Tbh, going to the beach to celebrate your anniversary is one of the most cliché things to do. I'm not saying it's lame, I'm just saying that I think you should think outside of the box a lil bit before booking your next vacay. That's what I did when my fiancé (hi, Zack!) said he wanted to take a trip for our engagement anniversary. We could have gone to Baha Mar. We could have gone to Los Cabos. Hell, we could have even gone to the Maldives. We would have had a great time at any of those destinations, but we really wanted to plan an easy trip that didn't require a ton of time up in the air. Ladies and gentlemen, Houston has entered the chat.
Betcha didn't know that Houston is the fourth largest city in America so yeah, you could say there's a lot do to here. But it's also full of amazing hotels, so you can also do nothing. Up to you 😏. Here's our take on the best hotels in Houston, what to do (or not) in Houston, and also (v important) what you need to eat while you're in town.
(P.S. The writer received free stays, meals, treatments, and experiences in order to write this story.)
Stay
- Four Seasons Houston Hotel: If it's your anniversary and you're *not* staying at a Four Seasons, then you're doing it all wrong. Okay, I'm only partly kidding, but let me tell you one thing: Four Seasons Houston is unlike anything I've ever experienced. From the moment you walk into the downtown luxury hotel, you know you're in for an unforgettable stay. The hotel is actually *just* about finished with a multi-year transformation, so aside from the brand spankin' new, spacious yet modern rooms, they've got a resort-style pool deck, a new Pan-Latin steakhouse by Richard Sandoval (more on that below!), and a new on-site speakeasy too.
Get yourself a Four Seasons suite: Book Four Seasons Houston Hotel
- Omni Houston Hotel: The Omni is another can't-miss experience. It's a bit more romantic compared to the modern Four Seasons. In this hotel, our room overlooked the pool and featured a little living area outside of the bedroom. This one is about a 10 minute drive to downtown and is the perfect place to stay if you have a car. I highly recommend renting a car if you can since it's really only a five minute drive to the rest of the city, but it's totally possible to Uber around too. If you stay downtown, you don't *need* to have a car, but it makes things a bit easier.
Escape reality: Book Omni Houston Hotel
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- Spa Services: Whether you're celebrating one year of dating or 10 years of marriage, treat yourself to a spa service. I'm talking massages, facials, sauna time, really whatever you want to do to relax. The Four Seasons indulged me with the most heavenly massage accompanied by one (or two) glasses of champagne. And yes, it was just as incredible as you're picturing—it is the Four Seasons after all. The Omni Houston treated both me and Zack to a couples' massage, where we were greeted with champagne and macaroons. While the massage was glorious, it was more about the amenities at Omni's spa. Post-massage, we each went into the lockers rooms and spent some time in the plunge pool (which is basically a personal-sized hot tub) and then finished the experience with a quick 10 in the sauna. We barely recognized each other afterward because we were two of the most relaxed people on the planet.
- Shopping: If you are anything like me, you suck at packing and are likely wanting to stop by a mall and grab some new things. Houston's Galleria is MASSIVE. Any store you could imagine is probably there. They have everything from Zara and Lululemon to Gucci and Chanel. You're welcome. Also, located in the lobby of the Four Seasons Houston is Krigler, a boutique perfume experience that has perfumes, colognes, and candles available. Maybe this is the trip where you finally find your signature scent.
- Spend time poolside: If you take anything away from this article, let it be this: Get. A. Cabana. The Omni Houston hooked us up with a cabana where we spent the afternoon drinking (more) champagne, laying in the sun, and cooling off in the pool. At Omni Houston, you have a server assigned to you and they come and take your order. No lines. No feet on the hot pavement up to the bar line. Just you + sunshine. And the food was absolutely incredible. We were welcomed to the cabana with a colorful fruit tray, chips and guac, and of course, champagne. After about an hour or so of swimming and laying out, we opted for the Omni Burger, Caesar salad, and chicken quesadilla. After all, swimming takes it out of you!
Frozen drinks at Omni Houston Hotel.
Fruit platter and champagne at the Omni Houston Hotel pool cabana.
Eat
For a chic pre-dinner drink
- La Reserve Whiskey Lounge: Located in the lobby of the Omni Houston this lounge gives major exclusive vibes. The space is full of dark leather couches, cowhide-covered booths, and a fireplace so sexy it makes you wanna smoke a cigar. Oh, and the drinks are phenomenal.
- Bourbon Tasting at Bayou & Bottle: One way to make your anniversary extra special is to gift your partner an experience, instead of a physical gift. A bourbon tasting is a perfect gift, IMO. You get to learn what makes good bourbon, try flavors you may not regularly have access to, and you get a lil buzz before dinner. It's an all-around win.
La Reserve Whiskey Lounge bar at Omni Houston Hotel.
Bourbon lockers at Bayou & Bottle.
For a good dinner
- Bayou & Bottle: Now that you have that slight buzz we talked about, it's time for you to experience the best food of your life. I'm not joking. The Bayou Burger is juicy, thick, and pairs perfectly with an old fashioned. Thank me later.
- GJ Tavern: Did you really go to Texas if you didn't have a burger for dinner a few nights in a row? The answer is no. Go here and get the burger. Do it.
Bayou burger from Bayou & Bottle.
The New Tavern Burger at GJ Tavern.
For a niiiiiice dinner
- Toro Toro Houston: While the whole trip is a celebration, please do yourself a favor and celebrate your anniversary dinner at Toro Toro. The Pan-Latin restaurant located in the Four Seasons Houston knows how to treat a couple. Pro tip: Wear something roomy, order the tomahawk steak, and split it with your partner. You haven't lived until you've had Texas steak. And don't forget the lobster mac and cheese on the side.
- Taste of Texas: Again, there's just something about a Texas steak. If a tomahawk isn't your thing, the center cut filet is your new best friend. Don't forget the dessert!
Steak dinner at Toro Toro.
Steak from Taste of Texas.
For a post-din experience
- Bandista: Really nothing makes me feel more like an adult than post-dinner drinks. And instead of a classic bar, opt for a speakeasy. This one is hidden behind a bookcase at the Four Season Houston and requires you to enter a code to get in. Once you're in, you're met with a chic, retro atmosphere and unique cocktails. 10/10.
- roots Wine Bar: Not sure what your wine vibe is? Let me introduce you to roots Wine Bar. They have wine on tap (yes, you read that correctly). All you have to do is enter your card, choose how many ounces you want, and put your glass to the tap. Easy peasy. They also serve food in case you'd like a lil late night snack with your wine.
Bandista, the Four Seasons Houston speakeasy.
roots Wine Bar wine selection on tap.
Your Houston Packing List
Ronny Kobo Romy Top
House of Harlow 1960 x Sofia Richie Aylah Crochet Dress
JoosTricot Cher Butterfly Dress
JADE SWIM Trophy One Piece Bikini
