Omni Houston Hotel

We love the Omni for many reasons, including the fact that it instantly replaced its damaged dance floor after Hurricane Ike hit town and quickly hosted a wild cocktail party and dance in its posh bar, The Black Swan, for Houstonians who were going stir-crazy in their dark, hot caves. Did we mention that the night the hurricane hit, the Omni was scheduled to throw an ultra-glam event with hundreds of big-name guests (including Gov. Rick Perry and journalist Cokie Roberts) to celebrate the hotel’s lavish multi-million-dollar renovations? The soiree (and all the publicity) quickly evaporated, so, we’re telling you now—the Omni is gorgeous. It's one of the best spots in town for this classic meal with tranquil views of sweeping lawns, swimming pools, waterfalls and those graceful swans gliding around. Mokara Spa is still spanking new, with celebrity hair stylist Cerón's second salon inside.

It was called Inn on the Park when Madonna stayed there for several days before kicking off her "Blonde Ambition" tour in 1990 at The Summit (now Lakewood Church). How times change!