Stellar views have always been important to travelers—it’s why rooms overlooking the ocean, mountains, or a cityscape often come with a premium price. Hotels across the state are making it easier for travelers and locals alike to enjoy astonishing vistas and skylines by placing restaurants, bars, and pools in rooftop spaces.
Stroll onto the outdoor patio of Nido, the rooftop restaurant at The Loren Austin Hotel, and you’ll be met with the capital city skyline glittering under the Texas sun while kayakers paddle on Lady Bird Lake. At sunset, pink, orange, and yellow hues reflect on the shiny buildings downtown.
Opened in 2022, the luxury property has an elegant décor that includes impressive plant displays and a renowned art collection. Rooms are sleek and modern with floor-to-ceiling windows, soft linens, and walk-in rain spa showers. Quick bites and good coffee can be enjoyed at the hotel’s Café at the Loren. Quieter spaces include the rooftop pool and the on-site art exhibition space, Paggi House.
Though the pool, only open to hotels guests, has panoramic views overlooking South Austin, it’s Nido that draws view-lovers staying at the hotel and beyond. The Loren is currently the only hotel on the southern shoreline of Lady Bird Lake with views of the Austin skyline from a public outdoor rooftop terrace. “The open, expansive views offer a sense of escape from the hustle and bustle of the city,” general manager Martin Wormull says. Rates start at $379/night.
1/ Hotel Lucine, Galveston
Opened in 2023, Hotel Lucine is a charming 61-room, mid-century modern hotel on the Galveston coast. Grab a cocktail and light bite on the rooftop and experience 180-degree views of the Gulf of Mexico and historical East Beach. On weekends, check out a concert or Sunday morning yoga class. Rooms start at $175/night. hotellucine.com
2/Hotel Paso del Norte, El Paso
The views from Hotel Paso del Norte are as exquisite as its elegant historical interiors. From the 10th floor El Mirador Bar and Restaurant or the pool, guests can marvel over the city of El Paso and shimmering mountains in the distance. Even Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, can be seen from the hotel’s rooftop spaces. Rooms start at $189/night. hotelpdn.com
3/Thompson Dallas
At the Thompson, you can take in Dallas’ most notable towers, like the green glass rocket Fountain Place Tower, with a birds’ eye view from the rooftop pool or glitzy rooftop bar, Catbird. From the rooftop terraces, it feels as if you can reach out and touch a skyscraper. Rooms start at $360/night. hyatt.com
