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Posted

Heading to Houston with the family to see the Savannah Bananas in March. Staying Saturday night. Sunday taking the kids to the Natural History Museum before heading back to SA. Are there any options not to far that won't cost an arm and a leg but still in a safe part of town? It has been 20 years since I was last in Houston.  Help is greatly appreciated. 

Posted
5 minutes ago, Hate said:

Stay at the Hotel Zaza. It’s close to everything you mentioned.

Just to clarify, stay at the one in the Museum District. I told a friend to stay at Zaza last year and his wife accidentally booked the one in Memorial City. They wondered why I recommended a hotel on the Katy Freeway.

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Posted
27 minutes ago, Hate said:

Stay at the Hotel Zaza. It’s close to everything you mentioned.

The last time I stayed at Zaza it was cougar town.  Should be great people watching for the kids-“Daddy, why does that woman’s face not move when she smiles?”

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Posted
7 minutes ago, CoachTex said:

How bad is the walk from the red line light rail to minute made? Is it safe to walk at night?  Zaza all booked. 

I would Uber.

Posted
10 minutes ago, CoachTex said:

How bad is the walk from the red line light rail to minute made? Is it safe to walk at night?  Zaza all booked. 

Zaza has a fleet of house cars. Just have one of them drive you downtown.

Posted
5 minutes ago, CoachTex said:

How bad is the walk from the red line light rail to minute made? Is it safe to walk at night?  Zaza all booked. 

I assume the Zaza is booked for Rodeo. I wouldn’t stay in the Medical Center. The hotels are pretty dated,  and you pay a premium to be close to the hospitals. 
 

Downtown hotels should be priced better, but they won’t be cheap. 
 

Honestly, I’d probably get a VRBO in EADO or West U and just Uber everywhere. As long as you’re not going to or leaving NRG, you won’t pay the Rodeo surge pricing. 

As I laid in the Daily Texan Houston thread, the only time the Red Line isn’t dicey is when a uniformed cop is riding in each car and on the platforms. 

Posted

Hotel Icon is a favorite of ours if you need up staying downtown. It’s a 15 minute Uber to the museum district from there. 
 

since you have kids, you may want to look at the Marriott Marquis so your kids can play in the pool. It has a lazy river in the shape of Texas. Kids love it.

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Posted
56 minutes ago, billfromlaketravis said:

I assume the Zaza is booked for Rodeo. I wouldn’t stay in the Medical Center. The hotels are pretty dated,  and you pay a premium to be close to the hospitals. 
 

Downtown hotels should be priced better, but they won’t be cheap. 
 

Honestly, I’d probably get a VRBO in EADO or West U and just Uber everywhere. As long as you’re not going to or leaving NRG, you won’t pay the Rodeo surge pricing. 

As I laid in the Daily Texan Houston thread, the only time the Red Line isn’t dicey is when a uniformed cop is riding in each car and on the platforms. 

I live in the Museum District, but was in temporary housing in the area for much of last year. There are good short term rental options in the area, which is highly walkable. 

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Posted

The OP said they were from SA, so I assume they're driving to Houston. No need for Uber, really, unless they plan on getting tanked with their children in tow. No judgement.

I say that becuase Houston is a pretty driveable city. If you stay in the Museum District, and downtown, and anywhere north of NRG you should avoid most of the traffic that comes with the Rodeo. Without traffic you can get anywhere in/around the loop in about 15 minutes. 

There's a courtyard by Marriot on I-10 that is cheap AF, my wife and I stayed there during the freeze a few years back when our power was out for days. It's new, clean, and functional: https://www.google.com/travel/search?ts=CAESCAoCCAMKAggDGhwSGhIUCgcI6A8QAxgDEgcI6A8QAxgEGAEyAhAAKgcKBToDVVNE&qs=CAEyFENnc0l3OXlxcU0tYXA5M0VBUkFCOAo&utm_campaign=sharing&utm_medium=link_btn&utm_source=htls

My point  is, you don't really have to worry about being "Central" to everything, as long as there isn't traffic or construction, everything is driveable, and I assume you'll have your own car. 

Any of the downtown hotels is probably fine, and you can walk to the game. Everything else you just drive man. 

