Ultimate Guide to Houston

Celebrated for it's incredible contributions to space travel, homages to authentic Texan  culture, and intriguing history, Houston is great place to head to if you're interested in exploring somewhere diverse and eclectic.

With a range of great attractions, hotels and restaurants, Houston is the perfect spot to visit for a variety of different traveler types!

Best Hotels in Houston

Known for it's infamous space exploration programs, diverse culinary scene, and great range of museums, visitors are often impressed at the great selection of up-scale and comfortable hotels on offer in Houston. From those located just steps away from the popular cultural heart of the city that is the Museum District, to those with truly outstanding on-site facilities such as pools, spas, and restaurants, you'll be able to experience some of the best of Houston, right from it's many great hotels.

Whether you're visiting with family, traveling solo, with friends, or even with your partner, Houston's diverse hotel scene ensures everyone can find the perfect place to relax. Let's take a look at some of the city's best hotel options.

Hotel Zaza, Houston Museum District, Houston

Located in the Houston Museum District, Hotel Zaza Houston boasts a prime location, and sits amongst a great selection of the city's best landmarks, including the Museum of Natural Sciences, the Toyota Center, the Houston Museum of Fine Arts, the Cullen Sculpture Garden, Houston Zoo, and Hermann Park. Sports fans can also take advantage of this wonderful hotel, thanks to it being in great proximity to the NRG Stadium and Minute Maid Park.

Hotel Zaza boasts great on-site amenities, making it a convenient place to stay. From an outdoor pool terrace and poolside bar to business and meeting spaces, there's something here for every kind of traveler. Take advantage of the hotel's free Wi-Fi, relax at the spa center or sauna, and even enjoy a complimentary shuttle from the airport on arrival if you arrive on a Friday or Saturday! Free bicycle rental and car hire are available at the property.

This stylish and comfortable hotel also boasts some truly fabulous on-site dining. Both lunch and dinner are served at the Steak and Seafood House, Monarch, and it's even open for brunch on a weekend! After you've enjoyed a delectable dinner here, why not head over to Monarch Lounge? There you can enjoy a great selection of craft cocktails, beer, and wine.

Each of the air-conditioned, contemporary rooms comes with a flat-screen TV, a refrigerator, and a mini-bar along with upscale touches such as hardwood floors, climate control, and blackout drapery. Select rooms come with certain upgrades, including a separate seating area, kitchenette, washing machine, dryer, and views of the pool or city.

Hotel Granduca Houston, Greater Uptown, Houston

Sitting just across from a gorgeous selection of boutiques restaurants and spas at Uptown Park shopping center, and in close proximity to The Galleria, there's plenty to do in the immediate area if you're looking for a bougie city getaway. The Houston Museum District is within a 15-minute drive, making it a great place to stay for those who want to be in the lap of luxury, but who also love experiencing the best culture a destination has to offer.

This luxury hotel is truly stunning, with a beautiful garden terrace, relaxing outdoor pool space, and a cabana area, as well as beautiful gold decor throughout. If you're looking for a city-center hotel that boasts a great range of facilities that are perfect for rest and relaxation, look no further than the on-site hot tubs, fitness center, and unique touches, like complimentary Wi-Fi throughout, free shuttle service within 3 miles of the property, and even billiard rooms for guests to enjoy.

Hotel Granduca also boasts a fine, Italian restaurant, Giorgio's, which serves up high-end cuisine, and a selection of cocktails, beer, and wine.

Guest rooms at this hotel are a perfect choice for couples, or those looking for a few extra in-room amenities. Each comes with a fully-equipped kitchen, a mini-bar, and a seating area, that boasts a flat-screen TV and a DVD player.

Four Seasons Hotel, Central Business District, Houston

If you're looking for an upscale, luxurious hotel, surrounded by some of Houston's best greenery, then this is the one for you. Located just a short stroll from Discovery Green Park and Market Square Park, it's the perfect spot for a brisk morning walk. There are plenty of great attractions in and around this busy downtown business district too, including the Toyota Center sports arena, the George R. Brown Convention Center, and of course, the culturally rich museum district.

The Four Seasons brand is synonymous with unparalleled luxury, and as such, you can expect a lot from this stunning hotel. With a full-service spa, 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center, outdoor swimming pool, and hot tub, there are plenty of high-end amenities on offer here! Guests can even enjoy free cups of coffee throughout the hotel, and indulge in fine Italian cuisine at the on-site Quattro restaurant.

Guest rooms all come with complimentary Wi-Fi access and are each furnished with a flat-screen cable TV, DVD player, iPod dock, mini-bar, and a spacious desk. Upgraded suites boast separate living areas with pull-out sofas, and poolside rooms boast semi-private patios with direct access to the pool, making these ones a great choice if you're visiting during the summer months!

