Hotel Daphne will enter the Standard International boutique line’s portfolio in early 2025, after Hotel Saint Augustine opens in the city’s Montrose neighbourhood’s museum district in Q4 2024.
Central location
Centrally located, Hotel Daphne will be situated within the historic Houston Heights neighbourhood near the bustling 19th Street shopping district, known for its locally-owned businesses and curated retail shops.
The hotel will comprise 47 rooms and suites, an all-day restaurant, a ground-floor bar and lounge, a courtyard, a pool with a pool bar, a library, and a lobby retail shop – all embodying the signature Bunkhouse experience.
Neighbourhood design inspiration
The property’s design takes inspiration from the Heights’ architecture, 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-storey newbuild, which will feature painted brick, stepped parapets, and steel windows.
Bunkhouse is keeping Hotel Daphne’s interior design and creative direction in-house, which will result in a blend of the Heights’ diverse styles, fusing arts and crafts with folk Victorian influences.
Sophisticated yet relaxing
Amar Lalvani, executive chairman, Bunkhouse Hotels, said: “We are very excited to be expanding our presence in Houston with the Hotel Daphne, our second project in the works.
“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.”
First of its kind
Ben Ackerley, one of Hotel Daphne’s owners, commented: “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.
“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.”
Community improvement
Another of the property’s owners, Bob Ackerley, added: “I moved to Houston 40 years ago and have watched the amazing growth that has made Houston one of the most dynamic and diverse cities in the world.
“This hotel project, with my son Ben, is a small way for our family to give back to this community and help improve and add to the attractiveness of the Heights neighbourhood. We look forward to working with Bunkhouse on providing a superior guest experience for both locals and visitors to our city.”
