An elite, forested refuge located in the heart of downtown Houston, the Houstonian Hotel Club & Spa is widely recognized as one of Texas’ most luxurious hotels. Anyplace that can lure both George Bush and Charles Barkley (to the spa, no less!) is definitely worth a look. Trellis, the hotel spa, offers plenty of luxe treatments including a tension relief cocoon with active marine mud. Two championship golf courses (one a PGA tour stop) await you nearby, as does the hotel’s newest restaurant. Olivette serves Mediterranean-infused American cuisine from an exhibition kitchen. Try the rack of lamb and cumin laced sauce with polenta and savoy cabbage. The Houstonian’s guest rooms show a bit of historical influence, with wrought-iron details and carved ornamentation on the medium-toned headboard and armoire. Glass-topped coffee tables and bright wall art complete the picture.