Bunkhouse, the Austin-based hospitality group, continues its path of expansion with this second project in Houston…
Known for its commitment to design, music, and authentic community-driven experiences, Bunkhouse has unveiled its plans for its latest boutique property, Hotel Daphne, slated for 2025 and set to open in a new build that reflects the architecture of the historic Heights neighbourhood. This addition marks Bunkhouse’s second hotel project in Houston, following the highly anticipated opening of Hotel Saint Augustine in Montrose’s Museum District in the fall of 2024.
Image credit: Bunkhouse
Centrally located, the hotel will be nestled within the historic Houston Heights neighbourhood near the bustling 19th Street shopping district, known for its locally-owned businesses and curated retail shops. Hotel Daphne will comprise 47 guestrooms and suites, an all-day restaurant, a ground-floor bar and lounge, a picturesque courtyard, a refreshing pool with a pool bar, a library and a lobby retail shop – all embodying the signature Bunkhouse experience.
“We are very excited to be expanding our presence in Houston with the Hotel Daphne, our second project in the works,” said Amar Lalvani, Executive Chairman, Bunkhouse Hotels. “The hotel will be a sophisticated yet relaxing gathering place for visitors and the local community alike, in a neighbourhood that we adore. The exact type of place Bunkhouse is renowned for creating. One that is reflective of the city’s diversity, history and culture.”
Image credit: Bunkhouse
“Bunkhouse wrote the book on doing cool boutique hotels in Texas, and ever since I stayed at Hotel San José many years ago, I have dreamed of helping bring Bunkhouse to Houston,” said Ben Ackerley, one of Hotel Daphne’s owners. “Our new hotel, Hotel Daphne, will be the first of its kind in the Heights and is only going to add to the momentum that the neighbourhood already has going as it grows into one of the premiere destinations in the city.”
Hotel Daphne takes inspiration from the architectural charm of the Heights, which is one of Houston’s oldest neighborhoods that was founded as a utopian society in the 1890’s, seamlessly blending into the neighbourhood’s recycled industrial style. In partnership with developing partner RGA Ventures LLC, Bunkhouse has enlisted Blanchard A+D, based in Massachusetts, and Darwin Architecture, based in California, as the architects of record for this five-story new build, which will feature painted brick, stepped parapets and steel windows.
The name ‘Daphne’ draws inspiration from Greek mythology, where Daphne, the daughter of the river god Peneus, transformed herself into a laurel tree to escape Apollo’s romantic obsessions. This mythological tale encapsulates the hotel’s essence, mirroring the delicate, sweet and spicy nature of the laurel plant. Bunkhouse is keeping Hotel Daphne’s interior design and creative direction in-house, which will result in a harmonious blend of the Heights’ diverse styles, fusing Arts and Crafts with Folk Victorian influences. Expect inviting and luxurious spaces where the familiar meets the far out.
Bunkhouse, currently operating six of its ten hotels in Texas, including five in Austin and one in San Antonio, is eager to contribute its unique brand of hospitality to the vibrant Houston community.
Main image credit: Bunkhouse