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Posted

While we’re on the subject, does anybody have a rental within a short walk of NRG? I’m looking for something around Old Spanish Trail and North Stadium or Old Spanish Trail and Kirby. 
 

I’ve had some bad experiences with Airbnb, so I’d rather use VRBO. 

  • 4 weeks later...
Posted
On 2/29/2024 at 10:19 AM, CoachTex said:

Heading to Houston with the family to see the Savannah Bananas in March. Staying Saturday night. Sunday taking the kids to the Natural History Museum before heading back to SA. Are there any options not to far that won't cost an arm and a leg but still in a safe part of town? It has been 20 years since I was last in Houston.  Help is greatly appreciated. 

How’d it go OP? 

Posted
On 2/29/2024 at 1:19 PM, billfromlaketravis said:

As I laid in the Daily Texan Houston thread, the only time the Red Line isn’t dicey is when a uniformed cop is riding in each car and on the platforms. 

I just returned from 3 days in Houston. Stayed downtown at the corner of Main and Rusk at the AC, which is cheap and cheerful and next to the Flying Saucer.  I took the Red Line up to White Oak Music Hall twice. Yep, there are definitely some homeless people on the train (and all over downtown), but I've been on MARTA in Atlanta and other public transport before. Not a big deal.  One guy targeted me when i got on the train, but I just ignored him and he hopped off at the next stop. No cops and no one checking tickets either ride.

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Posted
8 hours ago, zlavydra said:

I just returned from 3 days in Houston. Stayed downtown at the corner of Main and Rusk at the AC, which is cheap and cheerful and next to the Flying Saucer.  I took the Red Line up to White Oak Music Hall twice. Yep, there are definitely some homeless people on the train (and all over downtown), but I've been on MARTA in Atlanta and other public transport before. Not a big deal.  One guy targeted me when i got on the train, but I just ignored him and he hopped off at the next stop. No cops and no one checking tickets either ride.

Atlanta resident here.  Just firmly say no, and usually it works out.

Posted
8 hours ago, zlavydra said:

I just returned from 3 days in Houston. Stayed downtown at the corner of Main and Rusk at the AC, which is cheap and cheerful and next to the Flying Saucer.  I took the Red Line up to White Oak Music Hall twice. Yep, there are definitely some homeless people on the train (and all over downtown), but I've been on MARTA in Atlanta and other public transport before. Not a big deal.  One guy targeted me when i got on the train, but I just ignored him and he hopped off at the next stop. No cops and no one checking tickets either ride.


i had lunch at pinkerton’s friday. A loooooooy of old metal fans. Who was playing ?

Posted
11 hours ago, CoachTex said:

Great time. Stayed by NRG. Hampton Inn for just under $200. Natural Science museum was pretty nice. Savannah Bananas were well worth the admission.

You got a great deal at that hotel. They’ve quoted me $600 a night during Rodeo. 

Posted
8 hours ago, zlavydra said:

I just returned from 3 days in Houston. Stayed downtown at the corner of Main and Rusk at the AC, which is cheap and cheerful and next to the Flying Saucer.  I took the Red Line up to White Oak Music Hall twice. Yep, there are definitely some homeless people on the train (and all over downtown), but I've been on MARTA in Atlanta and other public transport before. Not a big deal.  One guy targeted me when i got on the train, but I just ignored him and he hopped off at the next stop. No cops and no one checking tickets either ride.

Flying Saucer rules. I was in there once a week when I worked downtown. 

Posted

While we’re on the subject of Hampton Inns, I want to go on the record saying that the Hampton Inn in Corsicana is a real piece of shit.

It is dragging down the entire brand.

Posted
9 hours ago, tx 3 putt said:


i had lunch at pinkerton’s friday. A loooooooy of old metal fans. Who was playing ?

White Oak hosts a 3-day metal festival each spring. Queensryche was the headliner on Friday.  I went to the Pit Room for lunch that day.

