4-Star Hotel and International Restaurant near Houston's Galleria

With its all-glass façade, the 23-story Royal Sonesta Hotel Houston complements the modern look of its neighbor, The Galleria, one of the nation's largest shopping malls, located just a mile away. The four-star hotel offers complimentary shuttle service to The Galleria, where you can browse more than 350 stores, play at a tennis club, dine at one of several sit-down restaurants, and skate at an Olympic-size indoor ice rink year-round. Royal Sonesta Hotel Houston is also a short drive from other popular attractions, including the museum district and the Houston Zoo.

A baby grand piano and a winding staircase in the lobby add classy touches to the decor. Upstairs, deluxe rooms continue that elegant aesthetic with soft mocha and cream hues and leather lounge chairs.

Head to the hotel's restaurant for breakfast à la carte, or stop by later to select from an extensive menu of international dishes for lunch and dinner. The restaurant has an upscale vibe with hardwood floors and crisp, white tablecloths. The lobby lounge offers a more laid-back atmosphere, with decor resembling a living room. If you opt for the $50 hotel credit, you can redeem it for meals at the restaurant, bar, or lounge, use it at the gift shop, or apply it toward any other hotel cost.

Uptown Houston: World-Class Shopping, International Cuisine, and Picturesque Bayous

Uptown Houston is best known for The Galleria, which Travel + Leisure named as one of America's most-visited shopping malls. It has hundreds of shops, suspended glass balconies, and vaulted glass ceilings modeled after Italian Renaissance arcades. But the area has plenty to offer beyond high-end boutiques and retail stores. Steps from the massive shopping mall, the 64-story Williams Tower looms as the city's tallest building outside the downtown area. Be sure to get a snapshot in front of the neighboring water wall, where thousands of gallons of water cascade down a sleek, six-story structure.

But if shopping's your thing, Uptown Park presents a charming alternative to The Galleria. The outdoor mall brings to mind a Venetian piazza with its Romanesque columns, stone fountains, and open-air bistros bedecked with strings of twinkling lights. You can also indulge in some of Houston's best dining here, at classic Italian restaurants, Costa Rican eateries, and quaint cafés.

For a taste of Houston's scenery, venture east of Royal Sonesta to Memorial Park, a nearly 1,500-acre playground with bayous, bike trails, and volleyball courts. Check out the park's Arboretum & Nature Center to hike nature trails highlighting native plants and wildlife.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.