Bunkhouse Hotels, a boutique hotel group with properties in Texas and Mexico that recently joined World of Hyatt, has opened is second property in Houston. The company, which also operates the Hotel Saint Augustine, has opened its newest property in the city’s historic Heights neighborhood.
Hotel Daphne Opens in Houston
Bunkhouse’s newest property, Hotel Daphne, is now open in the heart of the Heights, bringing the brand’s signature blend of design, community-minded spaces, and laid-back luxury to one of Houston’s most storied neighborhoods.
The new property features 49 guest rooms, an Italian-inspired restaurant and bar, a lush courtyard, a library salon, and a curated retail nook. The new-build hotel occupies a five story building designed by Blanchard A+D in partnership with landscape firm McDugald Steele to work around the large heritage oaks located on property.
Inside the building, guests are greeted by a handmade tile wrapped front desk which sits beneath a vintage Murano glass chandelier. Artwork from the Ackerley Family’s personal collection, owners of the property, adorn the lobby walls.
Off the lobby, a 350 square foot library invites guests in with cozy seating and custom, onyx, chess sets which allows guests to unwind with a friendly game. The library space can also be used as a private dining of cocktail salon.
Ben Ackerly, one of the property’s owners, said this about the opening of the Hotel Daphne:
“The Heights is the coolest neighborhood on earth and has long been starved for a hotel option befitting of its noteworthy architecture, unique history, and artistic spirit. We wanted to create an urban oasis where neighbors and out-of-towners alike have a place to hang out or spend the night in a chic, yet comfortable environment – with great spaces to gather, rotating artwork from our family’s private collection, and Hypsi at the heart of it all. Chef Terrence’s culinary vision is so exciting, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to finally share it with the community, in addition to everything else that we’ve been working on.”
Erin Lindsey, RVP of Brand & Marketing, Bunkhouse Hotels & JdV by Hyatt, added:
“This really is a neighborhood hotel, and we hope that it’ll become a space where you can feel sort of tucked away and linger for a while, with a cocktail or cup of coffee. Whether you’re a neighbor in a literal sense or a neighbor from afar, you’ll feel a real sense of place and belonging in this little gem in the Heights.”
For those interested in staying at the property, the hotel is offering introductory room rates as low as $359 per night.
Hotel Daphne Guest Rooms
Guests staying in one of the property’s 49 rooms will find unique touches that have become synonymous with the Bunkhouse brand. Specifically, guests are greeted by custom beds framed in dark wood with headboards upholstered in psychedelic landscape textiles. Mohair seating, and Arts and Crafts-style credenzas help to balance out the guest rooms, which are quite colorful.
Select rooms include private terraces overlooking the courtyard and dog-friendly accommodations are also available. As someone with a 100lb German Shephard, I love when hotels make accommodations for the furry members of the family.
Hypsi at Hotel Daphne
The cultural heart of the property is Hypsi, the all-day restaurant and lounge by two-time James Beard Award nominee Chef Terrence Gallivan. According to the hotel, the restaurant “brings a playful take on Italian aperitivo culture using Gulf Coast ingredients.”
Guests can expect offerings like tableside mozzarella service, handmade pasta, pastrami, seafood, and shareable snacks paired alongside Italian wines, spritzes, and craft cocktails. The restaurant is currently open for breakfast and dinner, with lunch service expected to begin in January 2026.
Summary
Bunkhouse Hotels has just unveiled its newest property in the heart of Houston’s historic Heights neighborhood. The 49 room boutique property features an onsite restaurant, shopping, and lounge areas in what aims to be a self-described “cozy neighborhood guest house.” Judging from the photos, I think they hit the nail on the head.
(Images courtesy Julie Soefer for Bunkhouse Hotels)