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Posted (edited)

Taking family to a concert at Toyota Center on a Saturday night, then have water polo stuff all day up in CFISD the next day.  Rather then make the family come with me and wait around all day for me, I thought we make it a little vacation and make it two nights. Is the Marriot Marquis worth it for the lazy river and pool for the kids (10 and 12).  I figure they can hang at the hotel all day Sunday, then when I get done we could do something as a family that night.  Astros are at home that night so that's a possibility. Then Space Museum on Monday before heading back to SA. 

So, Marriot Marquis for the location and stuff to do?  Looks like the only driving i would need to do is for my coaching on Sunday and departure on Monday. What other property has a nice outdoor pool? 

Edited by Chico_SA
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Posted (edited)
25 minutes ago, Chico_SA said:

Taking family to a concert at Toyota Center on a Saturday night, then have water polo stuff all day up in CFISD the next day.  Rather then make the family come with me and wait around all day for me, I thought we make it a little vacation and make it two nights. Is the Marriot Marquis worth it for the lazy river and pool for the kids (10 and 12).  I figure they can hang at the hotel all day Sunday, then when I get done we could do something as a family that night.  Astros are at home that night so that's a possibility. Then Space Museum on Monday before heading back to SA. 

So, Marriot Marquis for the location and stuff to do?  Looks like the only driving i would need to do is for my coaching on Sunday and departure on Monday. What other property has a nice outdoor pool? 

 

discovery green will be active and busy sunday. it might have a splash park ? i know theres a pond 

you have your choice of restaurants right there, all walkable. marquis doesn't really have a kid friendly restaurant, biggio's is fair at best. xochi is great but kids will hate it. amazing sunday brunch, kids will hate it 

papaduexes / papasitos is right there, both locations are excellent but can get busy

rodeo goat is very close in eado, great burgers. kids will love it. it's walkable or short uber. don't take your car, they love breaking into cars right around that block

no idea on the pool but it'll be busy on sunday, the pool passes sell out 

eado recs - tiny champions, very good pizza and pastas. make a reservation. ton of free street parking 

ironworks - great coffee shop and little shops. if you have girls, couple of good vintage clothing shops 

frost town brewery - huge nice space, kid friendly 

eadough - coffe window in back of bakery. great place, lot of unique baked goods and a very very good burger 

koffeteria - wonderful spot. coffee and baked goods 

 

Edited by tx 3 putt
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Posted
24 minutes ago, Chico_SA said:

Taking family to a concert at Toyota Center on a Saturday night, then have water polo stuff all day up in CFISD the next day.  Rather then make the family come with me and wait around all day for me, I thought we make it a little vacation and make it two nights. Is the Marriot Marquis worth it for the lazy river and pool for the kids (10 and 12).  I figure they can hang at the hotel all day Sunday, then when I get done we could do something as a family that night.  Astros are at home that night so that's a possibility. Then Space Museum on Monday before heading back to SA. 

So, Marriot Marquis for the location and stuff to do?  Looks like the only driving i would need to do is for my coaching on Sunday and departure on Monday. What other property has a nice outdoor pool? 

We had several things happening on Memorial Day weekend that anchored us to staying in town that weekend. So my wife had the bright idea, which I agreed with, to get rooms at the Marriott Marquis so the kids could feel like they were getting away when we weren't trekking to tournaments of various sorts. 

Turns out, the place sells passes to the pool to people who aren't staying there. If you like tatted up, vaping, pot-smoking thugged out shitheads and their fat women in string bikinis, with a combo of rap/tejano/new country blaring at 130 decibels, this place is for you. Also, expect to wait roughly 30 minutes for a drink, whether in line at the bar or with a server. We witnessed two of the stereotypical black on black girl fights I normally only see on Twitter in the cruise videos. The whole thing was pure class the whole way around. We left early and were home across town by Sunday and took the kids to do other shit for fun the rest of the holiday. 

I could not tell anyone more fervently to stay the fuck away from that place if you aren't a desperate fatty chaser in your 40's-50's looking for broads who won't cost you much when you have to take them out to dinner at McDonald's or Jack In The Box, even if they order the right side of the menu and go back for seconds, while undoubtedly calling someone else's kid in line a motherfucker and yanking the hair of the cashier when she gets lippy about not giving your girl her soda refill. 

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Posted

yikes... damn.  Thank you both for the input. 

