News Releases

Houston, Texas (December 5, 2025) – 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.

“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,” said Ben Ackerley.  

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, bringing 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.

“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,” said Erin Lindsey, RVP of Brand & Marketing, Bunkhouse Hotels & JdV by Hyatt. “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.” 

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.

“We’re thrilled to bring Hotel Daphne to Houston Heights, a neighborhood with a rich history and a thriving creative community,” said Omar Abreu, Regional General Manager. “Following the warm reception of Hotel Saint Augustine in Montrose, it’s incredibly rewarding to bring another distinctive destination to life in one of Houston’s most vibrant neighborhoods.”

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.

Starting room rates from $359/night

The term “Hyatt” is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and/or one or more of its affiliates.

SNAPSHOT

• Chef: Terrence Gallivan
• Architects of Record: Blanchard A+D
• Landscape Architect: McDugald Steele
• Address: 347 West 20th Street, Houston, TX 77008
• Hotel website: www.hoteldaphnehtx.com
• Instagram: @HotelDaphneHTX and @HypsiHTX

ABOUT BUNKHOUSE | www.bunkhousehotels.com | 512-852-2300

With a passion for design, a commitment to community, and tireless attention to detail, Bunkhouse Hotels create soulful travel experiences for guests and locals that are authentically grounded in a sense of place. Enjoy World of Hyatt benefits with eligible stays at participating Bunkhouse Hotels – discover more here.

ABOUT HYATT HOTELS CORPORATION

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company guided by its purpose – to care for people so they can be their best. As of September 30, 2025, the Company's portfolio included more than 1,450 hotels and all-inclusive properties in 82 countries across six continents. The Company's offering includes brands in the Luxury Portfolio, including Park Hyatt®, Alila®, Miraval®, Impression by Secrets, and The Unbound Collection by Hyatt®; the Lifestyle Portfolio, including Andaz®, Thompson Hotels®, The Standard®, Dream® Hotels, The StandardX, Breathless Resorts & Spas®, JdV by Hyatt®, Bunkhouse® Hotels, and Me and All Hotels; the Inclusive Collection, including Zoëtry® Wellness & Spa Resorts, Hyatt Ziva®, Hyatt Zilara®, Secrets® Resorts & Spas, Dreams® Resorts & Spas, Hyatt Vivid® Hotels & Resorts, Sunscape® Resorts & Spas, Alua Hotels & Resorts®, and Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts; the Classics Portfolio, including Grand Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Destination by Hyatt®, Hyatt Centric®, Hyatt Vacation Club®, and Hyatt®; and the Essentials Portfolio, including Caption by Hyatt®, Unscripted by Hyatt, Hyatt Place®, Hyatt House®, Hyatt Studios®, Hyatt Select, and UrCove. Subsidiaries of the Company operate the World of Hyatt® loyalty program, ALG Vacations®, Mr & Mrs Smith, Unlimited Vacation Club®, Amstar® DMC destination management services, and Trisept Solutions® technology services. For more information, please visit www.hyatt.com.

PRESS INQUIRIES
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Hyatt | Meredith.Frazier@Hyatt.com

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