Houston is not typically thought of as a resort destination, but the city and its surrounding areas are home to some of the finest resorts in Texas. From sprawling urban oases with world-class spas and fitness clubs to lakeside retreats with waterparks and golf courses, the Houston area offers a surprising diversity of resort experiences.
Whether you’re seeking a luxury wellness retreat, a family-friendly waterpark adventure, or a relaxing lakeside escape, there’s a resort for every preference. This comprehensive guide covers the top 20 resorts in and around Houston, drawing on expert reviews and guest ratings.
TOP 20 RESORTS IN HOUSTON, TEXAS
1. The Houstonian Hotel, Club and Spa
The Houstonian is the crown jewel of Houston resorts, recently named the number one resort in Texas by Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards readers’ survey for the fourth time. Situated on 27 secluded wooded acres adjacent to Memorial Park, this Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star property was once the home of President George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush. The resort features the Trellis Spa, the largest luxury spa in Texas at 26,500 square feet, and complimentary access to The Houstonian Club, a 185,000-square-foot private fitness facility with nine tennis courts, an indoor track, a rock climbing wall, and over 180 weekly fitness classes.
The property completed a multi-year renovation and offers five distinctive dining venues, including TRIBUTE, which celebrates Texas, Louisiana, and Mexico flavors. Guests consistently praise the exceptional service, with one voter saying, “The staff treats you like you are a long-awaited family member.”
2. The Woodlands Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton
The Woodlands Resort is a luxurious hideaway nestled amidst 350 acres of piney woods just north of Houston. This AAA Four Diamond property features 402 guest rooms and suites, two championship golf courses, 21 tennis courts, 14 pickleball courts, and the Forest Oasis Waterpark with a 1,005-foot lazy river and a 30-foot double helix waterslide. The resort offers five distinct dining venues, including the signature Back Table Kitchen and Bar, which serves inventive Southern cuisine with New Orleans influences.
A standout feature is the Lakeside building’s adults-only floor, offering luxurious suites and serene views for couples and business travelers. Guests can enjoy nightly lakeside fire pits with s’mores kits, pool walk-out rooms with private patios, and complimentary trolley access to nearby Market Street and the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion.
3. Margaritaville Lake Resort, Lake Conroe
Margaritaville Lake Resort brings a tropical, island-inspired atmosphere to the shores of Lake Conroe, approximately 50 minutes north of Houston. This beachfront resort features a private beach area, beach volleyball, five outdoor pools including an infinity pool and heated pool, a water park with waterslides, and a lazy river. The property offers 336 rooms and suites, many with balconies overlooking the lake.
Guests can enjoy five restaurants and bars, including the LandShark Bar and Grill and a swim-up bar, as well as a full-service spa with massage, body treatments, and facials. Golf enthusiasts can take advantage of the on-site golf course, and families will appreciate the children’s pool and organized activities.
4. The Westin at The Woodlands
The Westin at The Woodlands is a AAA Four Diamond hotel located in the heart of Market Street, an exclusive shopping and lifestyle enclave. This stylish boutique hotel offers 70 guest rooms and suites with modern amenities and contemporary design. Guests can relax at the infinity-edge pool, enjoy the swirling Jacuzzi, or gather around the communal fire pit on the second-floor outdoor terrace overlooking Market Street.
The hotel’s restaurant, AVIA, serves award-winning small plates and signature cocktails, and the hot-spot Lounge features live music. The Westin is pet-friendly, making it a convenient choice for travelers with dogs.
5. Hyatt Centric The Woodlands
Hyatt Centric The Woodlands is a AAA Four Diamond boutique hotel located directly across from the Cynthia Mitchell-Woods Pavilion. This intimate hotel features just 72 guest rooms and suites with six distinct floor plans, offering a range of accommodations from classic king rooms to spacious suites for socializing.
Guests can unwind on the beautiful second-floor outdoor terrace, which features plush seating, lush tropical plants, an infinity pool, a Jacuzzi, and a fire pit. The hotel’s location on Market Street puts guests within walking distance of premier shopping and dining destinations.
