Hotel Snapshot
As a Houston native, I'd like to think I'm pretty in-the-know on the city's newest diamonds, right as they form. Within the same day, three people happened to ask me about Hotel Daphne — and then their team reached out hours later for a staycation. You can imagine the speed of my response.
I've always believed that there are angels on earth — my grandma, Linda, and my Cavalier, Prince, are two among them. Hotel Daphne was kind enough to welcome the three of us for a dazzling night with dinner and breakfast on the house.
It's always exciting to experience a new hotel in its infancy. Honestly, if I didn't know the hotel was new, I would assume they'd been a well-oiled machine for two or three years. The staff was in lockstep with one another, even coordinating a room drop with matching embroidered sweaters for my grandma and me — because we couldn't stop reminiscing over their splendid boutique selection.
Hotel Daphne is a celebration of colorful, considered design. It was clearly made by a team that loves what they do and wants to share that joy with others. Waltzing through the hotel was such a sensory experience — with over 160 artworks from the Ackerley Family Collection — that my grandma kept repeating, "My eyes are so full, there's too much to see!"
To the hotel team: my grandma and I would like to sincerely thank you for the unforgettable stay. These imaginative, welcoming spaces are exactly what Houston needs to grow and evolve as a leading city.
Design & Character
There is a wonderful cohesion and juxtaposition between the architecture by Blanchard A+D and the interiors by Bunkhouse's design head, Tenaya Hills. From the outside, it’s a blank slate that respectfully blends into the neighborhood's modernist landscape.
Stepping inside, the terra cotta tile at the door gives a taste of what's to come — a groovy, '70s-inspired lobby with a Murano chandelier, rich gem tones, fine textures, sculptural flowers, and the welcoming smiles of a staff trained in proper Southern hospitality.
To the right, a maximalist library with wall-to-wall lacquered paint, bespoke chess tables, an abundance of art objects and books, a handwoven floral rug, and glorious light shining through the windows. This energizing space was crafted for relaxing, working, and private events.
Beyond the entrance is their buzzing restaurant, Hypsi. Since we thankfully "know a guy," we were able to get in — though we couldn't help but notice the full house and line out the door. Aligning with the exterior entrance, the outdoor patio was stark white with leather fringe chairs for a charming Western flair.
Reflecting on the space, this is truly "new" design. For those who actively strive to educate their eye, I would encourage you to add this technicolor experience to your repertoire.
The Rooms
According to my grandma, the best part of the room was the psychedelic fabric headboard and the AI-designed carpet inspired by William Morris's Strawberry Thief pattern. As a painter and strawberry farmer for many decades, she was thrilled by the never-ending discovery of artistic details.
With 49 suites and rooms across four floors, the guest experience is private and cozy. There was quite a display of locally sourced drinks and bites. For the sake of my grandma's church group on Monday mornings, let's just say that Prince and I thoroughly enjoyed the red wine.
The bathroom featured stunning emerald zellige tiles and a green onyx vanity with exposed chrome piping. After spending way too long relaxing in the shower with the Dr. Vranjes bath products, we wrapped up in the best hotel robe I have ever seen. Bunkhouse does a great job with colorful, cozy robes that make you smile.
Thinking about these imaginative rooms, it wouldn't surprise me to hear of Houston musicians writing top hits within these walls. This is design that relaxes and opens the mind to new possibilities.
The Food & Drink
Hypsi is helmed by Chef Terrence Gallivan — a two-time James Beard nominee, formerly of Pass & Provisions and Michelin-starred Alto in New York.
After my grandma braved her first Uber ride from the suburbs to the city, you can imagine she was ready for a warm meal. Dropping our things off in the room, we poked around the hotel a bit before landing at Hypsi's outdoor patio. Sipping on sparkling wine (and sparkling water for my church-goers out there), Prince sniffed around and posed for shots in front of the lovely waterfall.
For dinner, we began with the fluffy house-made focaccia, black truffle arancini, and crispy squash blossoms with whipped ricotta, followed by the duck bolognese cavatappi for me and the beef short rib brasato with brussels sprouts for grandma. For breakfast, we delighted over frothy lattes, avocado toast with poached eggs, a fruit bowl with fresh mint, and frittatas with fresh vegetables and mozzarella.
With every bite, my grandma would slightly jump with excitement — priceless.
Since my visit, Hotel Daphne has opened its ground-floor bar, Bar Daphne — a modern neighborhood cocktail bar inspired by the secret drinking clubs that thrived during the Heights' dry days.
Amenities
Given the hotel name and my furry companion, let's talk about dog-friendly hotels. Some "allow" dogs and others "welcome" them with open arms. Hotel Daphne was firmly in the latter camp, giving Prince plenty of water bowls, pets, and high-pitched affirmations that he was being a very good boy. It's funny how the nicer the hotel, the more welcoming they tend to be with pets.
The library is the crown jewel of the hotel. I can't imagine someone stepping inside without dropping their jaw, followed by a big smile. My grandma was tickled to hear that they host Mahjong groups with Hypsi catering. We loved flipping through art books, exploring the fine game sets, and taking pictures with Prince.
We blew our budget at the retail shop, which offers a well-curated collection of branded products with a clear eye for design and quality. Their fragrances, in particular, are worth a look.
Travelers also enjoy benefits via the Bunkhouse x World of Hyatt partnership.
Location & Neighborhood Recs
Growing up in Houston, the Heights has always held the best memories. Recently, I asked a friend where I should go on a staycation in the Heights, and they ironically said I should have dinner at Hypsi.
Within walking distance are the 19th Street antique row, locally beloved Boomtown Coffee and Antidote Coffee, Heights Boulevard Esplanade park, and The MKT complex and trails — converted from old railroad tracks.
Above all, I'd recommend visiting the Menil Collection and Rothko Chapel, perusing their expansive galleries, then meditating in the chapel and along the reflection pool, followed by a park picnic under the trees with bubbly, sushi, and dessert. Conveniently, Bunkhouse also recently opened its sister property, Hotel Saint Augustine, adjacent to the Menil, making it an ideal home base for exploring the neighborhood.
Fast Facts
Address: 347 West 20th Street, Houston, TX 77008
Vibe: Layered, slightly eccentric, residential, like a Heights mansion passed through generations
Stars: 4
Starting Rate: $359+
Room Count: 49
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: Naming the hotel after the developer’s dog tells you everything you need to know about the playful design sensibilities and heartwarming guest experience within, alongside inspirations from the Grecian myth river god Peneus’ daughter, Daphne
Amenities: Hypsi all-day restaurant and lounge, ground-floor bar, library and game room with private event hosting, lobby retail shop, rotating art program with 160+ works from the Ackerley Family Collection, Dr. Vranjes bath amenities, in-room minibar, dog-friendly accommodations, Bunkhouse × World of Hyatt loyalty integration
Nearby Attractions: 19th Street antique row, Boomtown Coffee, Heights Boulevard Esplanade park, Coltivare, Better Luck Tomorrow, Menil Collection (15 min), Hotel Saint Augustine sister property in Montrose (12 min).
Airport: George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) — 25 min; William P. Hobby (HOU) — 30 min
Houston, Texas, United States
