Houston is a well-traveled city, and you certainly won’t have any difficulty finding accommodations that appeal to your tastes. Whether your style and budget demand luxurious, elaborate lodgings or something much more casual and simple, you are certain to find the perfect hotel to meet your needs. There are even some unique bed and breakfast establishments and a few rejuvenating spas mixed in with the traditional choices.
The downtown area is home to many of Houston’s prestigious business leaders. With the smell of money floating in the air, it is no great surprise that many of the city’s most prestigious—and expensive—hotels are located in this area. The luxurious Four Seasons was recently renovated to refresh its cutting-edge image. Besides glamorous accommodations, it has an on-site beauty salon and impressive workout facilities. Sophisticated, elegant dining is available at DeVille without even leaving the hotel. The Lancaster first opened as the Auditorium Hotel in the 1920s. A combination of unabashed luxury, small size, gorgeous antiques and breathtaking artwork makes guests feel like part of the elite. Dining in the hotel restaurant, Bistro Lancaster, is an equally elegant experience.
The Galleria area is another prestigious section of the city, and most of the hotels in the area reflect its class and elegance. Doubletree Guest Suites offers 26 stories of elegant suites, most with a breathtaking view of the entire area. The Houstonian is an elite institution with its own private health club and beauty spa, acres and acres of gorgeous landscaping and a golf course. It is the only hotel that offers such elaborate amenities in such a bustling area. Don’t be surprised if you actually forget that you are right in the middle of a thriving city. The Omni’s scenic jogging trail also does an admirable job of making you forget where you are. If you do not jog, you can opt for a leisurely walk along the trail or hit the fitness center to get your daily dose of exercise. If you want to be surrounded by elegance and also have impressive shopping opportunities literally at your fingertips, stay in the Westin Galleria. It is actually located inside a wing of the Galleria Mall. How’s that for convenience?
If you have a taste for old-world elegance, try one of the city’s historic hotels or a classic bed and breakfast. Not surprisingly, many of them are located in the scenic and historic Heights and Montrose areas. In terms of price, most are on the expensive side, but they don’t generally inflict the same degree of pain on your wallet that the modern deluxe hotels do.
The Park Plaza Warwick was built in 1927 and originally consisted of luxury apartments. It has since been renovated to showcase beautiful artwork and features accommodations that are designed to please the “hard-to-please”. Robin’s Nest Inn is a Victorian bed and breakfast that was built in 1895 as a personal residence. Only four rooms are available, so be sure and book well in advance. Angel Arbor Bed & Breakfast also offers only four rooms and should be booked well in advance. This 1923 Georgian-style home, with its soothing and scenic garden, is popular with couples seeking a romantic getaway. Availability at Lovett Inn is a little better since they offer eight rooms and one private cottage with its own whirlpool, but this 1918 Colonial bed and breakfast still books quickly. If you’re looking for the perfect spot to celebrate a special occasion, don’t put it off until the last minute.
Of the moderately priced hotels, the ones most worth mentioning are a new type that are rapidly gaining popularity. Hotels that feature weekly rates on suites or efficiency apartments are taking most major cities by storm, and Houston is certainly no exception. These hotels were designed primarily to help businesses cut outlandish travel expenses, but they are growing popular with leisure travelers as well. After all, whether you are away from home for business or pleasure, who wouldn’t prefer a suite with some homestyle amenities to a generic room? And since the concept is a relatively new one, you can typically expect these hotels to boast very modern interiors and facilities.
Although there will be variations between the different chains, most offer fitness centers and business facilities with related amenities on-site. It is also a general standard for most to feature refrigerators, microwaves and coffee makers in the rooms. Some even have stovetops for additional cooking flexibility that can really come in handy for lengthy stays. Except for the heart of the downtown area, you will find these types of hotels in most parts of the city. Amerisuites has several Houston locations, including one near Bush Intercontinental Airport. Best Western Westchase Mini- Suites is located on the west side and features whirlpools in some of the suites. Homestead Village has a location in the Galleria area as well as other parts of the city, and Sumner Suites is located near Hobby Airport and offers a cocktail lounge inside the hotel.
If you prefer casual comfort that offers all the basics without breaking the bank, there are a broad range of American standards to choose from. Multiple branches of popular chains, like Comfort Inn, Days Inn, La Quinta, Motel 6 and Super 8, are spread across the city. In addition to the well-known names, there are also a number of independent motels and smaller chains to choose from. Like the moderately priced hotels, it has become increasingly common to find modern amenities like refrigerators, microwaves and coffee makers in a lot of inexpensive hotels as well.
Red Roof Inn near Hobby Airport offers one of the best deals in the city. It features whirlpools and modem lines in addition to standard amenities and offers weekly rates. The Galleria area’s recently renovated Rodeway Inn offers a few two-bedroom suites. These are perfect for families traveling with children, but book in advance as they tend to be in high demand. Sleep Inn opened at Bush Intercontinental Airport in 1996 and offers Internet access and laundry service in addition to standard amenities. If your company is in need of inexpensive conference facilities, head to Braeswood Hotel & Convention Center near the Medical Center. This hotel was just renovated in 1999 and now features a fitness center and expanded conference space. It is the perfect location for modest company gatherings.
Regardless of your needs, Houston has many options to accommodate you. Come for a visit and you might find yourself too comfortable to leave!
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