Hotel ICON, Autograph Collection, Downtown Houston

Located in the bustling Downtown Houston area, this luxurious hotel sits just a 5-minute drive from Minute Maid Park and less than a 10-minute drive from the Toyota Center, making this hotel a sure choice for sports fans looking for a little luxury during their stay.

Guests of Hotel ICON can enjoy full access to a 24-hour fitness center, with a business center and on-site concierge services also available. Originally built in 1911, Hotel ICON now occupies the historic Union National Bank building. It boasts many of the original features, including large pillars, intricate ceilings, and arched doorways, and complimented these with regal blue and gold accents, leading to a unique style of contemporary décor that's undeniably influenced by an authentic, Texan charm.

The on-site restaurant, Line & Lariat, is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, serving up modern Texas cuisine in a casual setting. The restaurant pulls influence from nearby ranches and boasts a delectable menu, with plenty on offer that will truly hit the spot!

Each of the modern, well-decorated rooms at this hotel boast great amenities, including a flat-screen TV, and an iPod docking station. Some of the rooms also boast stunning city views.

JW Marriott Houston, Downtown Houston

This stunning 5-star hotel sits int he heart of the business district, and is the go-to choice for jet-setters looking for outstanding service and a convenient location. Of course, if you're simply visiting for a vacation, the JW Marriott Houston Downtown can be a fabulous choice, thanks to it being located a short walk from the Theater District, and in close proximity to attractions like the Downtown Aquarium, the Wortham Center, and Discovery Green Park.

Guests at this hotel can enjoy a selection of American cuisine at the on-site restaurant, and indulge in a buffet-style breakfast served fresh every morning. There's also an on-site bar for those hoping to grab a night-cap.

Plenty of great facilities are available at this property, including a business area, fitness center, free shuttle services, and helpful staff. The on-site spa is one of the best facilities though, offering up a great range of treatments, including facials, massages, and foot soaks.

The sleek, timeless rooms are each equipped with air-conditioning, a desk, a wardrobe, a flat-screen TV, a Nespresso machine, and a convenient iPad that allows guests to book spa appointments, order room service, or call the valet, all from the comfort of their private guest room.

Best Restaurants in Houston

Houston is known for being diverse, vibrant yet still down-to-earth, and the dining scene here is no different. Featuring a wide range of establishments catering to every palette, there's something perfect for everyone when it comes to dining in this city.

From the creative new fusion restaurants, to some of the best Texan BBQ in the whole state, the restaurants across Houston have as much to offer as the city itself, so let's take a look at five of the most well-loved dining experiences in this amazing southern city.

Riel, Hyde Park, Houston

Owned by Chef Ryan Lachaine, he draws inspiration from both his Ukrainian heritage and French-Canadian upbringing to produce the many outstanding and delicious options on offer at this lively restaurant we know as Riel.

Be sure to visit for happy hour to experience the true fun of this restaurant, and don't be surprised if some of the menu items look a little confusing. Take for example, Riel's classy rendition of the McDonald's Filet-o-Fish!

The dinner menu is a little less playful, and a little more refined. We recommend sampling some of the exciting fusion dishes on offer here, such as the truffle and caviar pierogis, the unique kimchi carbonara, and the melt-in-your-mouth butter sliders.

Kata Robata, Greenway / Upper Kirby Area, Houston

Chef Manabu “Hori” Horiuchi prides himself on creating a constantly changing menu, boasting some of the freshest fish flown in almost daily, direct from Japan!

Using the freshest ingredients from the birthplace of this cuisine ensures some of the most delicious and authentic sushi you may possibly have ever tasted - so if you're visiting for a special occasion, be sure to indulge in one of the unbeatable omakase experiences here.

The name of this restaurant is a reference to fireside cooking, so if you're not a raw fish fan, then worry not, there's plenty on offer for you here too! Enjoy a selection of grilled meats cooked on the robata, piping hot dishes like lobster and crab ramen, and fried green tomatoes with kimchi aioli. If you're not super adventurous with different cuisines, perhaps sample some of the miso lobster mac and cheese - it boasts a unique flavor reminiscent of Japan, while brining you the homely comfort food you crave.

Le Jardinier, Houston Museum District, Houston

Located just across the road from the fabulous Hotel Zaza, you simply can't choose to stay there without making a visit to this beautiful Michelin-star fine-dining restaurant.

Tucked away in the Museum of Fine Arts, this restaurant boasts a rightful spot thanks to the truly outstanding dishes it serves up, each almost a work of art in itself. Chef de cuisine Felipe Botero creates a unique and inventive menu that showcases seasonal fruits, vegetables, and herbs, alongside locally sourced meats and seafood.

