Located in the heart of Houston’s Theatre District, the recently renovated Lancaster Hotel originally opened in 1926. The classic interior with an abundance of natural light floods the two-story lobby. A shimmering chandelier and elegant marble floors juxtapose nicely with the contemporary art displayed on the salon staircase wall.

A refined boutique beauty with 93 rooms (including nine suites), the property buzzed with activity during our weekend visit. Upon check-in, every guest is greeted with a glass of sparkling wine.

Our third-floor, two-bed guestroom featured Art Deco-inspired furnishings, a coffee station, mini fridge, and flatscreen TV. The neutral color pallete accented with pops of gold and warm browns created a calm atmosphere. The hotel’s monogram on luxurious Frette bedding added an upscale touch. Extra blankets, bathrobes and slippers insured we were cozy.

The marble bathroom counter contained much appreciated individual size Bulgari bath products. Jim and I were pleasantly surprised to learn all of the in-room snacks and beverages were complimentary. He devoured the chocolate-covered cherries and an espresso while I skimmed a local magazine.

© Terry Vine

Another upscale dining option is afternoon tea — offered at noon and 2:30 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday. Initiated in the spring, the three-course traditional service is quite popular and reservations are recommended.

In the evening, we walked next door to the Alley Theatre for the world premiere of Agatha Christie’s The Murder of Roger Ackroyd. The light-hearted whodunit drew a crowd. After the performance, we snagged seats in the Lancaster’s restaurant, Cultivated F+B, where we shared a lemon tart and sipped on cocktails. The bistro-like, street-level bar and eatery is an ideal spot for people-watching.

Sunday morning, we rode the elevator to the Mezzanine for yet another complimentary guest amenity — the breakfast buffet. After finishing a second cup of coffee, we decided to spend the afternoon exploring Houston’s Museum District, which is roughly 3 miles from the hotel.

The luxe Lancaster Hotel exudes the elegance of a bygone era while pampering guests with modern day amenities. The downtown location guarantees proximity to some of the city’s most impressive cultural attractions. If you appreciate a sophisticated stay in an intimate setting, make a reservation at The Lancaster.

The Lancaster Hotel

701 Texas Ave.
Houston, TX 77002
tel 713 228 9500