My friends and I are thinking about coming to Houston to see the Texans/Bengals game on 11/3.

We are thinking about flying in on Sat and leaving either Sun. evening or Mon. morning.

Here's we are stuck. What part of town should we stay in that would afford nightlife, bars, restaurants, etc... Downtown, Uptown.Galleria???????

Also, we don't want to rent a car so are we setting ourselves up for a lot of hassle re: Airport to hotel, hotel to stadium, to airport or hotel (depending on if we leave Sun. or Mon)? Is there an area that is convenient to both the Texan stadium and IAH?

Well, if you were going to a baseball game, I'd say stay downtown because it's very convenient for the new Minute Maid Park. Unfortunately, the new Reliant Stadium isn't that convenient to any really nice places to stay IMHO. That said, the Galleria area probably has more restaurants, etc. within a close proximity and there are a number of nice hotels in that area.

Without a car, you will have to rely on taxis to get around. From the airport, there is a shuttle that goes to the Doubletree Hotel in the Galleria area (Call 713 523-8888 for details) so that wouldn't be too much of a problem. You could then take a taxi to the game and then back to your hotel.

The following website might be of help or you might find additional information by checking a search engine like google, etc.

http://www.houston-guide.com/

I agree with the Galleria area as a nice option. Unless you have lots of money for cabs, please rethink the car idea. Houston is so spread out, and public transportation is so bad, that it's hard to do anything without a car. I avoid renting cars whenever possible, but I'd never try to visit Houston without one.

Aside from your desire to see two of the worst teams the NFL has to offer, I think you're in for a great weekend. I offer the following advice:

1. Don't even consider not renting a car. There's no viable public transportation in Houston, cabs are rare and expensive, and IAH is far from the Stadium. Conversely, Hobby Airport is about 10 minutes from the Stadium but unless you are flying in there, you really need a car.

2. While Galleria is a good option with lots of nice hotels, I'd also consider downtown which is becoming fun at night, and also something near Rice U which is close to the stadium and gives you good access to the active nightlife of Montrose and West U. For example, the Warwick is a beautiful older hotel, on Main Street where you can shoot right downtown, and is 10 mins from the Stadium.

You MUST rent a car. No exceptions. It'll be cheaper than taking cabs anyway.

If you rent a car, you can stay virtually anywhere. Since you want to divide time between Reliant and the nightlife, I'd second the previous suggestions:

Either (1) the Rice University area, which gives you quick access to the renewed downtown nightlife, as well as Richmond, and Reliant; or (2) the Galleria area which is less convenient to downtown, but just a stone's throw away from Richmond.

Either way, don't be foolish. Rent a car.

Please rent a car and if you see a troll with a respirator lay some rubber for the rest of us.

I used to live in Houston - in fact a U. of H. grad.

You NEED a car. Even where I live now (in the Motor City) it is easier to get around without a car than Houston is... and that is saying a lot.

That said, why not stay in Galveston? It is only an hour away - tops - from downtown Houston, and you would receive some great off-season hotel rates on the island. I'm talking CHEAP!!! The money you save on your hotel could be applied to a car rental. The weather is usually great there in the first on November too.

Just a thought. I know after living in the area, that Galveston would be my choice.

Happy Trails,
Paul

What kind of night life are you looking for? Casual neighborhood bar, college age, professionals, dancing, cigar bar, hook-up bar, dive, people watching (having easily thought of a different bar or two for each of those categories I begin to wonder if I go out too much...)?

Usually, I would emphatically suggest renting a car. In your case, I think it will be okay if you don’t rent a car.

You are here for a short period of time, and you have specific places you will visit. Considering the amount of road construction going on, it will be easy to get lost. Also, since it appears that your Saturday night and Sunday afternoon will involve adult beverages, having a vehicle to go to the clubs and the game would not be a good idea.

Stay downtown. Most of the good clubs are there (I am assuming you are single and under 30). For a list of nightlife, try either the Houston Chronicle or the Houston Press. There are enough cabs in Downtown to get around.

Take a cab or a bus to the game. No need to mess with parking or traffic. Try to go at least 2 to 3 hours early and visit the tailgate parties. This is a new phenomenon here that is actively supported by the team. The tailgate parties won’t be able to serve beer (state law prohibits public distribution or consumption of alcoholic before 12 on a Sunday unless the beverage is sold with food), but the Budweiser Plaza is able to sell beer beginning at 10:00 a.m. You will be able to find a cab after the game to get you back to your hotel or to a post-game party.

Enjoy the game and your visit.