Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in Texas

Sitting about a mile from The Galleria, The St. Regis Houston is one of only a few five-star hotels in the city. And like others of its caliber, the St. Regis Houston earns its commendation with all of its luxurious amenities. Previous guests say that the outdoor pool is gorgeous and that they enjoy soaking up some sun in the comfy lounge chairs lining the pool deck. The on-site fitness center and spa also garner praise, with R&R-seekers recommend indulging in one of the many body and skin treatments available. When dinnertime rolls around, treat yourself to a hearty steak at The Remington Restaurant. Guest rooms are decked out in hardwood and leather furniture and stocked with deluxe amenities like flat-screen TVs, Italian bed linens and Bose Wave music systems. Because this Houston property is part of the Marriott hotel family, Marriott Bonvoy members can earn and use points here.

Less than three blocks north of the San Antonio River Walk, this National Historic Landmark, restored in early 2015 mixes 20th-century architecture with modern style and amenities. Visitors say the property has been restored to its original grandeur and features crown molding, mosaic tile flooring and glass chandeliers throughout the common areas. You'll find more up-to-date stylings in the spacious guest rooms, including 300-thread-count linens, pillow-top mattresses, minibars, oversized writing desks and local artwork. Travelers can take advantage of the on-site fitness center or take a dip in the rooftop pool, while those in town on business can use the 24-hour business center. To unwind, guests can linger in one of the two on-site lounges, including the St. Anthony Club. If you're looking for more sustenance, you can grab breakfast at Gallery On the Park, or sit down at the upscale guest favorite, ReBelle, for dinner. Recent guests said the St. Anthony Hotel distinguishes itself from other properties in the city by exceeding their expectations and providing five-star service. As a member of the Marriott hotel family, Marriott Bonvoy members can earn and use points here.

Whether in Houston for work or play, recent guests weren't disappointed with their stay at the Four Seasons Hotel Houston. This five-star property is located downtown on Lamar Street, making it easy to get from your room to game day at Minute Maid Park or the big meeting at the George R. Brown Convention Center. However, you might find leaving the premises harder than you think: Previous guests rave about the guest rooms, which are decked out in cozy cream hues and include amenities like luxury bath products, giant windows and complimentary Wi-Fi access; though, several visitors thought the rooms were a tad outdated. If you do decide to vacate your room for a few hours, you'll uncover an in-house spa that offers everything from seaweed masks to hot stone massages, as well as an outdoor deck with a pool, hot tub and fire pit. You also won't have to look far for dinner; previous visitors only had good things to say about the Italian fare served at the on-site Quattro restaurant. But what guests like most about this member of the Four Seasons family is its stellar customer service.

Located in the heart of downtown, The Westin Austin Downtown sits just one block south of Sixth Street, where the numerous performance venues give the city its nickname – the "Live Music Capital of the World." Some guests noted that being in the center of it all resulted in a noisy atmosphere, but most agreed that it didn't intrude on their rest in the new accommodations (the hotel opened in July 2015). Guest rooms are appointed with signature Heavenly Beds, minibars, iPod docking stations, Wi-Fi access (for a fee) and coffee makers for brewing Starbucks coffee and Tazo tea. Before heading out on the town, travelers can work up a sweat in the fitness center or relax by the rooftop pool, then head to the Stella San Jac, the on-site restaurant. Recent travelers said the innovative Southern cuisine was a cut above other hotel restaurants in the area. Visitors were also impressed with the service, which they say is the perfect example of Texas hospitality. Plus, those who participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program can earn and redeem points here.

New to the Hilton brand, The Highland Dallas is the first hotel in Hilton's boutique Curio Collection and aims at adding sleek personality to the hotel. So far, recent guests haven't been disappointed with the swanky digs or the customer service, saying staff goes out of their way to meet their needs (including those of your four-legged friends). Pooches aren't the only ones pampered at this property, however: Treat yourself to a massage or yoga class at the Exhale Spa before spending a lazy afternoon by the infinity pool and an evening at the popular Knife restaurant. When it's time to sleep, you'll find Italian Frette linens and 32-inch flat-screen TVs in your room. And while these features – combined with a great seat near the southeast corner of Southern Methodist University's campus – surely capture guests' attention, most visitors say that it's the warm, welcoming staff that make their stays memorable. Members of the Hilton Honors loyalty program may use their existing points for perks like free room upgrades.

