Top 15 Iconic Hotels and Getaways in Texas

Looking for unforgettable stays in the Lone Star State? Whether you’re dreaming of luxury resorts, historic city hotels, or serene desert retreats, Texas delivers iconic accommodations that are as diverse and expansive as the state itself. This handpicked list of 15 legendary hotels and getaways blends timeless elegance, rustic charm, and architectural wonder—perfect for weekend escapes, honeymoons, or bucket-list adventures.

Let’s take a deep dive into Texas hospitality at its finest.

1. JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa

Location: San Antonio, Texas

Spanning over 600 acres of pristine Hill Country landscape, this resort is a Texas-sized escape offering luxury, recreation, and relaxation all in one. Guests are drawn to its 9-acre water park, full-service spa, and two championship PGA golf courses.

Why it stands out:

• Elegant hacienda-style suites

• Gourmet dining at Cibolo Moon and 18 Oaks

• Ideal for couples, families, and business retreats

Pro Tip: Book a spa package and enjoy sunrise yoga with panoramic Hill Country views.

2. The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa

Location: Houston, Texas

Tucked inside a 27-acre wooded oasis in the heart of the city, The Houstonian is where luxury meets tranquility. A favorite among locals and celebrities alike, this resort-style property blends exclusive wellness amenities with classic Southern elegance.

Why it stands out:

• Home to Trellis Spa, one of the top spas in the U.S.

• Access to the prestigious Houstonian Club

• Presidential Suite famously used by George H. W. Bush

Perfect For: Business travelers, wellness seekers, and upscale urbanites.

3. The Driskill Hotel

Location: Austin, Texas

Built in 1886, The Driskill is a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture and Texas history. Nestled in downtown Austin, this landmark hotel has hosted presidents, governors, and rock stars.

Why it stands out:

• Breathtaking marble rotunda and stained glass dome

• Pet-friendly with local flair and ghost stories galore

• Steps from 6th Street’s live music and nightlife

Fun Fact: LBJ had his first date with Lady Bird here.

4. Grand Galvez Resort & Spa

Location: Galveston, Texas

Overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, this iconic pink palace has been welcoming guests since 1911. Recently renovated into a member of the Autograph Collection, Grand Galvez combines classic beachfront glamour with modern luxury.

Why it stands out:

• Ocean-view rooms and luxe spa treatments

• On-site fine dining and Sunday champagne brunch

• Near the Galveston Pleasure Pier and historic Strand District

Great For: Romantic getaways and coastal weddings.

5. The Gage Hotel

Location: Marathon, Texas (Big Bend Region)

A true West Texas gem, this adobe-style boutique hotel is steeped in old-world charm and desert beauty. It’s the ideal base for exploring Big Bend National Park.

Why it stands out:

• On-site 12 Gage Restaurant, renowned for gourmet Southwestern cuisine

• Inviting courtyard, firepits, and cactus gardens

• Rich Texas history and small-town hospitality

Best For: Stargazers, nature lovers, and solitude seekers.

6. Willow House

Location: Terlingua, Texas

Minimalist design meets sweeping desert landscapes at Willow House, a 12-casita architectural marvel in the Big Bend region. Guests unplug and reconnect with nature in total silence and serenity.

Why it stands out:

• Instagram-worthy design and views

• Eco-conscious, off-grid hospitality

• Unmatched sunrise and Milky Way sightings

Perfect For: Design aficionados, solo retreats, and couples.

7. Camp Elena, The Perch & Desert Sky Hut

Location: Big Bend Area

Looking for luxury glamping? These Big Bend desert dwellings combine off-grid experiences with curated comfort. Each offers sweeping vistas, firepits, and cozy interiors.

Why they stand out:

• Stargazing-friendly design with minimal light pollution

• Sustainable stays near hiking, rafting, and desert exploration

• Insta-ready domes, yurts, and eco-cabins

Great For: Adventurous couples and creative retreats.

8. La Cantera Resort & Spa

Location: San Antonio, Texas

A scenic sanctuary overlooking Texas Hill Country, La Cantera is the state’s first Signia by Hilton resort. It combines the energy of San Antonio with resort-style luxury.

Why it stands out:

• Award-winning Loma de Vida Spa

• 36 holes of championship golf

• Rooftop infinity pool with adult-only serenity

Popular With: Golfers, spa lovers, and bridal parties.

9. Cibolo Creek Ranch

Location: Marfa, Texas

This 30,000-acre working ranch is where the spirit of the Old West meets modern indulgence. Once a 19th-century fort, Cibolo Creek offers a Cowboy Chic experience like no other.

