Chic, new, well-located hotel in the heart of Houston: Review of the Thompson Houston
Editor's Note
- The Thompson Houston is a new, trendy, art-forward hotel near Buffalo Bayou Park.
- Bookable with Hyatt points, the hotel represents a great value for those looking to be in the heart of it all and just minutes from top attractions.
- A highlight of the property is a rooftop infinity-edge pool that overlooks the Houston skyline.
With its sleek, towering exterior and bold, thoughtful interior, there's a new top hotel in Houston.
Opened in early 2024, the Thompson Houston brings 36 stories of fresh and modern accommodations to the city's historic Fourth Ward district in downtown Houston, right off of Allen Parkway and across from Buffalo Bayou Park, making it easily accessible from almost everything travelers might want to do and see in the city.
The hotel has 172 guest rooms, including 34 gorgeous suites (making it a great place to use those Hyatt suite upgrade awards if you have them), that lean into a mix of midcentury vibes and inspiration from the surrounding area with the use of earthy colors, natural materials and hardwood floors.
What it's like at the Thompson Houston
The Thompson Houston is warm and welcoming, but it's also artsy and loves a party.
It's a spot made for hanging out between activities and events in the surrounding downtown area. During our stay, which happened over Thanksgiving week, there was a mix of families playing by the pool and the well-heeled crowd enjoying a cocktail before heading out for the evening.
From the moment you walk inside on the ground floor before taking the elevator up to the main lobby on the seventh floor, you'll spot some pretty eye-catching art installations, such as this "1953 Beetle Sphere."
How much the Thompson Houston costs and how to book it
Good news for Hyatt lovers: The best way to book the Thompson Houston is with your World of Hyatt points.
It is a Category 5 Hyatt property where a standard room costs 17,000-23,000 points per night. Considering it's common for cash rates for standard rooms to be in the $300-$500 range (plus a $35-per-night destination fee), points are often your best bet here.
Don't worry if you don't have Hyatt points at the ready, as World of Hyatt points can be transferred at a 1:1 ratio from both the Chase Ultimate Rewards program and the Bilt Rewards program.
However, if you are paying cash, the hotel is a part of the American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts program, which is available to those with The Platinum Card® from American Express. If you are going to pay cash, this is a good way to book, as it gets you daily breakfast for two, a guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout and a $100 property credit. You could also use your annual up to $600 Fine Hotels + Resorts credit (up to $300 biannually) you get on the Amex Platinum Card for a stay here to keep those cash costs a bit lower.
Rooms at the Thompson Houston
When you enter your room or suite at the Thompson Houston, you'll likely notice the strategic use of colors and materials inspired by the surrounding area that help to "bring the outside in," given the hotel's proximity to Buffalo Bayou Park. Of course, the large windows that overlook the park in many rooms help with that, too.
But beyond that, you'll be met with midcentury decor featuring bright art, wood and brass. It's funky, cool and bold — but in a way that doesn't overpower the space.
During our stay, we were spread across two connected spaces, which, when combined, go by the name of the 2 Bedroom Allen Park Suite. While this may not be the suite most end up in at the Thompson, the photos of this gorgeous 1,500-square-foot space will still give you a good flavor of some of the smaller suites and more standard rooms, as it was really a one-bedroom suite combined with a more standard room right next door.
The connected space that made this into a two-bedroom suite looks to have the same layout as a standard king bedroom, which measures in at an impressive 400 square feet at the Thompson Houston.
While that part of our space was excellent, the suite portion was admittedly jaw-dropping.
If you're ever in need of a place to entertain a few people or spread out in downtown Houston, this should be at the top of your list. For those looking to book a different suite here with a few more Hyatt points or a Hyatt suite upgrade award, you can book the 650-square-foot Sky Suite or even the 800-square-foot Buffalo Bayou Park Suite, which also looks to be an impressive space.
The bed was deliciously comfortable, the view was amazing and the bedroom and living room design choices were fun and easy on the eyes. However, the star of the Thompson Houston rooms and suites has to be the marble-lined bathroom. In some of the suites, such as the one we had, even the bathtub comes with its own exceptional view of the city.
What we ate at the Thompson Houston
Currently, there is only one restaurant located within the Thompson Houston: Sol 7. However, that's scheduled to change later in 2025 with the planned addition of two more restaurants: Chardon, a French brasserie, and Buck 40, which is described as a social dining experience that's fused with live entertainment.
