllic Lady Bird Lake (aka Town Lake), this Texas-inspired Four Seasons subscribes to the luxury hotel chain’s more modern motif, with clean-lined, mid-century-modern-esque furnishings with lake or city views. It’s well-positioned for the best of Austin: laid-back Rainey Street and 2nd Street’s upscale bars and restaurants are barely a horseshoe’s toss away; the funky boutiques of South Congress are a mile and some change south of the hotel. As one does in Austin, even the spa keeps things local – Texas-grown sage and local river stones are called on in some signature treatments.

South Congress Hotel, located in one of the trendiest spots in Austin, fits the location perfectly with its cleanly designed guest rooms and suites, restaurants, pool and even a boutique that offers you your own personal shopper. Stop by the hotel even if you’re not planning to stay. All three restaurants and the lobby bar offer an excellent dining experience, especially Central Standard, an upscale American spot, with more than 100 wine labels to choose from.

Hotel Emma feels like home, but only if you are hugely wealthy, with great taste to boot. There is great attention to detail, from the industrial, repurposed chandeliers to the luxurious Persian rugs, leather couches and throw blankets. The building was originally a brewery in 1894 and was once the tallest building in San Antonio; the lofty ceilings and exposed infrastructure invite cathedral comparisons. The suites combine Southwestern, vintage and other design styles, and some come with their own fireplace, wet bar and terrace.

The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa is a woodland retreat unlike anything else in Houston. The property feels like “old money,” with dark wood paneling and stone walls, ostentatious fireplaces and dark hues throughout, but you come here because of the traditional luxury it provides. It has a variety of restaurants to suit different occasions and tastes, an expansive fitness class schedule and, most notably, a 17,000sqft (1,580sqm) spa with 20 treatment rooms and a relaxation pool.

The St. Anthony Hotel sits in the heart of San Antonio and attracts high-profile guests, including royalty and A-list celebrities. It offers classy, elegant decor, a heated rooftop pool with private cabanas, a full-service concierge, six dining venues and enormous crystal chandeliers throughout the space. It’s an especially impressive choice if you’re looking to celebrate an important event, and comes complete with city views from the open-air Sky Terrace.

The Joule Hotel is a neo-Gothic, art-filled hotel in downtown Dallas, complete with 161 rooms and suites designed with both comfort and style in mind. You can also check out one of the four penthouses to take your experience to the next level. There is a variety of food and drink offerings inside, such as the subterranean Midnight Rambler craft cocktail bar or Americano, a colorful Italian bistro, influenced by mid-century Italian films. You really don’t need to leave at all while you’re here – there are even three unique boutiques inside, and the bookshop will ship your purchases home for you.