Why it stands out:

• Horseback riding, ATV tours, and shooting ranges

• Suites inside restored adobe forts

• Herds of bison, longhorns, and exotic animals

Ideal For: Families, romantic getaways, and Wild West adventurers.

10. Hotel Emma

Location: San Antonio, Texas

Once a 19th-century brewhouse, Hotel Emma is now a sophisticated, design-forward hotel in the Pearl District. It’s widely considered one of the coolest hotels in America.

Why it stands out:

• Industrial-chic design with historic roots

• Culinary excellence and curated library

• Home to Supper, Sternewirth Bar, and Larder market

Great For: Foodies, creatives, and trendsetters.

11. The St. Anthony Hotel

Location: San Antonio, Texas

A Gilded Age icon from 1909, The St. Anthony oozes timeless grandeur. It has welcomed royalty, presidents, and celebrities for over a century.

Why it stands out:

• Restored to its original opulence

• Rooftop cabana pool and luxe suites

• Central to the River Walk and Alamo

A Must For: Lovers of old-school glamour.

12. The Joule

Location: Dallas, Texas

Sleek, modern, and unapologetically bold, The Joule is a Downtown Dallas masterpiece featuring a dramatic cantilevered pool and top-tier contemporary art collection.

Why it stands out:

• Rooftop pool that juts 8 feet beyond the building’s edge

• Fashionable rooms and art installations

• Prime location for Dallas nightlife and events

Best For: Art lovers, fashionistas, and business elites.

13. Hotel Viata

Location: West Lake Hills (Austin area), Texas

A hidden Tuscan-inspired gem, Hotel Viata feels like an Italian countryside estate just minutes from downtown Austin.

Why it stands out:

• Tranquil, spa-like setting among oaks and rolling hills

• Infinity-edge pool, wine bar, and curated culinary experiences

• Mountain-view balconies and romantic packages

Perfect For: Wellness retreats and intimate escapes.

14. Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa

Location: Johnson City, Texas

Nestled in the Texas Wine Country, this luxury resort features villa-style accommodations, spa services, and on-site craft winery and brewery.

Why it stands out:

• Private vineyard views from your room

• Full winery tours, tastings, and seasonal events

• Walking distance to LBJ Ranch and Hill Country activities

Recommended For: Wine lovers, foodies, and girlfriends’ getaways.

15. Antelope Lodge & Basecamp Terlingua

Location: Terlingua, Texas

These rustic yet stylish vintage motor-court cabins and desert lodges provide the perfect blend of authenticity and adventure. Basecamp Terlingua even offers bubble domes for stargazing.

Why they stand out:

• Accessible to Big Bend’s hiking and rafting

• Pet-friendly cabins and RV options

• Welcoming communal fire pits and desert vibe

Ideal For: Road trippers, adventure travelers, and minimalists.

Texas Travel Map: Regional Breakdown

• Hill Country & San Antonio: JW Marriott, La Cantera, Hotel Emma, Driskill, Carter Creek

• West Texas & Big Bend: Cibolo Creek, Gage Hotel, Willow House, Camp Elena, Antelope Lodge

• Urban Icons: The Houstonian (Houston), The Joule (Dallas), St. Anthony (San Antonio), Hotel Viata (Austin)

• Coastal Escape: Grand Galvez (Galveston)

What Makes These Places Iconic

• Luxury Meets Local Flavor: You’ll find world-class spas, fine dining, and designer details—with a dose of Texas personality.

• Architectural Significance: From historic forts to industrial brewhouses turned hotels, each space has a story.

• Unforgettable Landscapes: Whether it’s desert silence, ocean breezes, or hilltop sunsets—every destination showcases Texas’s natural beauty.

Tips for Booking Like a Pro

• Book early for popular seasons—especially Big Bend and wine country retreats.

• Watch for mid-week rates and packages at luxury resorts.

• Follow on Instagram for secret deals, seasonal promos, and giveaways.

• Pair regionally: Make a Hill Country + Big Bend weeklong escape or a Houston + Galveston luxury duo.

Conclusion: Discover Texas, One Iconic Stay at a Time

Whether you’re sipping wine under the stars in the Hill Country, soaking in a rooftop pool in Dallas, or glamping in West Texas with only the Milky Way above you—Texas offers a luxurious and unique escape for every kind of traveler. These 15 hotels and getaways aren’t just places to stay—they’re experiences to savor.

So go ahead—treat yourself to something iconic.