Hotel Daphne Opens in Houston Heights: A New Boutique Hotel with Modern Design and Local Flavor

Published on December 5, 2025

Hotel Daphne, the latest boutique property from Bunkhouse Hotels, has opened in the historic Houston Heights neighborhood. This 49-room hotel combines design, community, and comfort, quickly becoming a highlight in one of Houston’s most vibrant areas. It features an Italian-style restaurant and bar, a library, private event space, a lush courtyard, and a retail shop that showcases the creative spirit of the Heights. Hotel Daphne provides a fresh and lively experience for both visitors and locals. Located just a street away from the popular 19th Street shopping district, Hotel Daphne fits right in with the neighborhood’s mix of 19th-century bungalows, vintage shops, and chef-driven restaurants. The hotel’s design reflects the area’s rich history and the mythical inspiration behind its name. It offers both comfort and a sense of discovery. The hotel’s opening marks Bunkhouse Hotels’ growth into the Heights and continues their goal of creating community-focused experiences in Texas.

A Modern Take on Houston’s Historic Heights

Houston Heights is known for its blend of modernity and nostalgia, with a neighborhood history rooted in utopian thinking. This historical context is reflected in the design of Hotel Daphne, which was crafted in collaboration with Blanchard A+D. The five-story brick building mirrors the architectural elements of the Heights, featuring stepped parapets, steel sash windows, and painted white brick that pay homage to the area’s industrial past.

Landscape design by McDugald Steele incorporates heritage oak trees, which help preserve the charm of the neighborhood while allowing the hotel to stand as a modern addition. The design maintains a balance between the new and the old, ensuring that Hotel Daphne fits naturally into the local fabric.

Inside, Bunkhouse Hotels has created an atmosphere of thoughtfulness and creativity. The hotel’s interior design draws from the Heights’ origins as a planned utopian community, as well as the myth of Daphne, the Greek nymph who transformed into a laurel tree. Public spaces are grounded yet imaginative, with handmade tilework, layered textiles, and warm neutrals accented by rich tones.

Upon entering the lobby, guests are greeted by a vintage Murano chandelier, a modular sofa, and art from local Houston artists, reflecting the city’s thriving creative culture. An intimate 350-square-foot library offers a cozy retreat that doubles as a private dining or cocktail space, allowing guests to unwind in a peaceful setting. Signature retail items in the lobby further underscore the hotel’s connection to local artistry.

Hypsi: A Culinary Destination in Houston Heights

Hotel Daphne’s on-site restaurant, Hypsi, is a key highlight of the property. Led by renowned Chef Terrence Gallivan, a two-time James Beard Award nominee, the restaurant offers a modern Italian dining experience with Gulf Coast ingredients. Drawing inspiration from the private drinking clubs of the Heights during Prohibition, Hypsi serves playful, refined dishes such as a Tableside Mozzarella Cart and handmade pastas.

Guests can also enjoy an extensive selection of Italian wines, craft cocktails, and spritzes. The restaurant’s interior blends vintage accents with deep hues, creating an atmosphere that is both elegant and eccentric. Adjacent to the restaurant is a vine-covered courtyard, which expands the dining area and offers a serene outdoor space for guests to relax and socialize.

Hypsi is open for breakfast and dinner, with lunch set to debut in January. Its combination of fine dining and casual atmosphere makes it a standout destination for both hotel guests and local residents.

Guest Rooms: A Blend of Comfort and Fantasy

Each of the 49 guest rooms and suites at Hotel Daphne offers a peaceful retreat with a touch of unexpected fantasy. The rooms feature custom dark wood beds, headboards upholstered in psychedelic landscape textiles, and Arts and Crafts-style furniture, striking a balance between softness and structure. Some rooms even feature private terraces overlooking the courtyard.

In keeping with the hotel’s commitment to thoughtful hospitality, all rooms are dog-friendly and come equipped with room service and concierge offerings. Whether visiting for business or leisure, guests can enjoy a relaxing stay in a unique and well-appointed space that offers the perfect blend of comfort and design.

Expanding Bunkhouse Hotels’ Presence in Texas

Hotel Daphne is the latest addition to Bunkhouse Hotels’ growing portfolio in Texas, where the brand now operates seven of its nine properties. The hotel follows the successful openings of Hotel Saint Augustine in the Montrose neighborhood and the first Jo’s Coffee location outside of Austin, both in Houston.

Bunkhouse Hotels is known for creating spaces that reflect the local culture and foster a sense of community. Hotel Daphne, with its design-driven accommodations and focus on local flavor, exemplifies the brand’s ethos of providing guests with authentic experiences that reflect the surrounding neighborhood’s history and spirit.

Houston Heights: A Destination for Culture and Exploration

The Heights neighborhood in Houston remains a lively and culturally rich spot for both visitors and locals. Its walkable streets, historic buildings, and mix of independent shops and restaurants draw travelers seeking a one-of-a-kind experience in the heart of the city. Hotel Daphne is the newest addition to this cherished area. It features contemporary design, local art, and a focus on community, providing a fresh take on the Heights.