 

I'm wondering if a Sunday in late September might be a little more tolerable?  Just seems so convenient. 

Posted
10 minutes ago, Chico_SA said:

yikes... damn.  Thank you both for the input. 

 

I'm wondering if a Sunday in late September might be a little more tolerable?  Just seems so convenient. 

 

call and ask about pool pases for that weekend 

 i know the summer months sell out asap 

Posted
1 hour ago, Chico_SA said:

yikes... damn.  Thank you both for the input. 

 

I'm wondering if a Sunday in late September might be a little more tolerable?  Just seems so convenient. 

I’m actually rooting for you to ignore my input and go anyway and then report back. It cannot be as bad as it was when I was there, but maybe we’ll get lucky. 

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Posted

It’s always good advice to steer clear of a hotel that sells pool passes to the general public if you intend on using said facilities. It’s a greedy move by the hotel that enshittifies the experience for guests paying for a room.

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Posted
1 hour ago, royiv said:

It’s always good advice to steer clear of a hotel that sells pool passes to the general public if you intend on using said facilities. It’s a greedy move by the hotel that enshittifies the experience for guests paying for a room.

Agreed. One thing this post reminds me of about the place is that the rooms and the bar are nice. The pool experience is the really grim part. 

Posted
18 minutes ago, closetojumping said:

Agreed. One thing this post reminds me of about the place is that the rooms and the bar are nice. The pool experience is the really grim part. 

Yeah, I’ve stayed there for work stuff and it’s a great hotel otherwise.

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Posted (edited)

Great feedback.  Since I'm leaving the fam for most of Sunday, I want them to have something to do.  I like the location since we can walk to the show Saturday night. I just want them to have something to do on Sunday without driving.  Discovery Green looks neat, but I don't see anything on the calendar for Sept 21st. Hilton is right there also as is Embassy Suites. 

 

Would I better off staying somewhere else and then we just Uber to and from concert?  My boys would probably appreciate the Museum of Natural History, and that is opened on Sunday. Hotel ZaZa has some rooms available. Sound like a better plan? 

Edited by Chico_SA
Posted (edited)
1 hour ago, Chico_SA said:

Great feedback.  Since I'm leaving the fam for most of Sunday, I want them to have something to do.  I like the location since we can walk to the show Saturday night. I just want them to have something to do on Sunday without driving.  Discovery Green looks neat, but I don't see anything on the calendar for Sept 21st. Hilton is right there also as is Embassy Suites. 

 

Would I better off staying somewhere else and then we just Uber to and from concert?  My boys would probably appreciate the Museum of Natural History, and that is opened on Sunday. Hotel ZaZa has some rooms available. Sound like a better plan? 

 

the hampton inn / homewood suite a block away has a pool up on the 'roof'. call and make sure it's open 

osso and kristrlla is a 3 mm walk, good food and drinks, sloooooow service . kid friendly menu 

Edited by tx 3 putt
Posted

Thanks again! I don't know Houston, so I didn't realize what the Museum District had to offer.  After doing some google map exploring, I decided on that area.  Paying less for a room at Hotel Zaza then I would downtown.   Doesn't look like a long Uber to Toyota Center.  Sunday the family can walk around that whole museum and park area. Boys(10 and 12) and my wife will love the Museum of Natural History, which is opened Sunday.  Then we can hang out by the pool when I get back from coaching. Looking forward to a little vacation since this summer was so hectic.

Looking at Sunday dinner plans.  Thoughts on MF Sushi or Fia's Pizza?  Any other recommendations for that area on a Sunday?  Grangers looks a little fancy.  Lien's Viet Kitchen caught my eye, but they close early on Sunday. 

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Posted (edited)

Looking for Kid friendly Sunday? MF Sushi isn't it. Lucille's is solid. Not a whole lot going on in the Museum District Sundays.

Take 3putt's suggestion and Uber to Tiny Champions or Gypsy Poet if you want pizza. It's also an easy train ride to Gypsy Poet or downtown from the museum district. I also hear good things about Late August. You also have a shit ton do do in Rice Village that will be very kid friendly.

