Houston calls itself the “Cultural and Culinary Capital of the South,” and I arrived determined to see whether the title holds up. As a Design Tourist in perpetual search for cities that ignite the imagination, I wanted to meet Houston’s creative class, sample its international cuisine, and discover what makes the Bayou City fertile ground for both insider and outsider art.
Staying at Hotel Saint Augustine in Montrose, Houston
I wanted accommodations that connected me with the city’s creative energy, so I chose Hotel Saint Augustine Bunkhouse’s newly opened, garden-style boutique hotel. It resides in the hip residential neighborhood of Montrose, across the street from the Menil Collection, a museum complex.
A Boutique Hotel That Feels Like a Stylish Private Residence
It blends into the neighborhood with a minimalist, townhome-like design that whispers more than it shouts with an earthy, minimalist architectural facade that is both intentional and inviting.
The hotel is the kind of place you might stroll past thinking it’s someone’s stylish home, until the red-lacquered lobby draws you in with its shelves of art objects and leads you to its stylish light-filled living room of sculptural furnishings and contemporary decor.
The Perfect Museum District Base to Explore Houston’s Art Scene
Hotel Saint Augustine’s location in the Museum District is the ideal base to explore the city’s world-class museums, artist-driven spaces, and award-winning restaurants.
A handwritten welcome note, nestled beside small dishes of chocolates and snack mix, invites me to “immerse yourself in the unique blend of art, culture, and hospitality that is singularly Houston.” It’s a small gesture, but one that immediately roots me and sets the bar for personalized service during my three-night stay. The details that make the difference between mediocre accommodations and a 5-star, must-return experience are what I’m delighted to report, and I’m pleased to say that I will return to Hotel Saint Augustine.
Inside My Luxurious Suite at Hotel Saint Augustine
My suite could pass for a stylish pied-à-terre: velvet-upholstered king bed, sculptural furniture, a cello-shaped cabinet that adds a whimsical touch.
A spa-sized soaking tub sits in a wet room, complete with rainbow-colored bathrobes that hang like wearable works of art. The space functions like a little condo, with a living room, a bar, and a screened-in porch that overlooks lush gardens.
Comfort and Relaxation: Beds, Breakfast, and Morning Indulgence
Each night, my velvet upholstered, king-size bed lulls me to sleep, cradling me with feather-soft sheets and sumptuous pillows. It took room service to tempt me out of bed each morning with a tray of fruit and granola yogurt, and oat milk cappuccino.
Gardens, Courtyard Pool, and Tranquil Outdoor Spaces
The grounds are dotted with heritage oaks and native plants, laid out along winding paths that lead to a courtyard pool and terrace bar. It feels like a hidden village, a little bubble of calm amid Houston’s urban sprawl.
Dining at Perseid: Houston’s Wishing Hour and Local Flavor
In the evenings, I stop by Perseid, the hotel restaurant, for the “Wishing Hour,” their take on happy hour, named for the Perseid meteor shower, an annual event visible from Houston, particularly during mid-August under dark skies.
Chef Aaron Bludorn helms the kitchen, bringing Texas Gulf Coast flavors to life in a space that feels equally designed for locals and travelers. And locals do come. During my stay, I met several Montrose residents who swung by for drinks, art conversations, and that shared sense of belonging you only find in truly loved neighborhood spots.
Across the street, the Menil Collection awaits. The walkable campus of free-standing buildings includes the Cy Twombly Gallery, Byzantine Fresco Chapel, Rothko Chapel, and the Menil Drawing Room. The Renzo Piano-designed main building houses rotating exhibits, and during my visit, I catch Francesca Fuchs’ hauntingly personal show. It’s built around a 1970 letter connecting her family to the de Menils, weaving paintings, childhood objects, and ephemera into a meditation on memory and art.
Upcoming Event: Untitled Art Fair Debuts in Houston
I’ll be back in September, this time for Untitled Art, a contemporary art fair making its Houston debut. More than 80 galleries will descend on the city, bringing an international spotlight to a place that’s already brimming with its own artistic identity. The fair promises to mirror Houston itself: diverse, ambitious, and grounded in a sense of place.
And yes, I’ll be returning to Hotel Saint Augustine to continue exploring this Cultural and Culinary Capital of the South, a moniker well-deserved.
Want more ideas on what to do and where to eat in Houston? Read on:
