I have one night scheduled for Houston and so far have booked the Houston Hilton South West which is about 3 miles from the Galleria. They say they have complimentary transportation within a 5 mile radius. Basically we are staying one night and really don't have an agenda. Is this a good location from which to explore? Maybe see the Astrodome. Can you tour the inside? What else would you recommend in the area? Got a rate of $98.10 and have checked several others in the area. So far have not found a better rate. Any ideas? Thanks

Didn't they demolish the Astrodome?

They have not demolished the (Reliant)Astrodome -- yet! Check out the following website for some info on things to see/do in Houston (http://www.houston-guide.com/guide/a...tlistings.html). Unless you have a car, your options will be limited unless you just want to go to the Galleria.

Will you have children with you? If so, you might want to visit Astroworld.

Without knowing more about your interests or when you will be here, it's hard to make suggestions. I checked rates for the Fairfield Inn right by the Galleria for June and came up with $89 for 2 dbl beds and breakfast. It's even cheaper on the weekend.

janfan:
You are surely behind the times. The Astrodome is no longer Houston's ball park; there's a new stadium downtown.
Used to be called Enron Field, don't remember what they changed the name to now.

I hope you have a car, if not RENT ONE ! Houston is too spread out to rely on public or complementary transportation, you'll need a car to see any sort of thing.

Janfan didn't imply that the Astrodome is still being used as a ballpark. She just asked if one could still tour it. It still has historical significance.

Your hotel is on the Southwest freeway (US 59) in an area without much charm - sort of seedy, actually, but not truly dangerous. Back in the late 70's /early 80's it was the happening part of town, now it's just run down and there's not much worth seeing in the immediate area. For just one night it should be OK, though, as it is convenient to the freeway to town. If you are into shopping try the Galleria and Rice Village areas. You can drive by the Astrodome, but there's not a whole lot to see - mostly parking lot! Tours used to be available on some days, not sure if that is still the case. Phone 713-799-9595 to inquire. For some background on the Astrodome (now called Reliant Astrodome) go to www.charlieanderson.com/astrodome.htm To get there from your hotel take 59 north to 410 south and watch for the dome (Kirby, I think, or South Main/Old Spanish Trail) exit. There is also an amusement park (Six Flags Astroworld) right there. One of the best features of Houston is numerous restaurants of all types in all price ranges.
I second the advice to rent a car - Houston is not at all a walkable city and public transport is a joke.

Thanks very much for all the info. We will have a car. Houston is just one leg on our journey from West Virginia to Texas and then New Orleans. I always wanted to see the Astrodome as a kid and thought it might be fun. I just found a Port Tour that looks interesting. Anyone know about it? Looks like it might be something different to do. I think we will stay put at the Hilton Southwest and can take a peek at the Galleria Mall, drive into downtown and go to the Hard Rock. Next day, possibly take the Port tour. Sound like a plan? The input I have received is much appreciated.

I don't know if the Astrodome is closed for tours. It might be. They threatened to tear it down if they did not get the 2012 Olympic Games. The US Olympic Committee said like Clint Eastwood, "Go Ahead, Make My Day." Houston was eliminated in the competition.

On South Main Street near the Astrodome, there are many cheap "no name" motels. I do not know if they are "no-tell" motels for married men and their secretaries or just cheap motels.

Hiroshi, there are indeed several no-tell motels in that area. That part of South Main is notorious for ladies of the evening, though occasionally law enforcement cracks down and cleans things up for a while. It's usually not a problem during daylight hours, though.
Janfan, I forgot to mention that in the Galleria area you can visit the Water wall on the grounds of the Transco tower. It is a very cool fountain.
Also, here's a link of other Houston things to fo: www.houston.tx.us/stuff-to-do.html
While I moved away because daily living there got to be not worth it, Houston is still a great place to visit.

My suggestion would be to find another hotel in a different part of town. The Hotel you mentioned is in a pretty bad part of town and very old. If I were going, I would feel much more comfortable staying in the Galleria or Greenway Plaza area. I'm sure you can find a reasonably priced room in one of these two areas as hotels are abundant. It would even be worth it if it was a few dollars more.

Wow, it's hard to belive the Hilton is in a bad part of town! I have been thinking that I may want to go to the downtown aquarium. Where would you suggest staying that is close to that area. I already tried downtown and it is over my budget unless I do priceline closer to the time we leave. I just don't know the area that well to make intelligent choices. Help!

What about the Best Western Downtown? It is at 915 West Dallas and is near the Aquarium and theatre district. Does this sound like a better location than the Hilton South West?

The aquarium will be something new and nice to see!

Janfan, you don't say when you will be visiting, but I did a search on Travelocity and discovered several nice hotels very close to the Galleria for less than your $98 rate (and I have to agree with everyone about US 59). I live south of Houston, but work close to the Dome. Sorry that I can't help in regards to the Port tour, but if it peaks your interest, you might try it. I haven't been to the Downtown Aquariam yet (there is another located in Kemah-south of Houston) but my boss has. He said that it is kid oriented, but they really enjoyed it. Plan to spend $10-20 a meal at the restaurant. I'm not familiar with the hotel that you mentioned downtown, but with the traffic and construction, I wouldn't make it my base. Good luck and enjoy.

It has been about 15 years since I did the port tour. To me, not one of the highlights. Not much to learn. Primarily a chance to see some large ships at dock. The port's water is highly polluted; I spent most of my time wonering what was bubbling up through the ooze.

I have not been to the new Aquarium, but the reviews have not been great, especially the restaurants.

We currently have three domed stadiums, Reliant Stadium, the Reliant Astrodome and Minute Maid Park. A lot of debate on what to do with the Astrodome. My guess it will sold to the Rodeo and used as a practice area and a display center for conventions. I don't know if Rel;iant Stadium has tours. According to an article in the Houston Chonicle last year, they were supposed to become available in Fall 2002. A number to call for information is 832-667-1400. An unrelated website provided this number for tours of the Astrodome: 713-799-9555.

Space Center Houston is an interesting place to visit if you are interested in NASA and the Space Program.

I wouldn't stay at the Houston Hilton Southwest. Try places in the Galleria proper or near Greenway Plaza. $98 sounds high to me. The traffic in downtown is currently at a standstill.

What types of things are you interest in? We can provide some other suggestions if we know more.

Enjoy your trip.

A little off topic - but, if you are going to go to the waterwall by the Galleria, you might want to pick up some yummy picnic stuff at Eatzi's which is about a 5 minute drive from there. Everything is awesome!