Although it's just 24 miles north of Dallas, The Westin Stonebriar Hotel & Golf Club could easily be worlds away. It's probably not the best lodging choice if you're in town to sightsee, but if you're looking to kick back, relax and practice your golf swing, previous visitors say that this is the place. Surrounding the resort are 18 Tom Fazio-designed fairways; though general greens fees are fairly steep, the resort offers unlimited golf after 2 p.m. for roughly half the price. If you're not a golfer, recent guests recommend spending some time by the pool or indulging in an in-room spa treatment. As far as the rooms go, recent visitors describe the decor as beautiful and compliment the Heavenly Beds. If you don't mind a slightly higher nightly rate, visitors recommend reserving a room with a full walk-out balcony. However, many guests cite issues with indifferent housekeeping staff, noting that the digs felt a little dingy. And though they praise the classic American fare served at The Legacy Grill and the light fare offered at the other on-site cafes and bars, some travelers wish that there were more dining options given the resort's somewhat remote location. And because this hotel is part of the Marriott hotel family, Marriott Bonvoy members can earn and use points here.

The Westin Houston Downtown (formerly the Inn at the Ballpark) combines traditional charm with modern amenities in its location right across the street from baseball's Minute Maid Park. But if baseball is not your thing, business travelers still appreciate the location and lobby bar. No matter the reason for the visit, most guests say that you'll find this Houston hotel very comfortable and friendly. Guest rooms feature plush furnishings and warm, earthy tones, as well as flat-screen TVs, high-speed Internet access and signature bath products. If you don't fill up on peanuts and Cracker Jacks while at a game, sit down to dinner at this Westin's Vic & Anthony's, which earns high praise for its steaks. Previous visitors also recommend this hotel for its staff, noting that everyone they encountered was especially friendly. And remember, if you're a member of the Marriott Bonvoy program, you'll be able to earn and redeem points during your stay.

If you're in Houston to do some shopping, you're in luck: The Westin Houston, Memorial City rests just across the street from the Memorial City Mall (and is connected to it via skywalk). Even if you don't feel like exercising your credit card, recent guests say that this Westin property is great, as long as you don't need to be in the heart of Houston. Sitting about 13 miles west of downtown, The Westin Houston, Memorial City earns high praise for its friendly staff, with visitors commending everyone from the bartenders to the cleaning crew. Guest rooms feature flat-screen TVs, plush bathrobes and internet access (for a fee). The hotel's 18th-floor infinity pool and fitness center are also appreciated perks, and many recommend dining at the 024 Grille at least once during your stay. And because this hotel is part of the Marriott hotel family, Marriott Bonvoy members can earn and use points here.

If you're looking to experience Austin's high life, The Westin Austin at the Domain will make a great home base. Sitting about 11 miles north of downtown Austin in the Domain neighborhood, this hotel is surrounded by some of the city's premier shopping, restaurants and entertainment venues. Recent visitors describe the guest rooms as bright and airy, though very typical of a Westin property in terms of amenities (which is a good thing, given the contemporary decor, signature Westin Heavenly Beds and 37-inch flat-screen TVs). The hotel also houses a pool and the in-house restaurant, Urban – An American Grill, which guests praise for its cuisine and service. Yet even though loyal Westin guests can earn points for staying here through the Marriott Bonvoy program, some previous visitors felt that the room rates were too high for a hotel that's so far from the city center.

Shopaholics take note: This member of the expansive Westin family may be a hike from downtown Dallas and downtown Fort Worth, but its seat next to the Galleria Dallas shopping center allows for prime access to your favorite stores. The decor at The Westin Galleria Dallas is hip and modern; boasting simple yet trendy furnishings and city views. Previous guests loved the hotel's rooftop pool and splash deck, which is lined with private cabanas for those who prefer to take their refreshments in the shade. Recent guests also praised the menu at The Second Floor Regionally Inspired Kitchen for its ability to please a variety of taste buds. Plus, the hotel features The Oceanaire Seafood Room. Visitors also commend the customer service and describe the staff as extremely friendly and helpful. And because this hotel is part of the Marriott hotel family, Marriott Bonvoy members can earn and use points here.

Location, location, location: That's the first thing recent guests note about this member of the Westin family, which overlooks the famous San Antonio River Walk. But then again, many chain hotels can brag about a similar seat. According to visitors, The Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio distinguishes itself from the competition with exceptional customer service. Guests applaud the staff's professionalism and friendliness. The hotel also earns kudos for its spacious guest rooms. While brand-name properties often fall into a rut when it comes to design, The Westin Riverwalk sets itself apart yet again, boasting authentically Texan leather furniture and Heavenly Beds perched atop signature wrought iron frames. The property also houses an outdoor pool, The Woodhouse Day Spa and the acclaimed Zocca restaurant. Zocca serves Italian favorites with a side of spectacular views. And because this hotel is part of the Marriott hotel family, Marriott Bonvoy members can earn and use points here.

