The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa

6 City Club Hotels In the U.S. That Don’t Require Membership - AFAR

"Spread across 27 wooded acres, this large resort-style property features three pools, an extensive spa, and a vast fitness club (about 185,000 sq ft) that offers roughly 180 group exercise classes weekly along with Pilates and yoga studios, pickleball courts, and indoor and outdoor tennis. Opened in 1980 and renovated in 2022, rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking tree-filled grounds, and guests get access to the club’s many athletic and wellness amenities plus multiple dining and drinking venues; nearby Memorial Park provides additional green-space recreation." - Pat Tompkins

The Best Hotel Pools in Houston | Eater Houston

"Whether sunbathing, getting in your exercise for the day, or mellowing out with a drink in hand, Houstonian has a pool for that. This hotel boasts a complete aquatics experience with one of the largest resort pools in Texas, plus lap pools, a garden pool perfect for lounging, hot tubs, and a shaded children’s wading pool. Be sure to stop by the poolside Arbor Grill, a one-stop shop for salads, light bites, and sandwiches, plus mocktails, beer, wine, and classic summer drinks, like pina coladas, frozen daiquiris, and margaritas." - Brittany Britto Garley

"Set on 18 literally green acres, this amenity-rich hotel feels like a secluded retreat among the towering pines, sprawling oaks, and manicured grounds—despite its proximity to the bustling Loop 610 and the Galleria. It affords so much peace and quiet, along with accessibility, that President George H. W. and Barbara Bush used the Houstonian as their home address while he was in office, and stayed on property during visits back to Houston. The lobby has a warm, luxury lodge feel with soaring ceilings, wood details, and a massive stone fireplace. Guest rooms feel more elegant and traditional, with lavish textures and verdant floor-to-ceiling views. Every room has a 42-inch HDTV, complimentary Wi-Fi, a Keurig coffeemaker, and terrycloth bathrobes. (There are 67 concierge-level rooms that include daily continental breakfast, after-dinner sweets and cordials, plus additional services.) For the nature-minded, there’s a mile-long walking trail around the serene property."

The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa

"Set the scene. Where are we?The Houstonian is not a place one stumbles upon just by happenstance; rather, you're probably here for a wedding or huge family event. An urban oasis by the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, the sprawling grounds, which are lush with beautiful botanicals, and have amenities galore. Cool. Who's staying here?Runners, swimmers, and cyclists, plus laid-back travelers waiting for a wedding or a party to start. Thoughts about your room?The Deluxe Corner King is traditionally decorated and outfitted with a queen sleeper sofa and a small sitting area—perfect for mingling with family or friends before a wedding. How about the little things in your room. Anything worthy of a mention?There's free wifi, L'Occitane toiletries, terry cloth robes, and Keurigs. What's the deal with room service?You can snack on savory dishes, including a board ($22) featuring Texas cheeses, cured meats, flatbread, Marcona almonds, and olives. But the real thing to try here is the chocolate chip cookies. The recipe is from former First Lady Barbara Bush, who gave the hotel's pastry chef permission to recreate them; the Bushes lived in the Manor House estate in the late '80s and early '90s. When that building became a restaurant, they moved into room No. 172. Today you can buy her famous cookies at the little onsite market (three for $2). Run us through the other amenities.If you're looking for a proper sit-down meal, the historic Manor House Estate Restaurant drips with Southern charm. There are a number of pools—a sports pool, a resort pool, a garden pool—as well as a 175,000-square-foot health and fitness club offering everything from tennis to Pilates. Finally, the spa has more than 20 treatment rooms. So what's the bottom line?This property is a welcome urban oasis. And with so many amenities and facilities, it's a great place for an event, be it big or small." - Diana Oates

11 Best Hotels in Houston

"The Houstonian, a welcome reprieve from urban life, is not a place one stumbles upon just by happenstance; rather, you're probably here for a wedding or huge family event. The sprawling grounds, which are lush with beautiful botanicals, have amenities galore, including a number of pools—a sports pool, a resort pool, a garden pool—as well as a 175,000-square-foot health and fitness club offering everything from tennis to Pilates." - Diana Oates