Houston, TX: Hotel & Motel Planning Guide

When to Visit

Houston has a pleasant year-round climate, and the hotel prices don't fluctuate much season to season, so there isn't really a bad time to visit. That makes the choice of when to visit one that is likely to depend on your own interests.

The humidity can take some getting used to in summer, but this makes it a great time for finding a hotel deal. This season also features festivals such as Carnival Houston in May, the Houston Beer Festival in June, and the Freedom Over Texas Festival in July.

Experts suggest visiting in spring or fall, when it's not too hot and not too cold. These weather conditions are ideal for enjoying the city's outdoor attractions, such as the Buffalo Bayou and the Houston Zoo.
Texas is famous for its barbecue, and you can sample some of the best at the World's Championship Bar-B-Que Contest every February. March brings the Livestock Show and Rodeo and an additional 16,000 guests to Houston. If you're a baseball fan, head to Minute Maid Park in April for the start of the season. Fall also has a number of great events, including Fiestas Patrias in September and Dia de los Muertos Festival in October.

Houston has mild winters, but make sure you pack a few warm clothes so you're prepared for the odd freeze. There are fewer festivals at this time of year, except for seasonal celebrations such as the Mayor's Official Downtown Houston Holiday Celebration and Chanukah Fest. This relatively bare event calendar can see some hotels discounting their prices.

Best Discounts

Many hotels across Houston offer special deals to qualifying guests. The following establishments offer some of the best discounts in the city.

Royal Sonesta Houston Galleria extends a 10 percent discount on the best room rate to AAA and CAA card members and guests 55 and over. In addition, when AAA and CAA card members enjoy family vacations, kids under 12 can order a free children's meal at the hotel restaurant with every adult meal purchased.

All Hilton Worldwide hotels in Houston extend a 10 percent discount to military personnel and their families. Residence Inn Houston Intercontinental Airport at Greenspoint, Courtyard Houston Brookhollow, Crowne Plaza Houston River Oaks, The Houstonian Hotel Club & Spa, and Hilton Houston Post Oak are just some of the hotels that offer this discount.

Magnolia Hotel Houston, once named the best boutique hotel in the city by Houston Press, also offers a variety of discounts. If you work for the military or government, are an AAA or AARP cardholder, or you're traveling in a large group, ask about a discount when booking your room.

Best Value Options in Houston

Houston's bed and breakfasts are great value for visitors. Because they're small, family-run businesses, the owners tend to go the extra mile to entice travelers away from the big hotel chains.

The double rooms at Sara's Bed and Breakfast Inn all feature high-quality Serta Executive Suite mattresses fitted with down blankets and pillows, TV sets, minifridges, and private baths. The inn offers wireless DSL Internet and coffee on demand at any hour of the day or night. The complimentary breakfast includes made-to-order eggs, waffles, pancakes, grits, sausage, cereals, pastries, and specialty items on weekends including quiche and potato casserole.

Robin's Nest, a bed and breakfast in Houston's Museum District, also prides itself on its freshly cooked homemade breakfasts. This spacious inn has three buildings – Big Nest, Little Nest, and Third Nest – each with its own character. All rooms have complimentary Wi-Fi access and high-quality furnishings.

Or you might choose CitySpaces, a centrally located bed and breakfast within walking distance of restaurants, stores, entertainment, and metro services. Guests can enjoy a free light breakfast each morning. With free Wi-Fi and movies, you're not likely to get bored when you're spending an evening in.

Free Attractions in Houston

While it's possible to spend a lot of money entertaining yourself in Houston, guests in the know can see plenty of the city for no cost at all.

Many local museums offer free admission between selected hours on Thursdays, including the Children's Museum of Houston, the Holocaust Museum Houston, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, and the Museum of Fine Arts. There are also many museums that are always free, such as the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, the Houston Center for Photography, the Menil Collection, and the Jung Center.

The Houston Zoo is one of the city's most popular attractions, but a family visit can be expensive. Save your pennies and visit for free from noon until closing time on the first Tuesday of the month.