Serious shoppers (aka shopaholics) should look no further: This Westin, as its name suggests, is not just next to, but actually connected to The Galleria. The hotel even gives guests a complimentary "Passport to Shopping," which contains exclusive coupons for some of the stores. Chances are that if you're staying here, you won't be spending much time in the hotel itself. But if you need a break from mall madness, this Houston property boasts all the Westin classics, including Heavenly Beds and a WestinWORKOUT fitness studio, as well as a pool and the trendy White Oak Kitchen + Drinks restaurant (which is shared with its neighboring sister hotel). Though some guests complain about the high room rates and hefty parking fees, members of the Marriott Bonvoy programs can save some dough by paying with rewards points.

The Hyatt Regency Houston seems to attract mostly business travelers because of its downtown Houston location. The hotel also features expansive meeting spaces and a full-service business center. But enough shop talk: Previous visitors praise the Hyatt Regency Houston's rooms, which feature warm brown and orange decor, signature beds and iPod docking stations. After a long day on the job, you can take a dip in the sixth-floor heated outdoor pool, while the pleasing ambiance of the LobbiBar makes it a great place for an après-work cocktail. If you have to wine and dine some clients, impress them with stellar city views from Spindletop (the hotel's revolving rooftop restaurant) or with a hearty hunk of meat at Shula's Steakhouse. And because this is a Hyatt hotel, you can pay for your room or earn extra perks through the brand's loyalty program.

The Galleria is so big that it can accommodate two separate Westins, each containing more than 400 rooms. This one provides many of the same amenities as its sister, The Westin Galleria Houston, including a fitness center and a pool. This property also offers access to the acclaimed White Oak Kitchen + Drinks restaurant. Yet guests don't seem as fond of this property, saying that the room rates were too high for what they described as a relatively bland hotel. Recent visitors did, however, enjoy the city views from the spacious guest rooms, the friendly customer service, the signature Heavenly Beds and the complimentary self-parking facilities (a rarity in city hotels). What's more, because this hotel is part of the Marriott hotel family, Marriott Bonvoy members can earn and use points here.

The Westin Dallas Fort Worth Airport is ideal for early morning fliers and those in need of some shut-eye during a long layover. Guests love the on-site amenities – which include a rooftop pool and a fitness center – as well as a free airport shuttle and 24-hour room service. Guest rooms are fairly typical of a Westin property in terms of looks, but features like the brand's signature Heavenly Beds and dual shower heads feel luxurious to recent travelers in transit. The in-house BlueFire Grille's Southwestern cuisine is also a perk. Yet not all travelers were wowed by this hotel, citing noise from the nearby freeway and cleanliness issues as reasons to stay away. If you do decide to stay here, you can earn loyalty points (good for free nights and other perks) through the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program.

Located in McKinney (34 miles north of Dallas), The Grand Hotel exudes a sense of Old World Texas through its decor. Each room is individually decorated, although you'll find pressed tin ceilings, exposed brick walls and ornate antique furniture throughout the hotel. While recent guests appreicated the antique aesthetic, they also valued the contemporary amenities like complimentary Wi-Fi, Italian Frette robes and an on-site fitness center. Visitors rave about their time here, complimenting the beautiful (albeit small) guest rooms and the extremely friendly staff. Previous travelers also have some advice for you: For a real taste of authentic Texas, make sure to reserve a table at Rick's Chophouse, where you can enjoy a succulent steak and seafood dinner amid the glow of gas lanterns.

The Sheraton Gunter Hotel inhabits a historical building that still exudes turn-of-the-century charm. Guests appreciate the 20th-century ambiance and charming memorabilia in the hotel's common spaces. The simple rooms, however, don't always give off a high-end vibe. Recent guests express mixed feelings on the accommodations: Some were wowed by the views and were very comfortable in the signature Sweet Sleeper beds, while others describe the rooms as small and the decor as dated. The hotel's location is consistently a big hit, though, with sightseers appreciating the Gunter's proximity to sites like the River Walk, The Alamo and San Fernando Cathedral. The heated pool and fitness center also earned praise from travelers, as does the in-house restaurant. Because this is a Sheraton property, Starwood Preferred Guest members can earn and redeem rewards points here.