Name: American Express® Gold Card
Brand: American Express

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 . 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 lodging statement credit (up to $300 biannually) you get on the Amex Platinum Card for a stay here to keep those cash costs a bit lower. Beginning Jan. 1, 2027, Fine Hotels + Resorts will require stays of two nights or more to be eligible for the lodging statement credit.

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.

Thompson Houston — SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

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 , 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.
SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

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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Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.

Rewards rate

Rewards rate
Rate	Category
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.
5X	Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
3X	Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
2X	Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
1X	Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.

Intro offer

As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

Annual fee

$325

Regular APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Recommended credit

Excellent to Good

Pros + cons

Pros

Valuable dining and food-related credits
Points are transferable
Multiple travel and purchase protections
No foreign transaction fees
Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)

Cons

Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
Difficult credit redemption

More details

You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 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 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
$120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
$100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
$84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,400 upscale hotels worldwide. *Eligible charges vary by property.
Book your travel through the Amex Travel App™ with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Annual Fee is $325.
Terms Apply.

Pros

Valuable dining and food-related credits
Points are transferable
Multiple travel and purchase protections
No foreign transaction fees
Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)

Cons

Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
Difficult credit redemption

You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 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 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
$120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
$100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
$84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,400 upscale hotels worldwide. *Eligible charges vary by property.
Book your travel through the Amex Travel App™ with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Annual Fee is $325.
Terms Apply.

With its sleek, towering exterior and bold, thoughtful interior, there's a new top hotel in Houston.

What it's like at the Thompson Houston

The Thompson Houston is warm and welcoming, but it's also artsy and loves a party.

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.

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.

Rooms at the Thompson Houston

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.

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.

What we ate at the Thompson Houston

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.

Meanwhile, the entire sixth floor of the hotel is devoted to wellness; this is where you'll find the Thompson Spa and gym.

Beyond the hotel's pool and wellness area, the Thompson Houston also has some great amenities for exploring the surrounding area.

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.
SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

Accessibility

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

Related reading:

New to rewards?

State of Loyalty 2026

Best US Airlines

What it's like at the Thompson Houston

How much the Thompson Houston costs and how to book it

Rooms at the Thompson Houston

What we ate at the Thompson Houston

Amenities and things to do

Insider tips for staying at the Thompson Houston

Accessibility

Bottom line

Comments

Comments

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TPG featured card

TPG featured card

American Express® Gold Card

Rewards rate

Intro offer

Annual fee

Regular APR

Recommended credit

Pros + cons

Pros

Cons

More details

Pros

Cons

2 hotels, double the fun: My stay at the dual-branded AC and Moxy hotels in downtown LA

4 reasons it's worth booking a suite at the W Philadelphia

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TPG featured card

American Express® Gold Card

Rewards rate

Intro offer

Annual fee

Regular APR

Recommended credit

Pros + cons

Pros

Cons

More details

Pros

Cons

What it's like at the Thompson Houston

How much the Thompson Houston costs and how to book it

Rooms at the Thompson Houston

What we ate at the Thompson Houston

Amenities and things to do

Insider tips for staying at the Thompson Houston

Accessibility

Bottom line

American Express® Gold Card

Rewards rate

Intro offer

Annual fee

Regular APR

Recommended credit

Pros + cons

Pros

Cons

More details

Pros

Cons

Comments

American Express® Gold Card

Rewards rate

Intro offer

Annual fee

Regular APR

Recommended credit

Pros + cons

Pros

Cons

More details