It also won't cost you anything to take a 90-minute cruise around the Houston Ship Channel, courtesy of the Port of Houston Authority. Tours run Tuesdays to Sundays and are so popular that you'll need to reserve your place. Call 713-670-2416, or visit the Port of Houston Authority website to secure a spot.

You can also get a dose of culture for free in Houston. Pack a picnic blanket and visit the Miller Outdoor Theatre, inside Hermann Park, from March to November. Its productions are diverse, ranging from classical music, ballet dancing, and the works of Shakespeare. Best of all, every show is free. Market Square Park also has plenty of free events over summer, such as movie screenings and live music.

Houston is an exciting city with plenty of great attractions and events to keep tourists entertained. Whether you're on a tight budget or you're looking for a more lavish vacation, you'll find just what you're looking for in Houston.

Houston, TX summarized

"Houston, Tranquility Base here. The Eagle has landed." Indeed, it was Houston that first pushed exploration into outer space. Houston has been often dubbed as America's future. But a short drive south of downtown can give you a glimpse of a more grounded possibility - Houston can also be a place of your future. The wildcatter, forceful temperament that converted the bayous' swamp into America's fourth largest city also made it arguably the most cosmopolitan city there is. The Rice University, the Texas Medical Center, and some of the Southwest's leading museums, all of international renown, can be found minutes from each other. The lack of zoning laws propelled unrestricted growth, and structured a patchwork layout. Millions of majestic old oaks soften the striking architecture, from the world's biggest medical institution at the Texas Medical Center to Historic Galveston that struggles to meddle with beachside fares. The city is now known as the Energy Capital of the United States, and remains as a major international business hub.

Neil Armstrong is an American Astronaut and he was right when he said 'Houston is a Tranquility Base here. The Eagle has landed¦

Houston is the most populous city in Texas and is also the most populous city in the United States. The city was named after former General Sam Houston, who was the president of the Republic of Texas and had commanded and won the Battle of San Jacinto, a few miles from where the city was established. Houston is a beautiful tourist location and what better way to enjoy the area than to pamper yourself in their most luxurious hotel. The Houston hotels will surely leave an unforgettable experience on you and your family.

Economical Hotels in Houston 

Hotels in Houston do not have to cost you an arm and a leg while you stay in Houston but it will surely guarantee you an enjoyable time during your trip. If you are looking for a traditional, friendly hotel then Crowne Plaza Houston River Oaks is an excellent choice. This deluxe four-star hotel is ideally placed for travelers wishing to discover the nearby Downtown Houston and the Galleria. You can also take a twenty-minute car ride to tour Rice University, Houston Zoo and the University of Houston. Another great place to stay is the Hyatt Place Bush Intercontinental Airport. The hotel is also located within a twenty-minute drive of The George Bush International Airport. These are just a few cheap hotels you can find in Houston. 

What about Luxury Hotels? 

If you have a taste for luxurious, more expensive hotels, then the Magnolia Hotel and Hilton America's Hotel, which are located in the heart of Houston, are all fantastic choices. Luxury Houston hotels offer contemporary and luxurious accommodations, which feature all the necessary amenities that enables you and your family to feel comfortable. The four-star facility is sure to create unforgettable memories. You will never want to leave your choice hotel. Whether the hotel is on the shores of an impressive lake or the hotel is located in the heart of the city, you are guaranteed to find the location you wish most. You will find that there are plenty of hotels in Houston to choose from, it depends on your interests and how you wish your stay to be like, in the city.

Other Options

The Four Points by Sheraton Houston Greenway Plaza can be considered a cheap hotel; however, the more luxurious you want your stay to be the more you dig deeper into your pocket. The hotel is conveniently located around numerous cafes and eateries. Another excellent hotel to stay is the Wyndham Houston West Energy Corridor. This four-star hotel will allow you to taste international and regional cuisine at the on-site restaurant. There is something for everyone while you choose to stay in this magnificent city. Houston is guaranteed to offer you and your loved ones an unforgettable experience. Just remember the most important detail of your trip; which hotel will you be staying and enjoying yourself?