Dinogo Readers' Top 15 City Hotels in Texas for 2024

It's a well-worn saying, but undeniably true: Everything really is bigger in Texas. This includes an array of stylish, grand, and exceptionally luxurious hotels ready to greet you. While Texas boasts vast landscapes — precisely 268,597 square miles — its urban centers serve as vibrant cultural epicenters you won't want to overlook. Among these are Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, and the state capital, Austin, where you'll encounter exquisite dining, lively festivals, and artistic talent that will leave you breathless by your departure. Even better, many of these remarkable experiences can be enjoyed within those same extraordinary hotels.

Understanding the Voting Process

Each year, for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L invites readers to share their travel experiences from around the globe, providing insights into the best hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. For the 2024 survey, over 186,000 T+L readers participated, casting a total of more than 700,000 votes across 8,700 properties (including hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.).

Hotels were categorized as resort hotels, city hotels, inns, or safari lodges based on their location and amenities, and they were specifically evaluated according to the criteria listed below:

• Facilities/Rooms
• Location
• Service Quality
• Culinary Experience
• Overall Value

Respondents could select from five ratings for each feature: excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores represent the averages of these ratings.

Highlights from Readers

Readers of T+L have a particular fondness for the vibrant atmosphere of their favorite hotels in Texas cities. One reader remarked, "This small hotel is amazing. The aesthetic and design are wonderful," referring to Hotel San José, which ranked No. 2 in Austin. Another praised Hotel ZaZa Houston Museum District, the No. 2 hotel in Houston, saying, "It has a trendy vibe and excels in all aspects, particularly in customer service, making you feel like part of a family that you can't wait to reunite with." The unique decor of each room is a delightful surprise, and the hotel is pet-friendly and peaceful, making it a fantastic spot that's conveniently located near many attractions—though guests might find that they never want to leave for an adventure elsewhere.

The top three hotels are equally impressive, featuring the Hotel Saint Cecilia in Austin, the Hotel Drover, Autograph Collection, in Fort Worth, and the Lancaster Hotel in Houston.

Winner in Austin 

Saint Cecilia Hotel

The Saint Cecilia Hotel offers guests a haven inspired by the legends of rock and roll and literary icons like William Burroughs, Anne Sexton, and Hunter S. Thompson. Its five suites, six poolside bungalows, and three studios feature unique designs and vintage furnishings, complete with Rega turntables and Geneva sound systems to enjoy your favorite music all night. The hotel also emphasizes comfort with Hästens beds, custom bathrobes, and access to its beautiful private grounds, which include a tranquil lap pool, providing a serene oasis right in the heart of Austin.

Complete List for Austin

1. Saint Cecilia Hotel

Reader Rating: 96.25

2. San José Hotel

Reader Rating: 94.67

3. Archer Hotel in Austin

Reader Rating: 91.64

4. JW Marriott in Austin

Reader Rating: 90.13

5. Austin Proper Hotel & Residences

Reader Rating: 89.68

Winner in Dallas-Fort Worth 

Hotel Drover, Autograph Collection

Travelers visiting the Dallas-Fort Worth area discovered another fantastic place to enjoy during their stay at Hotel Drover, Autograph Collection. One guest described it as "Cowboy Chic! The scent of leather permeates the space," praising the hotel's stylish decor. They noted, "The staff is very friendly, and while the bar drinks are on the expensive side, they are superb. The location is ideal, situated in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards. The hotel shops and personnel are outstanding." Indeed, many guests highlighted the remarkable attention to detail in both the hotel's decor and service. Another guest shared, "It felt like the team welcomed me into their home, taking exceptional care of all my needs."

Complete List for Dallas-Fort Worth

1. Hotel Drover, Autograph Collection, Fort Worth

Reader Rating: 93.69

2. Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek, Dallas

Reader Rating: 93.29

3. Crescent Court Hotel, Dallas

Reader Rating: 92.50

4. The Joule, Dallas

Reader Rating: 91.76

5. The Adolphus, Dallas

Reader Rating: 91.20

Winner in Houston 

Lancaster Hotel

This year, readers were particularly impressed with everything Houston had to offer, especially the award-winning Lancaster Hotel. One guest described it as a "fantastic luxury boutique hotel conveniently located next to the theater," praising the "exceptional staff" who were "friendly, efficient, and eager to assist." Another remarked on the "superior service from check-in to check-out," stating that the rooms were "spotless" and adorned with "elegant, timeless details." The hotel also provides wonderful amenities like a complimentary gourmet breakfast, free in-room snacks, and a charming afternoon tea service, making guests feel like VIPs during their stay.

Complete List for Houston

1. Lancaster Hotel

Reader Rating: 97.64

2. Hotel ZaZa Houston Museum District

Reader Rating: 97

3. The Moran Citycentre

Reader Rating: 89.87

4. The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston

Reader Score: 89.37

5. Four Seasons Hotel Houston

Reader Score: 86.84