Edited by mycox
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Posted
20 minutes ago, Chico_SA said:

Thanks again! I don't know Houston, so I didn't realize what the Museum District had to offer.  After doing some google map exploring, I decided on that area.  Paying less for a room at Hotel Zaza then I would downtown.   Doesn't look like a long Uber to Toyota Center.  Sunday the family can walk around that whole museum and park area. Boys(10 and 12) and my wife will love the Museum of Natural History, which is opened Sunday.  Then we can hang out by the pool when I get back from coaching. Looking forward to a little vacation since this summer was so hectic.

Looking at Sunday dinner plans.  Thoughts on MF Sushi or Fia's Pizza?  Any other recommendations for that area on a Sunday?  Grangers looks a little fancy.  Lien's Viet Kitchen caught my eye, but they close early on Sunday. 

You’ve made good choices. MF Sushi is excellent as a choice. 

Posted
18 minutes ago, Chico_SA said:

Thanks again! I don't know Houston, so I didn't realize what the Museum District had to offer.  After doing some google map exploring, I decided on that area.  Paying less for a room at Hotel Zaza then I would downtown.   Doesn't look like a long Uber to Toyota Center.  Sunday the family can walk around that whole museum and park area. Boys(10 and 12) and my wife will love the Museum of Natural History, which is opened Sunday.  Then we can hang out by the pool when I get back from coaching. Looking forward to a little vacation since this summer was so hectic.

Looking at Sunday dinner plans.  Thoughts on MF Sushi or Fia's Pizza?  Any other recommendations for that area on a Sunday?  Grangers looks a little fancy.  Lien's Viet Kitchen caught my eye, but they close early on Sunday. 

 

museum natural history 

houston zoo is very nice 

grangers is good food

lucille's is a fave of mine, sunday brunch / lunch only 

 

Posted (edited)
7 minutes ago, mycox said:

Looking for Kid friendly Sunday? MF Sushi isn't it. Lucille's is solid. Not a whole lot going on in the Museum District Sundays.

Take 3putt's suggestion and Uber to Tiny Champions or Gypsy Poet if you want pizza. It's also an easy train ride to Gypsy Poet or downtown from the museum district. I also hear good things about Late August. You also have a shit tone do do in Rice Village that will be very kid friendly.

 

rice village has everything, very deep bench

boys that age >>> rice box - fun set up, good food

Edited by tx 3 putt
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Posted
1 minute ago, mycox said:

Looking for Kid friendly Sunday? MF Sushi isn't it. Lucille's is solid. Not a whole lot going on in the Museum District Sundays.

 

Don't really need "kid friendly". The boys are pretty sophisticated when it comes to food : ) 

I looked at Lucille's but that's another one that closes early on Sunday. I'll look at Gypsy and Late. 

Thanks again guys!

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Posted
4 minutes ago, tx 3 putt said:

 

rice village has everything 

boys that age >>> rice box - fun set up, good food

The Rice Box on Morningside? Oh yeah. That looks like something they would enjoy. 

Posted (edited)
1 minute ago, Chico_SA said:

The Rice Box on Morningside? Oh yeah. That looks like something they would enjoy. 

 

yes, blade runner vibes 

big servings 

 

lot to walk around there. lot of shops 

Edited by tx 3 putt
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Posted

MF is the best sushi in town, IMO. Unless you’ve got some deep pockets and really, really love your children, it’s probably a better choice when you’re sans kids.

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Posted
3 minutes ago, royiv said:

MF is the best sushi in town, IMO. Unless you’ve got some deep pockets and really, really love your children, it’s probably a better choice when you’re sans kids.

Great input.  I will stick to HEB $7 Wednesday sushi for the kids! When it's open. 

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Posted (edited)
3 minutes ago, Chico_SA said:

Great input.  I will stick to HEB $7 Wednesday sushi for the kids! When it's open. 

The Gypsy Poet suggestion is a really great one. Fantastic pizza and it gives me an Austin vibe. Coincidentally, it’s located on Austin St.

If the family goes to the HMNS (less than a block from the ZaZa), make sure they hit up the butterfly habitat. It’s an add-on to the general admission and well worth it.

Edited by royiv
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