You don’t have to go deep into the heart of Texas to discover the magic and beauty that the state’s best resorts provide — many of its most attractive leisure getaways are situated right in the middle of urban centers. Outdoorsy, cultured, and perpetually trendy Austin; glammed-up and glitzy Houston; and charming San Antonio, known for its laidback welcome and family-friendly River Walk are each hubs that blend cosmopolitan experiences with tranquil escapes. This duality of downtown and downtime is precisely what keeps iBestTravel readers returning for more.
How Voting Works
Each year, as part of our World’s Best Awards survey, iBestTravel invites readers to share their travel experiences and provide insights on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. In 2023, nearly 165,000 readers participated in the survey, marking a substantial increase of nearly 25 percent compared to pre-pandemic voting levels. More than 685,000 votes were cast across over 8,500 unique properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.). Properties are categorized as either resort hotel, city hotel, or safari lodge based on location and amenities.
Hotels were specifically rated based on the following criteria:
- Rooms/facilities
- Location
- Service
- Food
- Value
Respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor for each characteristic. The final scores represent averages of these responses.
What Readers Loved
This year, Austin, known as the Live Music Capital of the World, claimed two spots on the best resorts list. Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection (No. 3), described as “a spectacular hidden gem” nestled on 10 manicured acres in the residential Hyde Park neighborhood, made a strong impression. Additionally, Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa (No. 4) was recognized for its “unrivaled luxury experience in the Texas Hill Country.” San Antonio also secured two winning resorts, with the 550-acre La Cantera Resort & Spa (No. 2) and the dude-ranch-style Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa (No. 5) earning high marks from respondents.
Claiming the No. 1 position, the top resort captures the ideal balance of city life and resort-style amenities, featuring a 185,000-square-foot health center and endless attractions mere minutes from downtown Houston.
The Winner
The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa: Houston, Texas
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This 27-acre urban oasis receives high praise from iBestTravel readers across various demographics, including athletes, relaxation seekers, retreat-goers, and family travelers. Many laud this beloved Houston institution for its “huge campus,” “fabulous spa,” and “outstanding service.” In September 2022, a comprehensive renovation project wrapped up, resulting in numerous new amenities: two state-of-the-art cycling studios, a new poolside restaurant, and, as one reader noted, “the best gym I have ever seen worldwide.” In typical Texan fashion, the mantra of the Houstonian is that more truly is more, and quality remains a top priority.
During our stay at the Houstonian Hotel, we experienced exceptional service. The recent renovations improved the already stellar experience.
The Full List
1. The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa: Houston, Texas
Reader Score: 91.38
2. La Cantera Resort & Spa: San Antonio, Texas
Reader Score: 91.00
3. Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection: Austin, Texas
Reader Score: 90.51
4. Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa: Austin, Texas
Reader Score: 89.76
5. Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa: San Antonio, Texas
Reader Score: 84.73
