Where to Stay in Houston – A guide to Space City
Houston is nicknamed “Space City” to highlight the city’s importance to space exploration and its historical role as a major center for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). It is the largest and most important city in the southern United States, and it is located near the Gulf of Mexico. In this post, we will discover the best areas to stay in Houston, Texas.
This great Texan city has several major attractions, including the NASA Space Center Houston, several art and history museums, theaters, and the Galleria Houston Mall.
Houston is also known as the medical capital of the world, particularly in the fields of cancer search. The Texas Medical Center, located near Downtown Houston is the largest medical complex on the planet.
Among the most important events in the city is the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, the largest and most popular Rodeo celebration in the world.
When it comes to the Houston climate, its proximity to the Mexican Gulf causes intense heatwaves and high humidity during the summer. Winters are dry and mild.
Houston has two airports; William P Hobby (HOU) is a regional airfield located approximately 11 miles southeast of downtown Houston. It offers domestic and short-haul international flights by a handful of airlines. On the other hand, George Bush Intercontinental Airport, located 16 miles from the center of the city is a major transport hub offering connections to every corner of the US, and the world.
To move within the city, Houston has a light rail system called Metrorail and a bus system with stops in every corner of the city. However, these services are far from comprehensive and your best choice while in the city is using a car. You can rent a cheap car in Houston here. Alternatively, Uber and Lyft are widely available in the city.
When it comes to the best areas to stay in Houston, it will all depend on the reason for your visit: the downtown area is home to some of the best hotels and the best transport connections in town, while Midtown is home to great nightlife and a laid-back atmosphere. If you’re in town for pampering, great restaurants, and shopping, you can’t go wrong with The Galleria area.
Here’s a guide with the best areas to stay in Houston, Texas.
Best Location in Houston, Texas: A Quick Guide
Below, you’ll find a list of the best areas to stay in Houston depending on your travel style. Keep reading this post to find all the information you need about each particular area.
- Best location in Houston for sightseeing: Downtown Houston | Museum District
- Best location in Houston for nightlife: Midtown
- Best location in Houston for families: Downtown Houston | Galleria & Uptown
- Best location in Houston for shopping: Galleria & Uptown
- Best location in Houston without a car: Midtown | Downtown Houston
- Best location in Houston for first-time visitors: Downtown Houston
- Best location in Houston for business travelers: Downtown Houston
- Best location in Houston for LGTBQ travelers: Midtown & Montrose
Best Hotels in Houston, TX by Theme
Something more specific in mind? Here’s a list of some of the best hotels in Houston. No matter your reason for visiting the city or style, you’ll find it here!
- Most unique hotel: The Sam Houston Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton
- Best mid-priced hotel: Hampton Inn Houston Downtown
- Best budget hotel: Sleep Inn and Suites Houston
- Best luxury hotel: The Post Oak Hotel
- Best boutique hotel: Sonder — The Hogg Palace
- Best hotel with a pool: Hyatt Regency Houston Galleria
- Best inn / B&B: Houston Towers, Downtown Med Ctr, NRG, Adults only
- Best hostel: Wanderstay Houston Hostel
- Best aparthotel: Hanover Post Oak
The Best Areas to Stay in Houston, Texas
1. Recommended area: Downtown Houston
Downtown is the heart of the city and Houston’s oldest historic district.
Downtown Houston is surrounded by the city’s largest freeways, Interstates 10, 45 and 69.
Some of the historic landmarks in this district include the Town Hall, the Water Wall, and the Battlefield of San Jacinto.
However, Downtown Houston is most famous for its tall skyscrapers such as the JP Morgan Chase tower or the Oscar F. Holcombe Civic Center than for its historical Victorian buildings.
Downtown offers a wealth of cultural activity thanks to its well-preserved Theater District; a 17-block neighborhood filled with opera, ballet, and classical music theaters.
Downtown Houston is also one of the best areas to stay in Houston for sporting events and concerts, as it is home to the Minute Maid Park and the Toyota Center.
Downtown Houston is quite extensive and has excellent public transport connections through the light rail and bus systems, so it’s a good area for travelers without a car.
This district offers a wide range of accommodation options, including luxury hotels with pools, apartments, and some hostels.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Houston:
- Heart of the city
- Connected by public transport
- Best area for sightseeing
- Theatre District
- Houston Downtown Aquarium
- Best area to stay without a car
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Club Quarters Hotel in Houston
Club Quarters Hotel in Downtown Houston features a fitness center and a shared lounge. The Houston METRORail Metro Line is within a 6-minute walk of the Alley Theater and within walking distance of the Houston Theater District. In addition, it offers free WiFi.
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Budget
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Houston-Downtown
Located a 5-minute walk from the Toyota Center and the Houston Convention Center, this hotel offers a free hot breakfast buffet and happy hour with cocktails every day. Free WiFi is available in all areas.
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Luxury
Hotel Alessandra
Hotel Alessandra is located in Downtown Houston, a 6-minute walk from the Toyota Center and next to the Houston MetroRail line. This 5-star hotel offers a 24-hour reception and concierge service, a luxury car transfer service, a restaurant, spa, swimming pool and views.
2. Midtown and Around
Midtown is one of Houston’s central districts. It is located between Downtown and the Museum District.
The area is a great area to stay thanks to its bars, parks, and its proximity to historical attractions.
Midtown also boasts some of the best restaurants in Houston.
In addition, in the Midtown neighborhood of Montrose, you’ll find Houston’s gay area, with bars and venues for the LGBT community.
Some cultural attractions in this district include the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft and the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum.
