The 14 Texas Hotels Readers Loved Most in 2025

Texas travel hit a new stride in 2025, and readers had strong opinions about where to check in. From art-soaked downtown icons to poolside sanctuaries, these stays brought style, service, and serious vibes. Whether you want walkable nightlife, a serene garden escape, or a spa day that melts time, there is a perfect key waiting.

Use this list to plan a weekend you will still be talking about next year.

1. Hotel Saint Cecilia

Tucked among live oaks, this private hideaway feels like your coolest friend’s house, if your friend curated vinyl, poetry, and perfect lighting. You can stretch out by a jewel-toned pool and let time slow, then wander to your suite where saturated colors and vintage touches invite a deep exhale. Evenings bring soft music, warm lamps, and that effortless Austin charm.

Mornings start with espresso and sunshine on the patio, the city’s hum just beyond the gate. Borrow a bike, flip through records, then settle into a velvet banquette for a slow cocktail. Service is low-key yet attentive, anticipating needs without fuss.

It is design-forward without trying too hard, a quiet refuge that still feels plugged into Austin’s creative beat.

2. W Austin

Steps from the action, this stay brings glossy energy from the lobby to the rooftop. You will slip into a scene where bold art, craft cocktails, and a spirited soundtrack set the tone. Rooms balance clean lines with plush comfort, and blackout shades promise a solid sleep after a festival or show.

Wake to skyline views and a quick gym session before grabbing avocado toast downstairs. The pool deck hums on weekends, perfect for meeting friends or people-watching between dips. Staff moves fast and friendly, solving requests with no drama.

Everything feels walkable, from tacos to live music, making it easy to turn a night out into a long, memorable weekend.

3. The Carpenter Hotel

Here, industrial bones meet warm wood and sunlight, creating a boutique stay that feels both crafted and lived-in. You will wander through breezy walkways to a leafy courtyard, where coffee and pastries taste better under dappled shade. Rooms lean minimalist with tactile textiles, clean lines, and just enough color to feel thoughtful.

The pool is modest and perfect, framed by native plants and chatter from the café. Breakfast plates arrive fresh and unfussy, while evenings invite a porch cocktail and easy conversation. Staff offers neighborhood tips that actually hit, from breakfast tacos to sunset spots.

It is a distinctly Austin rhythm, unhurried yet connected, and it turns a simple stay into a slow-bloom favorite.

4. Thompson Houston

Think soaring glass, a moody lobby, and rooms that feel like a private club with better views. You get floor-to-ceiling windows, luxe linens, and sleek bathrooms that double as a spa moment. The rooftop scene is the headliner, with cabanas, cocktails, and a skyline that sparkles at golden hour.

Dining leans chef-driven without being fussy, and service keeps pace with business travelers and weekenders alike. The location puts you minutes from galleries, game nights, and powerhouse restaurants. Mornings start with strong coffee and quiet corners to plan your day.

Evenings reward you with a martini and that soft hum of a city in motion, all from a polished perch.

5. The Driskill

History greets you at the doors, where marble floors and a stained glass glow set a dramatic stage. You will feel the stories in the leather chairs and portraits, yet rooms bring modern comfort without losing the romance. Order a whiskey at the bar and let the piano carry you back a century.

Mornings include flaky pastries that live up to the hype, followed by a stroll down Congress Avenue. Staff shares local lore like old friends, adding texture to every corner. The setting is central, ideal for catching shows or sinking into a quiet nook between adventures.

Classic, yes, but never dusty, this grand dame still knows how to make an entrance.

6. The Crescent Hotel, Fort Worth

Set near the museums, this address pairs cultured calm with polished service. You can wander from a Rothko to a room with crisp bedding and soft, whisper-quiet lighting. The spa is tranquil, the restaurant refined, and the bar perfect for a nightcap after a gallery hop or performance.

Afternoons drift by in the courtyard, where manicured greenery meets gentle conversations. Staff remembers names and preferences without prompting, creating that rare ease of arrival. The location keeps you close to the Cultural District’s treasures and Stockyards charm in a quick ride.

It is luxury that feels thoughtful rather than loud, bringing Fort Worth’s gracious spirit into every detail of your stay.

7. Warwick Melrose – Dallas

Old-school glamour shines here, from crystal chandeliers to a beloved piano bar that invites lingering conversations. Rooms feel timeless with plush beds, marble touches, and blackout curtains that deliver deep sleep. You will appreciate staff who greet you like a regular, even on the first stay.

