Cavalry Court

Four acres of gardens, fire pits, and lawn games spread across what looks, from the parking lot, like a classic roadside motel, the Texas A&M campus is literally across the street. Once inside, though, the industrial-rustic rooms read more boutique hotel than budget stop. The Canteen Bar & Grill pulls in a crowd, with live music outside on weekends, and the Century Square development keeps the surrounding block lively.

One honor, in evidence: