Houston
Hotel - Houston is a traveller's city. Whether
one comes to town for a business convention or just
to take a holliday, Houston is well equipped with
fabulous accomodations to fit every pocket book. From
the elegant and chic hotels in downtown to the convenient
lodges just off the mainway of the airports, to the
cozy and romantic bed and breakfasts, you will find
a comfortable place to lay your hat for the extent
of your stay. Here are a few noteworthy hotels that
should be considered for their location, cleanliness
and overall hospitality.
The Sam Houston Hotel. Built in
1924, this luxury boutique is Houston's first landmark
hotel in the heart of downtown. The hotel combines
both contemporary architecture with historic artwork,
reminiscent of its namesake. The 97 deluxe rooms drip
with elegance with European linens and granite walled
bathrooms, and the main hotel has accomodations to
make anyone feel like a celebrity. You can arrange
for a car to pick you up from the airport, or there
is a car rental desk right in the lobby. The hotel
is handicap accessible with large meeting rooms, a
business center, dry cleaning, and a 24 hour fitness
facility so you can keep in immaculate shape for your
night on the town. The hotel is in close proximity
to Jones Hall, Wortham Theater , the Angelika Film
Center and many other downtown entertainment destinations.
Or perhaps you would rather stay in. The Sam Bar has
a wonderful casual chic atmosphere for a drink or
two and the hotel's own award winning "17"
restaurant is run by a world renowned chef and has
fantastic reviews from The Wall Street Journal, Town
& Country, and The New York Post. Reservations
are required and prices change. Call ahead to see
what type of package you can get. It is well worth
it. 1117 Prairie Street. 832-200-8888. www.samhoustonhotel.com.
Westin Galleria Hotel. Overlooking
Uptown, this upscale hotel has just completed a $28
million dollar renovation for your enjoyment. It is
connected to the Galleria Shopping Center where you
can indulge yourself in fine department stores such
as Lord & Taylor, Saks 5th Avenue and Neiman Marcus.There
are 487 guest rooms, 20 suites and three luxury suites
featuring Heavenly Bed (sm) and Heavenly Bath (sm).
All of the rooms are tastefully decorated in calming
tones and light cherry wood furnishings. There are
20 meeting rooms with the largest one at an astounding
26034 sq.ft. Shuckers Sports Bar is a wonderful place
to watch an Astros or Texans game while enjoying a
cold, frothy brew and the Daily Grill and Zucchini's
Farm- to- Market Grill will delight you with their
delicious American cuisine. Reservations are required
and room rates change. 5060 West Alabama. 713-960-8100.
www.westin.com.
Robin's Nest Bed & Breakfast Inn.
If you are looking for a romantic, country retreat
without being in the country, this quaint two story
Queen Anne, built in 1898, is a perfect place to relax.
Nestled in the Houston Museum and Arts District, this
B&B has six beautifully decorated rooms with private
baths. A continental breakfast is served before 9:00
am, and then from 9-10am, a breakfast is served by
a chef who has learned her craft in Paris and from
a long line of fine Texas cooks. Contact Robin to
make reservations and let her know if you have special
dietary needs. They will gladly accomodate you. Visit
the website for views of this neat Houston treasure
and for prices on the rooms. 4104 Greeley Street.
713-528-5821. www.therobin.com.
MacLachlan Farm. This lovely, country
B&B is only 15 minutes from Bush Intercontinental
Airport (IAH) and 17 miles north of downtown. It is
also is one mile south of Old Town Spring, with 200
shops and historic museums. The large yellow farmhouse,
with old fashioned wraparound porches surrounded by
sycamore and pecan trees, is ideally located on a
secluded country road. The six rooms and private baths
are decorated with family antiques and decor to make
you feel like you have slipped back in time to a heavenly
country retreat of another era. The proprietor, Jim
and Jocelyn will make you feel at home and serve a
delicious gourmet breakfast. The rooms are available
for $100-175 a night, but prices may vary. Reservations
required. 24907 Hardy Road. Toll Free 800-382-3988.
www.macfarm.com
La Quinta Inn Houston Hobby Airport.
Less than two miles from Houston Hobby Airport, this
motel offers both smoking and non smoking rooms at
rates that start at $54. They have connecting rooms,
rollaway beds if you need extra space, an outdoor
pool and a free airport shuttle. Several family restaurants
are nearby including Denny's, The Kettle, Steak &
Ale, Chiles, TGI Friday's and the Olive Garden among
others. Quick access to Interstate 45 make it easy
to go to many Houston attractions including Astroworld,
Nasa, and the Greyhound Race Track. Reservations are
not required, but with it being so close to the airport,
you might want to especially around holidays. 9902
Gulf Freeway. 713-941-0900. www.lq.com.
Ramada Limited Intercontinental Airport South.
This motel is only a mile south of Bush Intercontinental
Airport (IAH). It offers an outdoor pool, jacuzzi,
exercise room and sauna. Don't feel like going to
a laundry mat? No problem! The Ramada Limited has
laundry and valet service and also a complimentary
airport shuttle so you don't have to pay a taxi to
make your flight on time. And while your enjoying
a cup of coffee from the coffee maker that comes with
your room, you can read a free newspaper and catch
up on Houston's happenings. Room rates start at $57.
No reservations required. 15350 John F Kennedy Boulevard.
281-442-1830. www.ramadalimited.com.
