Just a year after expanding into Houston with the luxurious Hotel Saint Augustine—the only Texas hotel to be awarded a Michelin Key this year—the Austin-based Bunkhouse Group has opened its second boutique inn in the city, this time in the historic Heights district. Like the Saint Augustine, which is tucked away in Montrose, the intimate, 49-room Hotel Daphne fits right into its neighborhood.
Inspired by the Heights’ homes built in the arts and crafts style—one of several dominant architectural styles in the eclectic area—the building features white-painted brick, stepped parapets, and steel-framed windows. Long a dream of native Houstonian Ben Ackerley, who developed it with his father, Robert, the hotel was designed by architects at BlanchardA+D and Darwin Architecture.
Named for the nymph turned laurel tree of Greek myth, the Daphne pays homage to the “majestic live oak trees outside and . . . the historic nature of the Heights,” says regional general manager Omar Abreu. The interiors, including the lobby, library, and guest rooms, put heavy emphasis on natural wood, stone, and a color palette of blues and greens. The original artwork throughout the property includes paintings by Texas artists Vernon Fisher and Kent Dorn and works from the Ackerley family’s private collection.
Heading up the hotel’s full-service Italian restaurant, Hypsi, is executive chef Terrence Gallivan, the two-time James Beard Award nominee from the late and lauded the Pass & Provisions; in 2023 he opened the short-lived Elro Pizza + Crudo (one of Texas Monthly’s best new restaurants of 2024). It has the potential to be the next great neighborhood restaurant. Guest room rates start at $359 a night.
In the lobby, the check-in desk is wrapped in warmly hued handmade tiles, the walls are decorated with paintings by Texas artists, and the seating area features curvy burgundy-red sofas beneath the creamy glow of a vintage Murano glass chandelier.
Julie Soefer
A retail space offers Larō fragrances and sunglasses from Meller, based in Barcelona, Spain, as well as items specially made for the hotel, including T-shirts, tote bags, and wine keys.
Julie Soefer
In each guest room, the headboards are upholstered in a lush botanical fabric that informs the hotel’s earthy color palette.
Julie Soefer
Retro bathrooms feature jade-green onyx counters and fireclay tile. Amenities include Sferra linens and Dr. Vranjes toiletries.
Julie Soefer
Should you fall in love with the bathrobe in your room, made in India exclusively for the hotel, you can purchase one in the lobby.
Julie Soefer
The aptly named Balcony Suite has plenty of room to relax, both inside and out. Its 850 square feet include a sitting room, a bedroom with a king bed, and a narrow balcony that affords a view of the city.
Julie Soefer
Vintage furnishings in mustard yellow, deep blue, and rusty red fill the Penthouse Suite, a 1,150-square-foot space with a king bed, two bathrooms, lounge area, a wet bar, and a dining table that seats eight.
Julie Soefer
Natural light, vivid colors, and lush fabrics characterize the dining room of Hypsi, the hotel’s all-day restaurant.
Julie Soefer
Pair Hypsi’s roasted beets with olive oil–drizzled mozzarella and house-made focaccia accompanied by white anchovies, tomato, and basil.
Julie Soefer
Happy hour at Hypsi’s bar means giardiniera, cornmeal-fried calamari, and Italian spritzes.
Julie Soefer
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