Houston Hotels & Motels
• A WorldWeb.com Travel Guide for Houston, TX, Texas.
It’s often said that everything is bigger in Texas, and Houston is a prime example. The largest city in the state—and the fourth largest city in the United States—Houston is a popular travel destination that offers a wide array of accommodations both inside and outside of “the Loop,” or Interstate 610, which separates numerous business and medical districts from the large suburban sprawl outside of its border. Perhaps best known for the Mission Control Center at NASA’s Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center and space exploration-themed museums, the city is also home to the second largest collection of Fortune 500 companies outside of New York City and boasts the highest density of medical research institutions.
Yet despite its expanse and grandeur, many sections of Houston maintain a small-town feel, in part because Houston developed around its cultural communities, thanks to its status as one of the few cities in the U.S. without zoning laws. While there is a downtown, there are actually several commercial districts where visitors can get a good night’s sleep, discover local attractions, or enjoy fine cuisine. There are a number of world-class hotels that cater to elite business travelers as well as many relaxed, homey accommodations for vacationers.
GETTING AROUND
Frequent fliers have numerous options to get in and out of the Houston area, through one of 10 airports that circle the downtown area, stretching from Mission Bend and Sugar Land to Baytown, located across Trinity Bay, a Gulf of Mexico tributary west of downtown. Many of these airports are privately owned but publicly licensed for business travelers. The two largest commercial airports in the area are the George Bush Intercontinental Airport in North Houston and the William P. Hobby Airport, the oldest commercial airport, in South Houston.
Once in the city, visitors can hop aboard the METRO and ride effortlessly to one of its 18 major stops and countless sub-stops across the city. Houston’s efficient rail system also provides a bonus to those who wish to drive; many roadways are generally congestion-free even during peak hours. Most districts are within fairly close distance to each other, about 30 minutes by car, so visitors can easily enjoy popular attractions all over the city, including the nearby ports towns on the shores the Gulf of Mexico in Baytown to the East, the Sam Houston National Forest to the north in Conroe, and three wildlife refuge areas to the south that extend from Galveston to East Matagorda Bay.
DOWNTOWN
All highways converge inside the Loop downtown in the heart of the business district, where skyscrapers mingle with the Minute Maid Park ballpark and the Houston Grand Opera. This area offers a hub of hotels for business and culture-exploring travelers alike. If looking for fine luxury in the middle of it all, the magnificent five-star-rated Hotel Icon features all of the amenities that come with the distinction, such as an outstanding restaurant and 24-hour fitness center. The hotel is situated in a renovated landmark building redesigned by world-class architects, complete with magnificent furnishings. A great experience at a more reasonable price point is offered by the Magnolia Hotel. Rated one of the “coolest” hotels in the country, the Magnolia offers a trendy retreat with a rooftop pool and Jacuzzi. With its more laid-back style, it’s also an excellent option for families and low-key tourists.
CITYCENTRE
CITYCENTRE Houston is a new accommodations destination for business travelers seeking upscale yet homey accommodations that are located close to several commercial districts, including the Energy Corridor and Westchase. The City Centre area offers beautiful, open spaces, haute cuisine, and exceptional shopping venues. Nestled within you will find Sorella, a unique hotel and convention center that features in-room flat-screen plasma TVs and a Bluetooth-compatible tool that allows users to stream MP3s through the room’s speakers, as well as a world-class restaurant and rooftop pool, and several large conference rooms and suites.
UPTOWN
Uptown Houston is the place to be for an urban experience marked by chic, trendy accommodations, distinctive eateries, and shopping meccas like the famous Galleria mall. The area is also in close proximity to the heart of Houston’s arts area. Many uptown accommodations reflect this proximity, offering unique stays at more affordable prices, including the hip yet wallet-friendly Aloft hotel that offers modern amenities and trendy features with a no-nonsense attitude. Visitors seeking a bit more luxury can find it at the Hotel Granduca is a five-star boutique reminiscent of an Italian villa that features elegant Italian designs and a full-service spa. Most uptown hotels feature modern digital communication amenities.
MUSEUM DISTRICT
Southwest of downtown is the Museum District, a popular spot for families. There are 18 museums in the neighborhood, including the Children’s Museum of Houston, the Contemporary Arts Museum of Houston, the Museum of Fine Arts, and fresh, green, open spaces in between. Close by is the Houston Zoo as well as several parks and theaters. The most talked-about hotel in the area is the Zaza, which has been featured on many “best hotel” lists in the past few years. It offers a combination of high-tech amenities, luxury linens and furnishings and fine cuisine with friendly, top-notch service. Both business clients and families alike are regulars. Just outside of the district are discount hotel chains.
GALVESTON
Located 60 miles (97 km) south of downtown is the resort area of Galveston, an island city located on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. Here vacationers can stay at one of the many major chain hotels, quaint bed and breakfasts, private beach house rentals, RV parks, and popular resorts. Perhaps the most popular resort is theSan Luis Resort and Spa, a 30-acre beachfront property open year-round that boasts an outdoor pool and tennis courts just steps from the sand, as well as a large convention center, spa, gym and fine dining from among eight restaurants on site. Offshore only a few minutes north by car, families can visit the Space Center Houston, the visitors’ center for the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center.