Breakfast arrives with silver service vibes, and evenings turn to martinis and standards played just right. The neighborhood is central enough for quick rides to arts venues and shopping, yet quiet when you want to retreat. It is classic Dallas sophistication, polished but never stiff.

By checkout, you will understand why locals send their favorite guests here without hesitation.

8. Marriott Marquis Houston

Come for the rooftop, stay for the everything-else approach to comfort. The Texas-shaped lazy river steals the show, but rooms are quiet, clean, and sized for spreading out. You will move easily between pool days, conferences, and downtown dining, thanks to a location that works for business and play.

Staff keeps lines moving and smiles ready, even during big events. Food options cover quick bites to sit-down meals, and the gym is better than most. Families love the pool scene, while solo travelers find calm corners to recharge.

It is a dependable high-rise with a playful heart, and it delivers exactly the stay you hoped for.

9. Hotel Magdalena

Light, greenery, and water-inspired calm define this South Congress favorite. You will meander through terraced paths to a serene pool, passing native plants and shaded seating. Rooms feel fresh and uncluttered, with breezy linens and soft textures that invite a nap after exploring.

Breakfast brings bright flavors and good coffee, while evenings glow with warm bulbs and laid-back conversation. Shops and music venues are steps away, yet the property holds a restful hush. Staff offers thoughtful suggestions that make the neighborhood feel like yours.

It is stylish without showmanship, and it turns a quick visit into a low-stress, high-comfort Austin ritual.

10. The LINE Austin

Perched on the lake, this stay plugs you into Austin’s outdoor pulse within minutes. Grab coffee from the lobby cafe and step straight onto the trail for sunrise strolls or bike rides. Rooms frame water and skyline views, with calm palettes that keep the focus on the scene outside.

The pool overlooks kayakers and paddleboards, a front-row seat to golden hour. Dining leans creative, and the lobby buzz never overwhelms thanks to thoughtful seating nooks. You will appreciate how easy it is to bounce between nature and nightlife.

By the end, the view from your window feels like a personal screensaver you never want to close.

11. Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, by Hyatt

High design meets Riverwalk energy, giving you a sleek base with easy access to the city’s best. Rooms deliver big windows, smooth finishes, and a bathroom where the shower pressure deserves applause. The rooftop pool becomes your afternoon plan, complete with cabanas and a view that glows after dusk.

Evenings bring crafted cocktails and a lively dining room that still feels intimate. You will stroll the Riverwalk for a nightcap, then retreat to a quiet, cloud-soft bed. Service is modern and unobtrusive, making check-in and requests feel effortless.

It is the kind of place that turns a quick getaway into a properly indulgent weekend.

12. Hilton Anatole

Scale is the story here, and it works in your favor. The sprawling property holds a serious art collection, an atrium that invites gawking, and a resort-style pool scene that keeps families happy for hours. Rooms are comfortable and quiet, even with conferences humming nearby.

Food options run from quick snacks to sit-down meals, so you can fuel up without leaving. The gym and spa deliver real-deal recovery after long days. Staff manages crowds with calm efficiency, keeping lines short and smiles easy.

Whether you are here for a convention or a staycation, the amenities stack up fast and make the Anatole a Dallas classic.

13. The Joule

Art lovers and design fans feel seen the second they walk in. The lobby’s dramatic stacks, thoughtful installations, and warm lighting set a cultured tone. Rooms strike a tailored balance between cozy and cool, and the cantilevered pool offers that iconic, slightly thrilling swim with a view.

Cocktails are serious, the spa is serene, and the location puts you moments from dining and shopping. You will want to linger in the lobby library or sneak off to a quiet corner with a cappuccino. Service is polished, with smart recommendations that elevate your plans.

It is a downtown standout that treats taste as a full-body experience.

14. Mokara Hotel & Spa

If your itinerary is relaxation, start here. The spa is a destination, with eucalyptus steam, skilled therapists, and hushed treatment rooms that reset your whole mood. Rooms are plush and peaceful, and the rooftop pool delivers sun, breeze, and a book-friendly vibe.

Between appointments, wander the River Walk for lunch and return for tea and a nap. Service is attentive without hovering, anticipating water refills and extra towels before you ask. You will float through checkout feeling lighter than you arrived.

It is the San Antonio sanctuary readers return to when real life gets too loud.