Hotel ZaZa Houston Memorial City

Character and identity

Set on the Katy Freeway in Memorial City, this outpost of the ZaZa brand trades urban downtown for a more suburban Houston address, with the pool deck doing most of the heavy lifting on atmosphere. The look is theatrical and design-forward, anchored by the Magnificent Seven Suites, individually themed rooms heavy on marble, plush textures and whimsical flourishes (think a poodle statue beside the toilet in the French Connection Suite). Expect a hip restaurant and bar, a spa wired for group bookings, a gym, meeting space, and an outdoor pool with the energy of a Palm Springs day club.

Who's it for

Bottom line

The pool, the party energy and the themed suites are the whole proposition here, so book in if that sounds like a feature rather than a bug. Splurge on one of the Magnificent Seven Suites if you want the full ZaZa theatre, and aim for warmer months when the deck is in full swing. Light sleepers and quiet-seekers should pass.