Hilton Houston Plaza/Medical Center

Set amid the Texas Medical Center, this contemporary hotel is a 7-minute walk from Rice University and 1 mile from the Houston Zoo.
All rooms offer sophisticated decor and custom-designed beds, plus 42-inch flat-screen TVs and WiFi (fee, free in suites). Suites add minifridges and separate living areas.
There's a relaxed restaurant and a cocktail lounge with piano entertainment in the evenings....