A NOTE TO OUR READERS:
"Three Great Stays in Houston" is from the January 2007 issue of Southern Living. Because prices, dates, and other specifics are subject to change, please check all information to make sure it's still current before making your travel plans.

Keeping up to speed about where to stay in Houston is no easy task. Here's a quick play-by-play of three spots we like.

Alden-Houston
One visit to the Alden-Houston (formerly known as the Sam Houston Hotel), and you see modern and cool. The hotel kept most of the Sam's good qualities, including the ultracontemporary guest rooms. What you won't see anymore is the huge Texas mural near the reception desk. That's okay though. There's so much in the 97 rooms here that you won't miss a thing.

Hotel ICON
Locals are thrilled that this 1911 First Union National Bank Building was saved from demolition. Since opening, the 135-room property sports traditionally styled rooms and a feeling of sophistication. This spot is pure style with gilded columns and Oriental rugs.

Hotel Indigo Houston at The Galleria
This snazzy, 131-room spot is finally open. Each guest room includes vivid murals behind the beds, area rugs on hardwood floors, and whitewashed furniture. In the public spaces, artwork, music, and flowers change to match the season.