Thompson Houston

Condé Nast Traveler

01-07-2025

Why book?
Thompson Houston is the city's newest luxury high-rise hotel, offering floor-to-ceiling views of downtown and Buffalo Bayou Park. With a rooftop pool, full-service spa, three restaurants, and a complimentary car service, it's equal parts sleek getaway and urban basecamp, perfect for business or a long weekend.
Set the scene
Rising above the greenery of Allen Parkway, Thompson Houston makes a confident statement with its glass-and-steel profile. Guests ascend to a fifth-floor lobby where massive windows frame the skyline like a cinematic reveal. That dramatic view follows you throughout the property—from the rooftop pool to the guest rooms. Interiors skew midcentury modern with a dash of Art Deco, drawing a stylish, well-traveled crowd. Housed within a residential tower, the hotel is also pet-friendly—expect to share the elevator with both business travelers and designer dogs.
The backstory
Opened in early 2024, this hotel is Thompson's fourth Texas location. It was developed by DC Partners and set within The Allen, a mixed-use tower designed by the firm HOK. Interiors by Abel Design Group echo Houston's natural palette—warm woods, layered textures, and soft lighting.
The rooms
Spacious and full of natural light, rooms at the Thompson Houston feature floor-to-ceiling windows with sweeping views of downtown and Buffalo Bayou Park. The design blends midcentury lines with Art Deco accents—think brass fixtures, rich wood, and clean silhouettes. Beds are dressed in Sferra Italian linens; bathrooms feature marble vanities, walk-in showers, and D.S. & Durga bath products. Panoramic rooms are the ones to book, with wraparound views, freestanding tubs, and separate sitting areas that makes them feel more like private apartments.
Food and drink
Dining here feels more exceptional than a traditional hotel setup. Sol 7, the poolside restaurant, serves cocktails and all-day bites in a light-filled locale. On the ground floor, you'll find Chardon, a polished French spot from TableOne Hospitality and chef EJ Miller, known for its lobster pot pie, oversized chocolate macaron, and one of the city's best Sunday brunches. Also on the ground floor is Toca Madera, which brings a bold take on the Mexican steakhouse, complete with fire dancers and some of the most photogenic cocktails in town, and Maven, serving strong espresso and nitro cold brew—plus coffee cocktails worth lingering for.
The spa
Adjacent to the hotel gym, the Thompson Spa spans the sixth floor and features six treatment rooms, including a couple's suite. Choose from massages or facials, like the Cellular Activating Hydration service using Pietro Simone Skincare biotechnology. Indoor and outdoor relaxation lounges offer skyline views, herbal teas, and light bites like chocolate-covered almonds and dried fruit. There's also a dry sauna and a retail area stocked with skincare lines like Agent Nateur and Pietro Simone.
The neighborhood/area
Set along Allen Parkway in the Fourth Ward, the hotel offers easy access to both green spaces and city buzz. Buffalo Bayou Park is directly across the street with trails, public art, and skyline views. Down the block, Autry Park has boutiques, dining options, and events like yoga and live music. The hotel's complimentary car service covers a three-mile radius—including the Montrose and River Oaks communities—and bikes are available to borrow. Still, with so much on-site, you may not want to leave at all.
The service
Service is polished, attentive, and highly personalized. The concierge team is well-versed in both the local dining scene and cultural offerings.
For families
Though the vibe is more grown-up, families (and pets!) are welcome. Spacious rooms, skyline views, and soaking tubs offer comfort for all ages, and Buffalo Bayou Park across the street is ideal for biking or outdoor play. There's no dedicated kids' program, but it works well for urban-minded families.
Eco effort
Sustainability is handled with subtle care. Guests can borrow Bluejay electric bikes, refill at hydration stations on every floor, and shop clean skincare lines at the spa boutique. The building's smart glass design also helps regulate indoor temperatures while blending with the surroundings.
Accessibility
The hotel includes several ADA-compliant rooms with roll-in showers and wide entrances. Common areas are accessible, though the rooftop pool currently lacks an ADA lift.
Anything left to mention?
Guests can work out at the hotel gym or next door at Eōs Fitness. The rooftop pool is heated, and cabana reservations go quickly on weekends. With 17,000 square feet of event space, it's a top spot for weddings and conferences. Don't miss the fifth-floor stairwell—it's one of the best skyline photo ops in the city. Light sleepers should note that Allen Parkway can be noisy at night, but the hotel provides earplugs and blackout curtains. The hotel also has its own private heliport, should that be of interest.