In the 17 years since I moved from Houston to New York City, the sprawling Texas city has undergone an artistic and cultural renaissance. The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston completed a $470 million expansion, including the new Nancy and Rich Kinder Building for Modern and Contemporary Art. Houston’s NRG Stadium has hosted both Super Bowl LI and the 2024 College Football National Championship, and the city is now home to three Michelin-starred restaurants. Naturally, this growth extends to hospitality. On a recent visit to H-Town—as locals affectionately call it—I stayed at one of Houston’s newer hotels, Hotel Saint Augustine.

The 71-room hotel is part of Bunkhouse Hotels, a group of nine boutique properties in Texas and Mexico inspired by their neighborhoods. When considering Houston (Bunkhouse already has hotels in Austin, Mexico City, and Todos Santos), one area stood out. “Montrose has always felt like one of Houston’s most interesting neighborhoods,” says Tenaya Hills, head of design at Bunkhouse Hotels & JdV by Hyatt. “It’s creative, a little eccentric, and very residential, with so many seminal institutions, businesses, and people who’ve shaped its character over time. We weren’t looking to introduce something new to Montrose; we wanted to create a hotel that feels like it belongs there, rooted in the neighborhood’s creative spirit and part of the community.”

To that end, Hotel Saint Augustine sits across from the renowned Menil Collection. Like all Bunkhouse hotels, it’s named for a patron saint—one that reflects characteristics unique to Houston and the Montrose neighborhood. The city was co-founded by Augustus Chapman Allen, Saint Augustine grass grows abundantly in Houston, and Augustine is the patron saint of printing, a nod to the Menil Collection’s Drawing Institute.

Designed by Texas-based architecture firm Lake Flato, the property comprises five small two-story buildings connected by open-air bridges. Winding paths meander through the grounds, intersecting and spreading out from a central courtyard. Ferns, oak trees, and palms create lush landscaping, with a circular pool tucked away in one corner. Bunkhouse enlisted New York design firm Post Company for the interiors, which are modern and elevated yet comfortable and inviting. My king suite featured dark wood floors, an airy living space, and a mirrored minibar. A tufted velvet bed and a cello-shaped cabinet added personality to the simple walls, while the bathroom boasted marble, green tiles, and a massive walk-in shower with a freestanding tub. I spent mornings having tea on the screened-in terrace.

Located in its own standalone structure is Perseid, the hotel’s main restaurant, developed by chef Aaron Bludorn and his front-of-house partner, Cherif Mbodji. “We’ve kept the menus approachable with just the right amount of nuance,” says JamieLynn Argenta, a VP on the Bunkhouse & JdV by Hyatt food and beverage team. “Chef Aaron provided a fantastic culinary foundation with his blend of classic French technique and quality Gulf Coast ingredients.” Indeed, during my stay, my friends and I enjoyed mushroom risotto with dollops of stracciatella and swirls of pistachio pesto, hanger steak au poivre, and breakfast dishes like citrus-butter pancakes and quiche with collard greens and duck confit. By day, the restaurant is relaxed and sun-drenched, thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows; by night, it’s livelier, with dimmed lighting and an upbeat crowd.

Across the courtyard from Perseid is the hotel’s lobby bar and listening room, Augustine Lounge. Enjoying a cocktail there “feels like a drink in your chic, artist friend’s living room,” says Tenaya Hills. A mirrored bar and leather lounge chairs provide the backdrop for DropThe Needle is a weekly vinyl series held in the bar’s adjoining listening room. “Music has always been key to creating atmosphere at Bunkhouse—it’s one of the most immediate ways to set a mood and give a place its feeling,” says Hills. She adds that the vinyl series grew from a desire to slow down. “Vinyl requires intention: choosing a record, listening all the way through, being present and actively participating. The weekly series turns that into a shared ritual, bringing locals and guests together around music, discovery, and conversation.”

Though it’s no surprise given how thoughtfully the rest of the property is designed, the gift shop—located inside the reception area—is especially lovely. A wall of cherry red built-in lacquered cabinets displays everything from gemstone sphere incense holders made in Peru to watercolor pencil sets. You can also buy the hotel’s custom kimono robe in jewel-tone stripes, or a bottle of Stockholm-made Stora Stuggan perfume.

I left Houston convinced I’d found my new favorite hotel in the city, but soon learned Bunkhouse was opening another property in the historic Heights neighborhood. Hotel Daphne began welcoming guests in December, offering 49 rooms, an Italian restaurant, and a dedicated library. I hope to be one of them soon.

Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about a boutique hotel that elevates design in Houston written in a natural conversational tone

General Concept
Q What exactly is a boutique hotel and how is it different from a regular chain hotel
A A boutique hotel is a smaller independentlyminded property that focuses on unique design personalized service and a strong sense of place Unlike large chains where every room looks the same a boutique hotel offers a distinctive curated experience that reflects the local culture and style

Q What makes this hotels design so special for Houston
A It elevates design by moving beyond generic luxury It likely integrates Houstons unique characterthink blending modern Texas architecture with artful interiors local artwork and design elements that tell a story about the citys energy history or cultural diversity rather than feeling like it could be anywhere

Amenities Experience
Q What kind of amenities can I expect Will it still have things like a good restaurant or gym
A Absolutely While designfocused these hotels prioritize quality over quantity You can expect a highlyrated chefdriven restaurantbar thats a destination itself a wellcurated fitness center and likely unique perks like customdesigned furnishings highend bath products and art books in the rooms

Q Is it all style and no comfort
A Not at all The best designforward hotels understand that great design enhances comfort Think supremely comfortable beds within a beautifully designed room intuitive lighting controls luxurious linens and layouts that are both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional

Q Whats the vibe like Is it too trendy or intimidating
A The vibe is intentionally crafted but aims to be welcoming Its more about sophisticated curated cool than being exclusive Staff are trained to be knowledgeable and friendly making the design feel accessible and part of the enjoyable experience

Practical Booking Stay
Q Is it only for special occasions or is it good for a regular business trip
A Its perfect for both It offers the memorable experience you want for an anniversary as well as the reliable WiFi comfortable workspace and stimulating environment that can make a business trip more enjoyable The design can be a refreshing break from standard corporate hotels

Q Are the rooms small
A