Austin's top-tier hospitality industry is continuing its winning streak: eight Central Texas hotels and resorts were lauded among the best hotels in the world, according to Travel + Leisure's 2026 World's Best Awards.

The annual World's Best Awards are the culmination of readers' choice surveys of the ultimate travel experiences around the globe, which include the top hotels, resorts, travel destinations, and more. The 2026 survey had more than 207,000 responses from T+L readers with over 661,000 votes across 10,088 accommodations, cruise lines, and other properties.

Camp Lucy in Dripping Springs ranked as the No. 2 best resort in Texas this year, promising guests a stay that feels a lot more like visiting a "home away from home" rather than a resort. Camp Lucy has a variety of lodgings for guests to curate their stays, from plush guest rooms to palatial suites or private cottages.

"Experience an escape and a familiar warmth that blends Hill Country refinement, Texas charm, and worldly discovery," Camp Lucy's website says. "Rooms and private cottages are intentionally designed to offer luxury amenities, modern comforts, and thoughtful design for an authentic, elevated, retreat — whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or a homebase to explore all that wine country has to offer."

Two more Central Texas resorts were hailed among the best in the state: Horseshoe Bay Resort and Austin's own Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa.

The full list of the best resorts in Texas are:

• The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa
• Camp Lucy, Dripping Springs
• Horseshoe Bay Resort
• Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa, Austin
• JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa

The best hotels in Austin
The Archer Hotel Austin topped the list of the best hotels in Austin for 2026. The hotel is situated near The Domain and Domain Northside, drawing in plenty of guests interested in exploring Austin's luxury retail scene. In a brief overview of the hotel, T+L editors praised the on-site bar, pool patio, and the luxe guest rooms.

"Within its eight stories in North Austin are 171 refined guest rooms and a signature pool marked by an unmistakable Lone Star emblem," T+L wrote. "Don't skip a nightcap at the expansive AKB bar.

The full list of the best hotels in Austin are:

• Archer Hotel Austin
• Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Collection
• Four Seasons Hotel Austin
• JW Marriott Austin
• Austin Proper Hotel

Commodore Perry Estate and the Austin Proper Hotel were additionally recognized among T+L's separate list of the 500 best hotels in the world in May 2026.

Texas' best hotels and travel destinations in the U.S.
Two opulent Texas hotels made the cut in T+L's ranking of the best hotels in the U.S. for 2026. Houston's oldest-running hospitality property, The Lancaster Hotel, topped the list of the best hotels in Houston and it was declared the 10th best hotel nationwide. Its shining performance in the World's Best Awards is an auspicious occasion for the hotel, which is currently celebrating its centennial.

"For 100 years, The Lancaster Hotel has been a defining presence in Houston hospitality," the hotel's website says. "In 2026, we proudly celebrate a century of welcoming guests with warmth, elegance, and impeccable service. Home to more than 200 works by noted contemporary Texas artists and situated in the heart of Houston's Theater District, The Lancaster blends historic character with modern refinement."

In a brief overview of The Lancaster, T+L praised the hotel's historic charm and its dedication to spotlighting Texas artists.

Fort Worth's Bowie House also reaffirmed its status as one of the most deluxe hotels in the region (and beyond) after it ranked as the 15th best hotel in the U.S. for 2026.

Two Texas cities — Fort Worth and San Antonio — also landed among the top 15 best cities in the U.S. this year. Fort Worth ranked 6th and San Antonio ranked 14th.

"In its 31st year, the World’s Best Awards continue to be a reflection of the extraordinary experiences that you, our trusted readers, crave," T+L editors wrote. "This year, we at Travel + Leisure implore you to explore the winners with the same curiosity in which you chose them. While some hotels offer a rich backstory and entrancing interiors, others are brand new to the hospitality scene... As for the top cities, tried-and-true reign supreme with phenomenal attractions, superlative hotels, and electric dining scenes."

The five best hotels in Dallas-Fort Worth in 2026 are:

• Hotel Crescent Court, Dallas
• Hotel Drover, Autograph Collection, Fort Worth
• The Adolphus, Autograph Collection, Dallas
• HALL Arts Hotel, Dallas, Autograph Collection
• Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek, Dallas

The five best hotels in Houston in 2026 are:

• The Lancaster Hotel
• The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston
• Hotel Zaza Houston Museum District
• Four Seasons Hotel Houston
• Marriott Marquis Houston