Where to stay -- one night in Houston
 

We are going to fly into Houston, arrive at noon, visit the Texas Battleship (not my idea, it's my husband). We then will have one night in Houston, and the next morning we'll drive to Austin.

What part of town should we stay in? I'd like to be in an urban district with walkable restaurants/cafes, etc.

Any suggestions of hotels, parts of town, most welcome! Thanks much.

Can't make a hotel suggestion as I always stay with relatives when I visit Houston. But I can say that the Battleship Texas is well worth a visit. I'm glad your husband suggested y'all do it.

priceline.com bidding for Galleria area nice for me.
booking.com great for no bid usually more $$.
Clear Creek around NASA Space Center more of a harbor vibe
also nice walkable nice seafood restaurants.

The area around Rice University and the Zoo is really beautiful. Check out Hotel Zaza.

I agree with AustinTraveler - Rice Village has great restaurants and the zoo is small but really nice to visit.

http://www.ricevillageonline.com/

There's a nice Marriott not too far away. 6580 Fannin Street I have stayed there.

Also, close by:
Hilton Houston Plaza/Medical Center‎
6633 Travis Street

and

Courtyard by Marriott Houston West University‎
2929 Westpark Drive

Try the Monument Inn for a meal, it is at the end of the road by the Battleship and the San Jacinto Monument. If you choose to stay in the Clear Lake area around Kemah, close to the Kemah Boardwalk would be best. Otherwise, I agee, inside the loop close to Rice Village, the Galleria, or the Montrose/Westheimer area would be good.

I live south of Houston and we go and stay at the Hotel Derek. It is in the Galleria area and their breakfast is amazing. If you really must see the battleship, see it and get out of that part of town. It is where all the refineries are and it is gross. I don't know what your dining budget is but you can ask the the hotel for recommendations. Houston has plenty of great places to eat but some can be pretty pricey.

You say you're arriving at noon. Which airport, Hobby or Intercontinental? If you're going to the Battleship Texas, Hobby is closer, but still quite a distance away. Then after touring, you've got the drive back into Houston. Houston is really spread out and the traffic can be awful. So, as I see it, you'll have time for dinner and a little walking around, and that's about all. My personal choice would be to stay near the museum district and Rice University. Hotel Zaza is the nicest in the area, but there are plenty of others, as have been mentioned in previous posts. What kind of food do you like? I have lots of recommendations for you in that area. And Houston has tons of great restaurants that are NOT pricey. Since you're driving to Austin, you might also think about staying at a hotel in City Centre http://citycentrehouston.com/ It's all new and nice, but not particularly charming or interesting--but I like it. Lots of great shopping, and plenty of good restaurants, and about 10-12 miles closer to Austin.