6. Hotel ZaZa Houston Museum District
Hotel ZaZa is a boutique hotel known for its eclectic design and prime location in the Museum District. The property features uniquely themed suites, a rooftop pool with private cabanas, and the Monarch restaurant and lounge. Guests can enjoy easy access to the Museum of Fine Arts, Hermann Park, and the Houston Zoo.
7. The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston
The Post Oak Hotel is an ultra-luxury property in Uptown Houston, featuring a Rolls-Royce showroom, a two-story spa, and multiple fine dining venues. The hotel offers 250 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, a rooftop pool with panoramic views, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. Its location provides easy access to the Galleria and the city’s finest shopping and dining.
8. Royal Sonesta Houston Galleria
The Royal Sonesta Houston Galleria is a full-service hotel located near the Galleria. The property features an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and multiple dining options. Guests can enjoy easy access to the Galleria’s shops and restaurants, as well as the city’s major attractions.
9. Hilton Houston Post Oak by the Galleria
The Hilton Houston Post Oak is a well-appointed hotel near the Galleria, featuring an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and comfortable accommodations. The hotel’s location provides convenient access to shopping, dining, and entertainment.
10. Marriott Marquis Houston
The Marriott Marquis Houston is a downtown hotel featuring a Texas-shaped lazy river on its rooftop pool deck. The property offers spacious rooms, multiple dining venues, and a full-service spa. Guests can enjoy easy access to the George R. Brown Convention Center, Discovery Green, and the Toyota Center.
11. The St. Regis Houston
The St. Regis Houston is a luxury property offering impeccable service and elegant accommodations. The hotel features a full-service spa, a fitness center, and fine dining at its signature restaurant. Its location in Uptown provides easy access to the Galleria and the city’s cultural attractions.
12. JW Marriott Houston by The Galleria
The JW Marriott Houston is a luxury hotel adjacent to the Galleria, featuring a rooftop pool, a full-service spa, and multiple dining options. The property offers spacious rooms and suites with modern amenities and convenient access to shopping and dining.
13. Omni Houston Hotel
The Omni Houston Hotel is a full-service property located in the Galleria area, featuring a resort-style pool, a fitness center, and multiple restaurants. Guests can enjoy easy access to the Galleria, Memorial Park, and the city’s major attractions.
14. The Lancaster Hotel
The Lancaster Hotel is a historic boutique property in downtown Houston’s Theater District. The hotel offers elegantly appointed rooms, a fitness center, and a complimentary breakfast. Its location provides easy access to the city’s theaters, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
15. Hotel Alessandra
Hotel Alessandra is a luxury boutique hotel in downtown Houston, featuring a rooftop pool, a full-service spa, and a signature restaurant. The property offers elegantly appointed rooms and suites with modern amenities and convenient access to the Theater District and Discovery Green.
16. The Whitehall Houston
The Whitehall Houston is a historic hotel in downtown Houston, featuring comfortable accommodations and modern amenities. The property offers a fitness center, a restaurant, and convenient access to the city’s major attractions.
17. Embassy Suites by Hilton Houston Downtown
The Embassy Suites Houston Downtown is an all-suite hotel featuring a complimentary breakfast, an evening reception, and an indoor pool. The property’s location provides easy access to the Convention Center, Discovery Green, and the Toyota Center.
18. Hilton Americas-Houston
The Hilton Americas-Houston is a large convention hotel connected to the George R. Brown Convention Center. The property features an indoor pool, a fitness center, and multiple dining options. Guests can enjoy easy access to downtown attractions and the Toyota Center.
19. Hyatt Regency Houston
The Hyatt Regency Houston is a downtown hotel featuring a revolving rooftop restaurant, a fitness center, and comfortable accommodations. The property’s location provides easy access to the Theater District and the city’s major attractions.
20. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Houston Downtown
The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Houston Downtown is a full-service hotel featuring a fitness center, a restaurant, and comfortable accommodations. Guests can enjoy the signature warm chocolate chip cookie at check-in and convenient access to downtown attractions.
