We're meeting another couple before they leave for a cruise out of the Port of Houston (not Galveston). We have one night before their trip and want to stay somewhere near a fun area but not too far to get them to the ship the next day.

We are looking for an inexpensive hotel/motel (under $100). We need this for a Friday night in October. I was thinking about Kemah but the Boardwalk Inn is out of our price range. I also thought about trying Priceline for downtown Houston but since we need two rooms I'm concerned about that idea.

Any other suggestions?

I don't have a specific rec for you, but there are several hotels in the Kemah area and would think Priceline should come up with some suggestions that would fit your budget. Kemah would definitely be a fun area and not far from the port. I also wouldn't rule out downtown. Many hotels have specials on the weekends and you might find some good deals - again, I'd check Priceline and see what you come up with.

Last year I got a room at the Sheridan Suites in the Galleria for $50/night on Priceline. Be sure to check www.biddingfortravel.com and use it as a guide before making a bid.

Vinolover - My first choice would be the Boardwalk but I understand that they are proud of their rooms. You might consider the Clear Lake City / NASA area. My first thought was the Hilton but the rates may be too high. It is right on Clear Lake and not too far from the terminal. There is a Comfort Inn & Suites in Seabrook (next door to Kemah) and if you want something cheaper, check out the motels in La Porte (location of the terminal). It's a nice little town and not far from Kemah. Good luck and enjoy your trip.

There are also some fairly new Hampton Inn style hotels in the vicinity of the intersection at Nasa Road One (Nasa Parkway) and Highway 146, which is also close to the cruise terminal.

The last time I looked at Bidding for Travel for downtown Houston about 3 months ago, people had been winning bids on Priceleine for downtown Houston at either the Hyatt or Hilton Americas for $50-65 a night.

Thanks for all the suggestions. Turns out the Kemah Boardwalk hotel is sold out for our night anyway. I have looked into basic hotels (La Quinta, Comfort Suites, etc.) in Clearlake, Webster, La Porte areas. They all seem about the same so I may just pick one.

Downtown Houston would be fun too. I've bid Priceline before with success in another city but I've never tried to get TWO rooms. I'll do more research on biddingfortravel.com.