Hotel Daphne

Hotel Daphne, the latest boutique property from the acclaimed hospitality brand Bunkhouse Hotels, is now open in Houston's beloved Heights neighborhood. The 49-room hotel brings the Bunkhouse brand's signature blend of design and community to one of the city's most storied enclaves, featuring an Italian-style restaurant and bar, a library and small private event space, a lush courtyard, and a signature retail shop that reflects the creative, independent spirit of the Heights.

Building on the success of the recently opened Hotel Saint Augustine in Houston's Montrose neighborhood, Hotel Daphne brings the brand's community-driven approach to Houston Heights, one of the city's most dynamic and historic neighborhoods with a rich history of utopian thinking. Despite the area's growth, featuring an array of 19th-century bungalows, vintage shops, and chef-driven restaurants, Hotel Daphne is the first design-driven boutique of its kind in the area.

Taking its name from Greek mythology, Hotel Daphne draws inspiration from the mythical river god Peneus' daughter, the nymph who transformed into a laurel tree to preserve her autonomy. The dichotomy of desire and danger calls to the aesthetic interplays within the design, and the laurel serves as inspiration to create a space worthy of praise. The name also calls to the beloved dog of the owners, who are deeply rooted in the city.

With architecture designed in collaboration with Blanchard A+D, the newly constructed five-story brick building reflects the architectural character of the Heights with stepped parapets, steel sash windows, and painted white brick that nod to the area's industrial past. Landscape design by McDugald Steele integrates large heritage oak trees, bridging the scale between neighboring residences and taller commercial buildings, while preserving the area's charm and craftsmanship.

Designed in-house by Bunkhouse Hotels, the interiors draw from the Heights' origins as a planned utopian community and from the myth of Daphne. Designed as a modern third space within one of the city's most walkable neighborhoods, Daphne's public spaces feel both grounded and imaginative, showcasing Bunkhouse's commitment to craft through handmade tilework, layered textiles, and a palette of warm neutrals accented by rich, saturated tones.

In the lobby, guests are greeted by a front desk wrapped in handmade-tile, with a vintage Murano chandelier hanging above. A semi-circular modular sofa upholstered in rich fabrics anchors the room and acts as a community gathering spot, while signature retail items displayed alongside an extensive selection of art from the Ackerley family's personal collection, including pieces by Vernon Fisher and Kent Dorn, bring a personal layer of Houston's artistic spirit. Adjacent, an intimate 350-square-foot library with custom tables featuring onyx chess sets provides a cozy retreat that also transforms into a private dining or cocktail salon.

Hypsi, the hotel's all-day restaurant and lounge, is led by Chef Terrence Gallivan, a two-time James Beard Award nominee and former chef of the Michelin-starred Alto in New York. Offering a modern take on Italian-style aperitivo with Gulf Coast ingredients, Hypsi is inspired by the private drinking clubs that thrived in the Heights during Prohibition, featuring playful, refined fare including a Tableside Mozzarella Cart, handmade pastas, and shareable plates, paired with Italian wines, spritzes, and craft cocktails. Hypsi's interiors blend elegance and eccentricity, featuring deep hues, vintage accents, and a gleaming blueberry lava-stone bar. An adjoining vine-covered courtyard expands the restaurant's footprint. Hypsi is open for breakfast and dinner, with lunch to debut in January.

Each of the 49 guest rooms and suites serves as a calm counterpoint to the hotel's public spaces, adding a touch of unexpected fantasy within the serene retreat. Custom beds are framed in dark wood with headboards upholstered in psychedelic landscape textiles. Mohair seating, and Arts and Crafts-style credenzas create a balance between softness and structure, while select rooms include private terraces overlooking the courtyard. Dog-friendly accommodations, room service, and concierge offerings round out a guest experience deeply rooted in thoughtful hospitality.

The arrival of Hotel Daphne marks Bunkhouse Hotels' expanding brand presence throughout Texas, where the brand currently operates seven of its nine hotels. Following the successful openings of Hotel Saint Augustine and the first Jo's Coffee location outside of Austin also in the Houston Heights neighborhood earlier this year, Hotel Daphne continues to embody Bunkhouse's ethos of creating community-driven experiences rooted in local culture, offering a fresh destination that celebrates the neighborhood's rich history and vibrant spirit just one street away from the famed 19th Street shopping district.

Hotel website

Hotel Daphne
347 W 20th St
Houston, TX 77008
United States

+1 346-601-1099

Hotel Website