Yet despite its expanse and grandeur, many sections of Houston maintain a small-town feel, in part because Houston developed around its cultural communities, thanks to its status as one of the few cities in the U.S. without zoning laws. While there is a downtown, there are actually several commercial districts where visitors can get a good night’s sleep, discover local attractions, or enjoy fine cuisine. There are a number of world-class hotels that cater to elite business travelers as well as many relaxed, homey accommodations for vacationers.
GETTING AROUND
Frequent fliers have numerous options to get in and out of the Houston area, through one of 10 airports that circle the downtown area, stretching from Mission Bend and Sugar Land to Baytown, located across Trinity Bay, a Gulf of Mexico tributary west of downtown. Many of these airports are privately owned but publicly licensed for business travelers. The two largest commercial airports in the area are the George Bush Intercontinental Airport in North Houston and the William P. Hobby Airport, the oldest commercial airport, in South Houston.
Once in the city, visitors can hop aboard the METRO and ride effortlessly to one of its 18 major stops and countless sub-stops across the city. Houston’s efficient rail system also provides a bonus to those who wish to drive; many roadways are generally congestion-free even during peak hours. Most districts are within fairly close distance to each other, about 30 minutes by car, so visitors can easily enjoy popular attractions all over the city, including the nearby ports towns on the shores the Gulf of Mexico in Baytown to the East, the Sam Houston National Forest to the north in Conroe, and three wildlife refuge areas to the south that extend from Galveston to East Matagorda Bay.
DOWNTOWN
All highways converge inside the Loop downtown in the heart of the business district, where skyscrapers mingle with the Minute Maid Park ballpark and the Houston Grand Opera. This area offers a hub of hotels for business and culture-exploring travelers alike. If looking for fine luxury in the middle of it all, the magnificent five-star-rated Hotel Icon features all of the amenities that come with the distinction, such as an outstanding restaurant and 24-hour fitness center. The hotel is situated in a renovated landmark building redesigned by world-class architects, complete with magnificent furnishings. A great experience at a more reasonable price point is offered by the Magnolia Hotel. Rated one of the “coolest” hotels in the country, the Magnolia offers a trendy retreat with a rooftop pool and Jacuzzi. With its more laid-back style, it’s also an excellent option for families and low-key tourists.
CITYCENTRE
CITYCENTRE Houston is a new accommodations destination for business travelers seeking upscale yet homey accommodations that are located close to several commercial districts, including the Energy Corridor and Westchase. The City Centre area offers beautiful, open spaces, haute cuisine, and exceptional shopping venues. Nestled within you will find Sorella, a unique hotel and convention center that features in-room flat-screen plasma TVs and a Bluetooth-compatible tool that allows users to stream MP3s through the room’s speakers, as well as a world-class restaurant and rooftop pool, and several large conference rooms and suites.
UPTOWN
Uptown Houston is the place to be for an urban experience marked by chic, trendy accommodations, distinctive eateries, and shopping meccas like the famous Galleria mall. The area is also in close proximity to the heart of Houston’s arts area. Many uptown accommodations reflect this proximity, offering unique stays at more affordable prices, including the hip yet wallet-friendly Aloft hotel that offers modern amenities and trendy features with a no-nonsense attitude. Visitors seeking a bit more luxury can find it at the Hotel Granduca is a five-star boutique reminiscent of an Italian villa that features elegant Italian designs and a full-service spa. Most uptown hotels feature modern digital communication amenities.
MUSEUM DISTRICT
Southwest of downtown is the Museum District, a popular spot for families. There are 18 museums in the neighborhood, including the Children’s Museum of Houston, the Contemporary Arts Museum of Houston, the Museum of Fine Arts, and fresh, green, open spaces in between. Close by is the Houston Zoo as well as several parks and theaters. The most talked-about hotel in the area is the Zaza, which has been featured on many “best hotel” lists in the past few years. It offers a combination of high-tech amenities, luxury linens and furnishings and fine cuisine with friendly, top-notch service. Both business clients and families alike are regulars. Just outside of the district are discount hotel chains.
GALVESTON
Located 60 miles (97 km) south of downtown is the resort area of Galveston, an island city located on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. Here vacationers can stay at one of the many major chain hotels, quaint bed and breakfasts, private beach house rentals, RV parks, and popular resorts. Perhaps the most popular resort is theSan Luis Resort and Spa, a 30-acre beachfront property open year-round that boasts an outdoor pool and tennis courts just steps from the sand, as well as a large convention center, spa, gym and fine dining from among eight restaurants on site. Offshore only a few minutes north by car, families can visit the Space Center Houston, the visitors’ center for the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center.
Staybridge Suites Houston West Energy Corridor
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