Where to stay in Houston
Marriot Marquis Houston
1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010
At this opulent Marriott in the heart of Downtown, you can relax in an infinity pool while looking out over the Houston skyline, or drift down a Texas-shaped rooftop lazy river. With six dining options including tapas and the highly acclaimed Mexican eatery XOCHI, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to lunch.
La Colombe d’Or
3410 Montrose Blvd, Houston, TX 77006
Set in a converted 1920s mansion, this boutique hotel in the hip Montrose neighborhood is the perfect choice for a relaxed stay. With several gardens and even a private park, it’s a tranquil, shady escape from the heat of the city. In the evening, kick back in the tasteful rooms, take a seat on the sun terrace or head for the acclaimed Tonight & Tomorrow restaurant – a favorite for guests and locals alike.
Sheraton North Houston at George Bush Intercontinental
15700 John F Kennedy Blvd, Houston, TX 77032
For a quick stopover before a flight, this Sheraton has everything you could ask for. Its popular bistro and classic American menu are popular with guests, as are the stylish décor and clean, comfy rooms. Its gym, pool and workspaces make this a solid option for a business trip.
Where to eat in Houston
XOCHI
1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010
Based in the Marriott Marquis hotel, XOCHI is known both for superb service and a menu that focuses on the smaller details. Everything is house-made and elevated by superb local ingredients – from the masa to the mole. It’s a well-trod stomping ground for affluent Houstonites for very good reason.
Nancy’s Hustle
2704 Polk St A, Houston, TX 77003
At this uber-trendy East Side eatery, you can expect small plates, local ingredients and background music played on reel-to-reel tape. The rabbit ‘wings’ and spicy beef and butter dumplings are must-orders for those looking to try some of Nancy’s most talked-about dishes. But if you’re looking for something more straightforward, go for the beautifully executed cheeseburger or half-chicken.
Pinkerton’s Barbecue
1504 Airline Dr, Houston, TX 77009
No trip to Texas is complete without a good ol’ fashioned barbecue fix – and Pinkerton’s is some of the best in Houston. Located almost halfway between Downtown and IAH, it’s the perfect pre or post-flight refuel – so park up in style in your Houston Intercontinental airport car rental. Expect down-home classics like pulled pork and brisket, satisfying sides and ample iced tea. Save room for a slice of blueberry cobbler at the end.
What to see and do in Houston
NASA Space Center
2101 E NASA Pkwy, Houston, TX 77058
The NASA Space Center is an icon of Houston – immortalized in countless films, TV shows and newsreels. Just a short drive from Clear Lake, the NASA Space Center opens up Mission Control to the public. Gaze up at huge replica space shuttles, watch astronauts in training and feel real moon rock with your own hands at this fully functioning NASA base.
Houston Zoo
6200 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030
You’ll be blown away by the wildlife on offer here. From poison dart frogs to elephants, exotic creatures great and small live within Houston Zoo’s 55-acres of grounds. What’s more, the zoo gives a proportion of its profits to saving animals in the wild.
Museum of Fine Arts
1001 Bissonnet St, Houston, TX 77005
Houston boasts some of the finest museums in the US – and they don’t come much finer than the Museum of Fine Arts. With a staggering 65,000 artworks in its collection, one of its show-stopping highlights is The Light Inside by James Turrell. It’s a striking light display that connects the museum’s two main buildings.