The word “Texas,” known across the globe, conjures images of open skies, bold cuisine, and a hospitality that’s truly one-of-a-kind. While many states embrace and embody “Southern hospitality,” This spirit shines the brightest in the state’s lodgings, now celebrated by the prestigious MICHELIN Guide with its Key distinction. Much like the MICHELIN stars that honor exceptional eats, the keys highlight hotels that deliver an elevated stay deeply tied to their local character. Texas has twenty—a remarkable collection of properties scattered through vibrant cities and quiet, historic towns. Come discover Texas’s finest and immerse yourself in a new side of the state’s unforgettable spirit.
Dallas-Fort Worth: Sophistication With Soul
The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex balances two worlds—Dallas with its sleek skyline and Fort Worth with its cowboy roots. MICHELIN Key hotels here mirror that mix, offering luxurious stays with plenty of local flavor. Take the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek in Dallas. Its shaded courtyards and timeless design carry a quiet elegance and are just a short walk from Uptown’s art-filled streets. Enjoy a drink there or step out to the Dallas Museum of Art. Over at Hotel Swexan, a rooftop infinity pool tops its modern build, framing city views that pair perfectly with a stroll through the Dallas Design District’s shops and cafes.
Fort Worth shifts gears with an earthy charm. Bowie House, part of the Auberge Resorts Collection, wraps your stay in leather accents and a 400-piece art collection that takes a modern lens to the classic western personality of Texas. The Cultural District sits nearby, showcasing the Kimbell Art Museum’s masterpieces and the Will Rogers Coliseum’s rodeo fun. At night, the historic lanes of the Stockyards come alive with music and two-stepping under the stars.
Austin: Creative Vibes and Cozy Corners
Austin moves to its own beat: live music, wide-open parks, and a streak of originality shining through its MICHELIN Key hotels. The Commodore Perry Estate sits tucked away from the bustle. Its sprawling gardens and 1920s mansion style provide calm moments, and it’s close enough to Zilker Park for a morning by Lady Bird Lake or a taste of downtown. In the middle of it all, Austin Proper Hotel stands as a luxury destination just steps from the city’s best amenities. Its sharp design decked with local artwork embeds your stay into Austin’s creative pulse.
The historic Driskill Hotel stands out in its glassy surroundings with its Romanesque columns and a past tied to Texas legends—think cattle barons, oil heiresses and documents sealed over whiskey. Its historic halls are also said to add an extra layer of intrigue for those who stay. It’s an easy starting point for touring the State Capitol, savoring brisket around the corner or even kicking off a spooky road trip through Texas’s eerier destinations.
These hotels anchor you in Austin’s flow, minutes from a sunrise at Mount Bonnell or late-night tacos under glowing neon lights.
Houston: Diversity in Every Detail
Houston brims with variety—museums, galleries, global eats, and an unmistakable skyline. Its MICHELIN Key hotels keep pace. The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston shines with marble touches and a spa built for royalty. Browse the Galleria’s sprawling shops or head to the Houston Rodeo’s lively grounds. Hotel ZaZa Museum District transforms every stay into a bold, sensory adventure with its lavish suites and Pool Villas. Savor Monarch Bistro’s award-winning flavors or escape to the onsite spa, all within reach of the Museum of Fine Arts and Hermann Park’s green expanse.
Houston never slows down. Fresh Gulf Coast seafood arrives daily, the Space Center’s displays inspire awe, and Midtown jazz drifts through the streets. These hotels drop you into the action, making any stay a front-row ticket to the city’s unforgettable offerings.
Beyond the Cities: Texas’s Hidden Gems
Luxury in Texas stretches beyond its biggest hubs, and MICHELIN Key hotels lead the way. San Antonio’s Hotel Emma transforms a 19th-century brewery into a riverside haven styled around exposed industrial beams with an eclectic, vintage charm that nods to its working-class origins. The River Walk buzzes nearby with boat tours and Mariachi tunes. In Galveston, Carr Mansion recalls quieter coastal times with Victorian finishings and wrap-around porches. The Strand’s myriad shops and historic charm are just blocks away, and the Gulf’s warm waters and soft sand beaches are a short stroll from your doorstep.
El Paso’s The Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park, a reborn landmark from the 1930s, blends Art Deco elegance with the desert’s ambiance, resulting in a luxurious boutique experience that channels its past as a Hollywood hotspot.
Texas is a land of endless stories and The MICHELIN Guide opens the finest ways to experience them. Explore the full lineup and let your next Texas adventure unfold.
