Hotel Daphne, a forthcoming boutique hotel from Austin-based Bunkhouse Hotels, is now accepting reservations for stays in January 2026, unveiling initial details ahead of the property’s debut.
Known for its one-of-a-kind boutique hotels throughout Texas and beyond, Bunkhouse Hotels expanded to Houston in early 2025 with Hotel Saint Augustine. Following its celebrated arrival in the Montrose neighbourhood, Hotel Daphne will offer Houstonians another community-oriented and design-driven retreat – this time in the historic Houston Heights. The 49-room property will serve as an extended living room to locals and travellers alike, featuring an all-day restaurant, ground floor bar, library and private events space, picturesque courtyard, and a signature lobby retail shop in the charming residential neighbourhood.
Opening in phases, Hypsi, the hotel’s full-service restaurant and lounge, will debut first with dinner service in November 2025. The hotel looks forward to welcoming overnight guests shortly following Hypsi’s arrival, with travellers now able to reserve rooms beginning this January.
Hypsi will be helmed by Executive Chef Terrence Gallivan, a two-time James Beard Award nominee and former chef of the Michelin-starred Alto in NYC with deep Houston roots after opening the former acclaimed restaurants, The Pass & Provisions and Elro. Inspired by the private drinking clubs that thrived during Houston Heights’ dry days, Hypsi will offer an elevated escape for cocktails, Italian-style aperitivo, and heartier fare.
Diners can expect dishes like a Crispy Skin Vermillion Snapper with a fresh herb salsa verde and a Tableside Mozzarella Cart serving multiple types of cheeses and seasonal accompaniments during the initial opening period, while the beverage program will showcase Italian wines and spritzes. Hypsi will open for breakfast and lunch down the line.
Designed in-house by Bunkhouse Hotels, Hotel Daphne’s interiors will draw inspiration from the Heights’ diverse architectural style of Arts and Crafts, blending custom furniture, vintage finds, and bold, trippy prints. Hypsi’s design will balance playful whimsy with cozy familiarity, featuring opulent fabrics, a lush courtyard, an indoor fireplace framed by an antique mantel, psychedelic pillows, and a bar with leather Cassina chairs, nodding to the Heights’ historic supper clubs.
Whereas Hotel Saint Augustine made a purposeful choice to refrain from traditional artwork on the walls as a response to the hotel’s location adjacent to the Menil Collection, Daphne’s art program will emphasize the property’s curatorial feel, featuring custom works by Austin- and Los Angeles-based artist Alexandra Valenti, as well as an impressive selection of original pieces from the private collections of hotel owners, Bob & Ben Ackerley.
Architecture is a collaboration between Massachusetts-based Blanchard A+D and California-based Darwin Architecture, with landscape architecture by Houston’s McDugald Steele. The five-story painted brick structure with stepped parapets and steel windows is thoughtfully integrated into the neighbourhood’s character.
To honor Hotel Daphne’s first guests, Bunkhouse Hotels has created a special opening offer: First Nights in the Heights. Book with code FIRST to enjoy 20% off our standard rate, plus a complimentary upgrade and late checkout of 2 PM (both subject to availability). Terms apply and can be found at https://www.hyatt.com/
For reservations and more information on Hotel Daphne, visit www.hoteldaphnehtx.com. Standard room rates start from $359.