Best Preferred Hotels & Resorts in Texas

Hotel Emma stands out among travelers for its cool culture. This is largely brought on by the hotel's history as a former brewery. In 1916, Pearl's Brewhouse became the largest brewery in Texas, and although its heyday has come and gone, many of the Pearl's original architectural features are still intact. Visitors marvel at the refined industrial elements featured throughout – particularly in the lobby – and are equally impressed with the quality of the accommodations. Guests report rooms to be exceptionally styled and comfortable, thanks to amenities like 48-inch flat-screen TVs, beds with Frette linens and luxury bathrobes. And food is just as much of a staple here as beer used to be. Foodies can take advantage of the on-site concierge for recommendations in the area, or they can grab some house-butchered meats at Larder, enjoy small plates at Sternewirth or sample the farm-to-table fare at Supper. There is also a rooftop pool, a fitness center, a library and a gift shop on-site. Service consistently wows lodgers, as does the hotel's location just 2 miles north of downtown San Antonio. 

Sleek decor, modern amenities and a standout concierge are just a few reasons why recent guests heap praise upon The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston. The property's 250 rooms and suites are outfitted in warm cocoa, gold and mahogany hues, featuring 50-inch smart TVs, marble bathrooms (also equipped with TVs, plus dual vanities, a tub and a separate shower), free Wi-Fi access and Nespresso coffee machines. Amenities outside the rooms abound as well: The hotel houses a salon, a spa and a fitness center equipped with weight and cardio equipment, including two Peloton bikes offering live cycling classes, seasonal wellness events and occasional exercise classes. The pool area, billed as a "tropical sanctuary," is lined with cushioned lounge chairs and cabanas – and travelers say it's another fantastic perk of staying here. When it comes to dining, visitors have their pick of five venues, serving everything from steaks to seafood to French fare. The hotel is also home to a chic lobby bar and The Cellar, which boasts an inventory of 30,000 bottles of wine curated by the property's sommeliers. You'll find The Post Oak Hotel about 7 miles west of downtown Houston. Keep in mind, this hotel is part of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts portfolio, meaning I Prefer Hotel Rewards members can pay for stays with I Prefer reward certificates.

Sitting about 7 miles west of downtown, this hotel calls itself "a wooded oasis in the heart of Houston." And with its multiple pools, tennis courts and jogging paths (all set in 18 acres of forest), it's no wonder a lot of recent guests couldn't find a reason to leave the property. Some visitors even say that this is the "perfect place" to stay, praising the spacious guest rooms not only for their space, but also for their amenities. Inside your digs you'll find L'Occitane bath products, Keurig coffee makers and occupancy sensors to let housekeeping know when you're in the room so as not to disturb you. If you're looking to burn some energy, you'll find a rock climbing wall and a gymnasium – where more than 100 fitness classes are held each week – at your service. Meanwhile, The Houstonian houses four distinct eateries. Visitors claim that you need several days just to explore the entire property, but do warn that if business or pleasure takes you into downtown Houston you'll need a car. 

Some hotels aim for historical luxury, while others lean more toward contemporary-chic. The Joule does both, combining antique accents (check out the massive mechanical wheel in the lobby) with multicolored lighting and modern art. Recent guests say they were beyond impressed with the decor, as well as the numerous amenities, including a library and several shops. The Joule's stunning infinity pool is also worth a look: Its daring rooftop design earned it a spot on our list of the Prettiest Hotel Pools. And when dinnertime rolls around, grab some contemporary Texas fare at CBD Provisions. The hotel's location isn't bad, either; rooms look out over Main Street in the heart of Dallas' historic district.

Located about 22 miles northwest of downtown Austin, the Lakeway Resort and Spa caters more to R&R seekers than it does to tourists. This beautiful complex rests on the banks of Lake Travis in Texas Hill Country, leading to spectacular views for those of you practicing your swing on one of four 18-hole championship golf courses (including Flintrock Falls, a Jack Nicklaus-designed course). Lakeway also boasts a full-service spa, which offers a long menu of massages and skin treatments. And if you're looking to take to the tides, head to the Lakeway Marina for opportunities to sail and fish, or simply lounge by the property's pool. Recent guests highly recommend ending your day with dinner at the on-site eatery, Lake Travis Restaurant. And though they describe the grounds as stunning, previous visitors say that the guest rooms feel dated, despite their flat-screen TVs and private balconies. Some also warn against hidden resort fees, which can spark a serious case of sticker shock upon checkout.

Although The Whitehall Houston first opened its doors back in the late 1960s, recent guests said it's anything but old. The hotel completed a multimillion-dollar renovation in the spring of 2016 that brought sophisticated design and modern amenities to the 259 guest rooms. Travelers will find white linens, hardwood floors and dark furnishings, as well as flat-screen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi access and coffee makers. Lodgers can also take advantage of the complimentary area shuttle, a 24-hour gym and a business center. Recent guests praised the three on-site food and beverage outlets, which include a grab-and-go coffee and sandwich shop, a Tex-Mex restaurant and an outdoor courtyard with craft cocktails. You'll also find a rooftop pool and sundeck with cabanas and lounge seating. While previous travelers appreciated the downtown location – the hotel is located less than a mile southwest of Houston's Theater District – they cited the Southern hospitality as the main reason for a return visit. What's more, members of the iPrefer hotel rewards program can earn or use points here. 

Stretching out along the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge about 18 miles northwest of Austin in the heart of Texas Hill Country, Travaasa Austin offers dramatic views and activities catered to both R&R- and thrill-seekers. Property standouts include group cooking demonstrations, Texas two-step dance classes and horseback riding lessons. Though most visitors describe the unrivaled outdoor experiences available at Travaasa Austin as a compelling reason to plan a future stay, travelers also insist that it's the gracious hotel staff that truly seals the deal. If all that activity makes you hungry, refuel with some nutritious farm-to-table cuisine at the on-site restaurant. Sample menu items include huevos rancheros for breakfast and short rib espagnole for dinner. If you're looking to take the relaxation up a notch, unwind with a revitalizing treatment, such as a clay and aloe wrap or a detoxifying sea salt and olive stone exfoliation, at the spa. Meanwhile, active types can participate in on-site Pilates and yoga classes. When nighttime rolls around, you'll retire to your rustic-yet-stylish accommodations outfitted with wooden furnishings, spacious balconies, coffee makers and walk-in showers.