A CHANGE OF scenery is good for the soul. And Thompson hotel’s newest location overlooking Houston’s Buffalo Bayou Park has plenty to offer those in need of checking in and chilling out. This is the brand’s fourth luxury boutique Texas property since Hyatt acquired it and expanded its reach.

A vacation — or staycation! — attitude immediately envelops guests as they arrive in the spacious seventh-floor lobby with sweeping panoramic views the Houston’s skyline. Sol 7 bar and restaurant offers a sunny view of the modern outdoor green space and infinity pool prompting you get to your guest room and change into your swimsuit.

About that pool: Prepare to stay a while. Covered cabanas with couches are first come, first serve, and across the pool find reservation-only cabana spaces outfitted with furniture, TVs, and bathrooms steps away. You’ll enjoy panoramic city views and won’t have to lift a finger — except to sip your drink delivered by pool staff. There’s a food menu from Sol 7, too.

Optionally, Sol 7 welcomes you to come as you are whether choosing its circular bar, casual high-top tables or covered patio; there’s even a happy hour with gentle prices on drinks and bites. A trio of spreads with beautiful crudités, burgers, healthy salads and classic entrees including steak, seafood and pastas headline the all-day menu.

Come fall, the hotel will become a new food mecca with additional restaurants including French brasserie Chardon and Buck 40, an upscale supper club. The Thompson Houston hotel is led locally by exec-chef Alexandre Viriot, who during his illustrious career has worked alongside the world’s most renowned French chefs.

Sol 7 smashburger (photo by Michael Anthony)

Toca Modera (photo by Connie Anderson)

Couples spa room

Toca Modera's flaming tomahawk (photo by TJ Perez)

A Skyline Suite

Another dining option is new Toca Madera, a modern Mexican steakhouse in The Pavilion at The Allen right across the Thompson valet breezeway. With locations in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Scottsdale, this marks global hospitality group Noble 33’s first Texas venture.

Vast and exotic, the space sports moody lighting and multiple vignettes including intimate dining nooks, roomy banquettes, two bars, and a patio. Its “experiential dining” vibe means pulsating music, DJs and table entertainment (flame swallowers, musicians, etc.). Although the volume on the weekends can be daunting, the food should not be missed, so reserve and arrive early! More on this dining experience soon.

After such an electrifying evening, guest rooms are a serene escape. Thompson appeals to aesthete travelers with its mid-century modern design, which is part of Thompson Houston’s DNA. It’s worth the splurge for the 9th floor panoramic suite with a gorgeous marble bathroom-shower-tub combo, living room area, and luxe bedroom with views for miles. Social spaces in the hotel can be reserved for weddings and events.

Spa time! Carve out a few hours for a treatment and some shopping in the Thompson Spa retail area for gifts and remedies from the world over. Facials, massage, body treatments and special packages are some of the spa categories offered. Choose from 14 different massage options, and each facial is tailored for the guest.

Leave on a sweet note by popping in cool first floor Maven Coffee & Cocktails byHouston Astros starter Lance McCullers, Jr., co-founder of Rex Hospitality Group along with Houston entrepreneur Juan Carlos Martinez de Aldecoa and partner Jimmy Doan. No expense was spared for the sleek design incorporating tables, tucked away pockets with couches and reading material, and counters for community seating. Grab a warm almond croissant along with a great cup of Joe — and we’ll be back to try the drinks and lounge bites!