Recreational sites include Bagby, Gray, Elizabeth Baldwin Park, Peggy’s Point Plaza Park, and the busy Ensemble Theater.
The Houston MetroRail system offers three stations in this area: Wheeler St, Ensemble/ HCC, and McGowen, located on Main Street.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Houston:
- Great food
- Good nightlife
- Gay area
3. Galleria & Uptown
Uptown is a residential and commercial district located around 8 miles west of the Downtown area.
It is the best area to stay in Houston for shopping, thanks to its large number of shopping centers, luxury boutiques, and designer stores.
At the center of this area lies The Galleria Houston Mall, famous for being the largest in the state and home to an indoor ice skating rink.
Galleria offers upmarket shopping, dining, and drinking and it’s considered the fanciest mall in the city.
The Uptown/Galleria area does not have any Metro Rail stations, so a car or Uber/Lyft are your best options if you decide to stay here.
The hotels around the Galleria shopping center are, for the most part, luxurious properties, making this a good area to stay in Houston to know the most exclusive side of the city.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Houston:
- Best area for shopping
- The Galleria
- Luxury area
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
La Quinta by Wyndham Houston Galleria Area
Located 1.5 km from the Houston Galleria Mall, this hotel offers a continental breakfast. There is WiFi in the rooms. The rooms at the La Quinta Inn and Suites Houston Galleria include a flat-screen cable TV, a desk and tea and coffee-making facilities.
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Budget
Extended Stay America – Houston – Galleria – Uptown
The Extended Stay America – Houston – Galleria – Uptown is located in Houston, is specially designed for long-term stays and offers rooms with fully equipped kitchens. Free WiFi and a 24-hour reception are available.
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Luxury
Hyatt Place Houston Galleria
Hyatt Place Houston Galleria, located next to The Galleria Mall Houston, features a restaurant and bar. It also offers a private valet service. All rooms include a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with free toiletries.
4. Texas Medical Center Area
The Texas Medical Center is the largest medical complex in the world. It is located south of Downtown Houston.
This expansive campus houses the world’s largest children’s hospital (Texas Children’s Hospital), as well as the world’s largest cancer hospital.
Other renowned medical disciplines at TMC include reproductive health and cardiology.
The TCM is connected with the rest of the city through the red line of Houston’s MetroRail.
The Medical Center area is one of the best districts to stay in Houston for health reasons and for those wishing to stay near downtown. This area has several apartments, 3 and 4-star hotels, and some budget motels.
5. Near NASA Johnson Space Center
The Nasa Johnson Space Center (officially called the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center) is located in the southeast corner of Houston, 25 miles away from the city center.
It went from being a secret base to becoming one of the most famous tourist attractions in Houston, with lots of activities and tours.
Some of its exhibits and tour tours include Missions Mars, the Independence Ferry, the Space Center Plaza, the Astronaut Gallery, and the Lunar Samples Vault.
This is a great area to stay if you have a car. However, a few yards from the space station you can find bus stops, where you can take the services leading to Downtown Houston and its surroundings.
Close to the Johnson Space Center, you’ll find different types of accommodation. Being far away from the hustle and bustle of Downtown, room rates here tend to be much lower, so it’s great for travelers on a budget.
6. Near George Bush Intercontinental Airport
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is located around 16 miles north of Downtown Houston, between Interstate 45 and Route 59.
The main terminal and the surroundings of the airport are well-connected by the TerminaLink train system and the Houston bus system, making it easy to move to other parts of the city.
Staying close to the George Bush Intercontinental Airport is highly recommended for travelers on a long layover or those who need to catch an early flight.
Best Location in Houston – Frequently Asked Questions
Houston is a huge city. The best area to stay will largely depend on your reason to visit. Although Downtown Houston is the most obvious choice to stay close to everything, the Midtown district is far more lively, has a more relaxed atmosphere and lots of things to do and see. Midtown is also connected by the city’s Light Rail system. If you want something more exclusive, then the area around The Galleria, Uptown is more suitable for you.
Houston is a very family-friendly destination. If you’re visiting the city with kids, you will more than likely want to visit the NASA Johnson Space Center at some point. If this area seems too out of the way for you, Downtown Houston is home to the Aquarium and the Museum District hosts many of the city’s top cultural attractions.
Houston is a top-notch destination for shopaholics. This city is home to the largest mall in Texas, The Galleria. With hundreds of shops, several high-end restaurants, cinemas and entertainment it is one of the top shopping destinations in the state. The area around The Galleria is also home to several luxury hotels.
Downtown Houston is home to most of the city’s skyscrapers and office towers. This central area also has the George R. Brown Convention Center and the Toyota Center, so it is considered the best area to stay in Houston for business travelers.
Uptown is home to some of the most high-end neighborhoods in Houston. This area is also considered the safest area for tourists in the city.
The Midtown district is the liveliest part of town to go out, have a cocktail, and dance the night away. This area is also home to several up-and-coming restaurants, quirky cafés and lovely boutiques. If you want something more sophisticated and hang out with the celebrities, then the area around The Galleria, Uptown is more your style.
If you’re in Houston in transit and don’t have much time for sightseeing, then the obvious choice is to stay near George Bush Intercontinental Airport. This area has everything from cheap motels to high-end luxury hotels.
The Midtown district is close to Downtown and the Museum District, is connected by Light Rail and has the best nightlife and food in town. It’s a great area to stay if you don’t have a car, plan on using public transport or want to save a few bucks on Ubers.
The areas of Montrose and neighboring Midtown are considered the heart of gay Houston. Houston’s LGBT area is packed with lively bars and clubs and is also pretty close to everything.
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