Some dishes we recommend are the chilled corn veloute made with poached gulf shrimp and curry oil; the light heirloom squash carpaccio, made with romesco, almonds, and caper berries; and the Sakura pork chop served with polenta and piperade. The restaurant's bar bites are a great choice if you're looking to indulge in a quick sample of the cuisine here and include choices such as a decadent wagyu burger, topped with gruyere; a smoked trout dip with potato chips and roe; and an extensive cocktail menu.

Truth BBQ, Memorial Park, Houston

You simply can't visit a Texan city without visiting one of their best BBQ spots. Famed for it's indulgent selection of fatty brisket that melts in the mouth, whole-hog roasts, smoked boudin, and Saturday-only beef rubs, Truth BBQ is a bustling spot that's not only hailed as one of the best in the city, but as one of the best in the whole of Texas! 

The barbecue fare on offer here is truly out-of-this world, and can be enjoyed alongside a selection of complements, like corn pudding or tater tot casserole. Save plenty of space for desert (if you can!) since this establishment also boasts a great range of home-baked cakes.

Jūn, Greater Heights, Houston

Proud Houston chef and 'Top Chef: Houston' alumna - Evelyn Garcia perfectly captures her Mexican and Salvadorian heritage alongside her passion for Southeast Asian food at this uniquely captivating restaurant.

The dishes here are perfect for sharing and some of the best things to order across the menu include the oysters topped with mignonette and fermented mango, the lamb curry, and the housemade pickles. We recommend visiting more than once if possible, as you simply can't pass up an opportunity to try the fried chicken here - Served crispy and hot, it's spicy umami flavor is derived from the unique mix of shrimp paste, ginger, Thai chili, and fresh herbs.

Best Things to do in Houston

If you're planning on a visit to Houston, then it's likely you'll want to visit some of the city's most popular attractions! Whether it's one of the largest museums in the United States, a unique outdoor theater with plenty of free events, or of course, the world-famous Space Center, there's something for everyone in this gorgeous city.

No matter what you'd like to spend your time doing, let's look at some of the top attractions Houston has to offer.

Space Center, Clear Lake, Houston

Sitting on the outskirts of the city of Houston, Texas, is the area of Clear Lake, home to the Space Center, possibly the greatest space-related museum on the planet. After all, the first word spoken on the moon was "Houston", so this city is expected to have some truly fine memorabilia to show off!

NASA’s Space Center Houston boasts a huge range of permanent displays and attractions, including a flown SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket over 156 feet long. It also houses an extensive artifact collection, live shows, and a unique and insightful 'NASA Tram Tour' that can take visitors behind the scenes at Johnson Space Center.

Rothko Chapel, Montrose, Houston

Sitting in the heart of the Museum District is an octagonal building, home to an oasis of tranquillity and peace, at the intersection of religion, art, and architecture.

While not an actual chapel as such, the Rothko Chapel is a truly unique building, that is decorated with 14 mural canvasses painted by the celebrated Russian-American artist Mark Rothko shortly before his death. He considered these pieces to be his most important works, and they truly bring about peace at this stunning location.

Houston Museum of Natural Science, Museum District, Houston

The Houston Museum of Natural Science is home to a selection of world-class exhibits, including 'Fossils in Action' - A truly unmissable exhibit that showcases dinosaur skeletons re-created in actual encounters between dinosaurs as they might have occurred millions of years ago, rather than simply lined up one after the other. 

Not just a hit with those interested in paleontology, this museum is a great day out in Houston for anyone interested in seeing the skeletons of dinosaurs eating, chasing, and even mid-fight!

Miller Outdoor Theater, Hermann Park, Houston

Miller Outdoor Theatre, located in Hermann Park is truly one of the city's most classic cultural gems. Having staged free outdoor performances since all the way back in 1923, it boasts eight-month's worth of free showcases each and every year.

A favourite amongst locals and tourists alike, the sloping lawn in front of the stage is quick to fill up with those getting themselves comfortable to enjoy the action, to be sure to get there early if you're interested in anything that is being shown. Feel free to bring a blanket and a picnic with you for dinner and a show!

Whether you're interested in watching a dramatical excerpt, or an orchestral performance, there's something on the list for everyone! Be sure to check the event calendar before your visit, and if necessary, book tickets in advance.

The Museum of Fine Arts, Museum District, Houston

The Museum of Fine Arts in Houston is one of the largest museums in the United States, so you can expect to spend quite some time here exploring a range of different and unique exhibitions and installations, especially if you're an art fan.

All Visitors can enjoy free admission on a Thursday, with happy hours also taking place. Whether you're looking to explore some unique and exciting African sculptures, or ponder over some classic Renaissance artworks, do it all with a cocktail in hand, before livening up with the resident DJ and grabbing a bite to eat from one of the outdoor food trucks!