First time visitor, seeking recs on area for hotel stay!

Hi r/Houston! I'm a San Diegan, will be in your fine city mid July to meet up with a friend. Yes I know it's a dreadful time because of the heat and humidity but it's set. We know nothing about where to stay, it'll be in a hotel. We love being in close proximity to a museum, cool restaurants, local cafes (seems cliche because everyone says they love those things). Any recs on a "smaller, quaint" part of Houston that has that for us? thank you in advance 🙂