Houston, TexasUniversity Place
InterContinental Houston by IHG
Polished medical-district high-rise
University Place Houston, Texas
Opened
2019
Price
$$$
Rated for
Luxe Wellness SocialOutside the door
The house
IHGPolished medical-district high-rise
Built for the Texas Medical Center next door, this 21-story tower balances corporate travel with quiet hospital visits.
What it’s good at
Listed
A dedicated Pure Wellness floor with medical-grade air filtration and hypoallergenic bedding.
Listed
The Naturalist serves morning espresso before transitioning into an evening bourbon bar.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
The Texas Medical Center sits right across Main Street, and Hermann Park's green spaces are a short walk away.
The rooms
Pool Terrace rooms open straight onto the outdoor sundeck, while upper floors look out across the medical campus.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The outdoor lap pool sits on the Oasis terrace, bordered by cushioned yellow loungers and white umbrellas.
The Naturalist Bar & Lounge
Leather stools line the marble bar beneath hanging greenery, where bartenders pour craft cocktails and bourbon flights.
At the table
Safina serves Mediterranean seafood on the lobby level, where stone archways lead to dining rooms lined with floral murals.
How it began
HOK designed the glass tower for developer Medistar, marking the InterContinental brand's 2019 return to Houston.
Houston
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The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.