COMPARISON TABLE
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| Rank | Resort / Hotel | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa | #1 Resort in Texas; 27 wooded acres; Trellis Spa; Houstonian Club |
| 2 | The Woodlands Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton | 350 acres; water park with lazy river; 2 golf courses; adults-only floor |
| 3 | Margaritaville Lake Resort, Lake Conroe | Private beach; 5 pools; water park; full-service spa |
| 4 | The Westin at The Woodlands | Market Street location; infinity pool; pet-friendly |
| 5 | Hyatt Centric The Woodlands | Boutique hotel; 72 rooms; infinity pool; Market Street location |
| 6 | Hotel ZaZa Houston Museum District | Themed suites; rooftop pool; Museum District location |
| 7 | The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston | Ultra-luxury; Rolls-Royce showroom; two-story spa |
| 8 | Royal Sonesta Houston Galleria | Near the Galleria; outdoor pool; multiple dining options |
| 9 | Hilton Houston Post Oak by the Galleria | Near the Galleria; outdoor pool; fitness center |
| 10 | Marriott Marquis Houston | Texas-shaped lazy river; downtown location |
| 11 | The St. Regis Houston | Luxury property; full-service spa; Uptown location |
| 12 | JW Marriott Houston by The Galleria | Luxury hotel; rooftop pool; adjacent to the Galleria |
| 13 | Omni Houston Hotel | Resort-style pool; Galleria area |
| 14 | The Lancaster Hotel | Historic property; Theater District; boutique atmosphere |
| 15 | Hotel Alessandra | Luxury boutique hotel; rooftop pool; downtown location |
| 16 | The Whitehall Houston | Historic hotel; downtown location; fitness center |
| 17 | Embassy Suites by Hilton Houston Downtown | All-suite hotel; indoor pool; free breakfast |
| 18 | Hilton Americas-Houston | Convention hotel; indoor pool; downtown location |
| 19 | Hyatt Regency Houston | Revolving rooftop restaurant; downtown location |
| 20 | DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Houston Downtown | Full-service hotel; downtown location; signature warm cookie |
TIPS FOR UNDERSTANDING HOUSTON RESORTS
The Houstonian is the Undisputed Leader: The Houstonian has been named the number one resort in Texas by Travel + Leisure readers four times, including the most recent awards. Its combination of a world-class spa, an exclusive fitness club, and exceptional service sets it apart from all other properties in the state.
Consider the Location: Houston is a sprawling city, and resort locations vary significantly. The Houstonian is centrally located near Memorial Park and the Galleria, while The Woodlands Resort and Margaritaville are north of the city in Montgomery County. Choose based on whether you want urban convenience or a more secluded retreat.
Family-Friendly Options: The Woodlands Resort and Margaritaville Lake Resort are particularly well-suited for families, offering waterparks, lazy rivers, and organized activities for children. The Houstonian also offers family-friendly programming, including a Kids Fitness and Fun calendar.
Wellness-Focused Stays: The Houstonian is the clear choice for wellness-focused travelers, with its Trellis Spa and complimentary access to The Houstonian Club, one of the nation’s most exclusive fitness facilities.
Check for Resort Fees: Some resorts charge daily resort fees that cover amenities like waterpark access, golf, and fitness facilities. The Houstonian notably does not charge resort fees, making its amenities more accessible.
CONCLUSION
Houston’s resort landscape offers something for every type of traveler, from the award-winning luxury and wellness focus of The Houstonian to the family-friendly waterpark fun of The Woodlands Resort and Margaritaville Lake Resort. The city’s resorts range from intimate boutique properties like Hyatt Centric The Woodlands to expansive destinations with championship golf and full-service spas. Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a wellness retreat, the Houston area has a resort to match your needs.
For those prioritizing luxury and service, The Houstonian remains the gold standard, consistently ranked as the best resort in Texas. For families and outdoor enthusiasts, The Woodlands Resort and Margaritaville offer extensive activities and amenities. By considering your priorities—whether that’s location, amenities, or budget—you can find the perfect resort for your Houston getaway.
