Help with July 4th Marriott Houston trip
 

Hi, all.

I'm thinking of a trip to Houston from Dallas Thursday 7/4 to Saturday 7/6. Ideally I'd like to visit the Galleria for a little bit, but my focus will be on the art museum district (Menil, Houston Museum of Arts) and Montrose. I'll be needing to take advantage of the MegaBonus, so I will plan for two one-night stays. I also hope to be gold by that point through a challenge.

I can stay at the JW Galleria and Marriott by West Loop for a great price. I think the Marriott has a shuttle service to Galleria and maybe within a certain radius. I could also capitalize on gold benefits. However, getting around to main sightseeing places I'd want to see seems tough on public transport. Other options would be Courtyard West University and Medical Center, which are more accessible on public transport but less luxurious and don't offer the benefits.

Any thoughts on which option?

bump

The Courtyard West University would be closer to the museums, but if you're wanting to get points, then the Galleria-area hotels would be better--just like you've already figured otu. Public transportation in Houston is pathetic, and walking anywhere in July (unless you're at Memorial park before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m. and are doing it for exercise) is crazy. Is rentig a car an option for you?

I can take a hotel shuttle to one major place I'd like to see, and I will plan to taxi one am and bus back one pm from the arts/Montrose district. That may be a warm evening ...

If it were me, I'd stay in the Galleria and rent a car. The Galleria area is vibrant with good restaurants and shopping. Houston is definitely a driving city. It's going to be really hot in July, probably about 100 degrees during the day.

Itinerary Review

Thursday, July 4th

Arrive Hobby 10 am, take Super Shuttle to Marriott West Loop Galleria
Take shuttle there to Bayou Bend
Shuttle back near Galleria, dinner/shopping at Galleria

Friday, July 5th
Move to JW Marriott Galleria
Cab to Fine Arts Museum Houston
Walk to Menil Collection
(Is there something nearby, maybe a church or something, that is worth seeing?)
Walk to dinner at Canopy Montrose
Walk to Jrs/South Beach for cocktails
Walk to Westheimer for bus back to hotel

Saturday July 6th
Shop around Galleria
Something else?
Super Shuttle back to Hobby to catch 6 pm flight

So, my main questions: any dinner suggestions Friday; any thoughts on Saturday plans; any thing to add to Saturday? I will not have a car.

Does the Rothko chapel interest you at all? That's a popular place to visit if you're interested in art/architecture.

Miller Outdoor Theater will have a big fireworks display with the Houston Symphony on the 4th if it interests you. You can bring a picnic, sit on the grass, and listen to music.

Yes Rothko was what I was thinking!

Bump

If you want a Montrose area restaurant, Baba Yega is cute, built in a little house.

If you want close to the Galleria, Grand Luxe has good food. A little further down Westheimer (via taxi), we really like Giacomo's. If you want upscale, Mark's is excellent. Pappas Bros. Steakhouse always gets good reviews as well.