There is also a coffee shop immediately next door and other options that are so close they are almost in the hotel and actually sometimes described as being in the hotel. During my stay, we tried breakfast (both via room service and in the restaurant) and dinner in Sol 7, the bright, art-infused restaurant near the main lobby on the seventh floor.
I'm usually a fan of a simple breakfast, so I loved the yogurt, vanilla granola and mixed berry bowl both mornings. Meanwhile, my teen went for the chilaquiles, which weren't the most photogenic but seemed to hit the spot.
The fantastic sunset view that came with our evening visit to Sol 7 was a true highlight, but the American wagyu sliders ($12) and garlic duck fat fries ($8) from the happy hour menu (which runs Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.) were a close second.
If you travel with a child who's a picky eater like I do, know that they may struggle a little bit as there's not a dedicated kids menu at Sol 7. But between the sliders and the fries we were able to make it work.
Pro tip: Sol 7 is a restaurant on Resy, so if you have an American Express® Gold Card, you may be able to utilize one of the up to $50 Resy statement credits you get every six months (enrollment required; eligible at U.S. Resy restaurants and on other eligible Resy purchases) toward your meal.
Amenities and things to do
Don't forget to pack a swimsuit, as the hotel's infinity-edge pool on the seventh level with million-dollar views of the downtown Houston skyline is not to be missed.
It was a little cool for me to hop in during our November visit, but some brave kids did go for a swim. I imagine in warmer months this spot is the heartbeat of the hotel, especially with the surrounding cabanas.
Meanwhile, the entire sixth floor of the hotel is devoted to wellness; this is where you'll find the Thompson Spa and gym.
There are some hosted classes at the hotel, such as assisted stretching in the mornings and yoga on the green. I unfortunately didn't get a chance to check out the spa on this visit so I'm going to use some of the hotel's official photos for this section. But if I had budgeted the time and cash for a trip to the spa, the odds are high I'd have wanted to try something like the Grounding Aromatic Journey Massage, which includes a warm foot wrap and head massage.
Beyond the hotel's pool and wellness area, the Thompson Houston also has some great amenities for exploring the surrounding area.
For example, you can use its Bluejay electric bikes, which are included in the daily destination fee and are perfect for heading to Buffalo Bayou. Or, if you want to head farther afield, the house car is complimentary for trips within a 3-mile radius — just far enough to get us to the Houston Zoo.
Insider tips for staying at the Thompson Houston
- If you have World of Hyatt Globalist status, you can take advantage of the breakfast benefit in the restaurant or via room service.
- Valet parking is $55, but be careful if you try to save money and park yourself as the surface lot around the hotel wasn't well marked on my stay but apparently requires paying a meter. Warnings and/or tickets are issued if you don't follow those rules (ask me how I know).
- The Thompson Houston is pet-friendly, so you will see lots of pups out and about, and you are welcome to bring your own (up to 50 pounds).
- If you like "underground" attractions and are a history buff, don't miss the nearby cistern tour at Buffalo Bayou Park. It is only a 15-20-minute walk from the hotel, but book your tickets online in advance, as some tour times do sell out.
- The Thompson Houston is also a great home base for exploring Hermann Park and Houston's Museum District; many museums have days or times with free admission. For example, the fantastic Museum of Natural Science is free on Tuesdays starting at 5 p.m. Plan accordingly if you're looking to stretch your activity budget — and don't get scared off if there's a line to get in at that time, as it moves very quickly.
Accessibility
The hotel has an accessible corner room that has wider doorways, a roll-in shower and an emergency strobe light and strobe-light smoke detector. However, do note that there are not any accessible lifts for the pool. Additionally, while the hotel has three Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant rooms, I have not been able to find award availability using Hyatt points for these rooms.
My advice is to contact the hotel directly for assistance with booking those, or book a standard room on points and contact the hotel to try and have it switched to an ADA room if necessary.
Bottom line
Even though I've lived in a Houston suburb for many decades, I've struggled to consistently have a go-to Houston hotel suggestion when asked, as there just wasn't one slam-dunk answer. That's been especially true when balancing location with a modern, great experience and a good value on points. But now — and for the foreseeable future — the answer is easy.
If you want a reliable, fun Houston hotel that's new, design-forward, close to almost everything and a good value on points, then check out the Thompson Houston. Just don't forget to pack your bike riding shoes and swimsuit.
Related reading:
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
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Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.