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The Westin Houston Downtown - Opening August 29, 2013

  • 1520 Texas Avenue
  • Houston,
  • Texas
  • 77002
  • United States
  • Map

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See room terms and details for information about rollaway and/or extra person charges.

Age Requirement Policy

Guests must be 21 years or older to check-in.  Minors must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

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What’s happening in Houston?

Overview

Learn more about this great destination and what it has to offer. Choose a section below for information on the area, including history and transportation details.

Houston Guide

Welcome to the Bayou City! Houston is famous for offering a vast range of opportunities and cultural experiences to its 5.5 million residents. Often described as a "sprawling Texas town", the greater Houston area covers more ground than any other major city in America. This creates a sense of living in a medium-sized town—one that just happens to offer big-city convenience and opportunity.

Downtown

During the day, the downtown skyscrapers are alive with activity and the sidewalks are filled with bustling executives in designer suits. Do not let the daytime business atmosphere fool you, however. This city cares about much more than business, and it is out to prove it. When the sun goes down, the downtown area comes alive with an entirely different personality.

Catch a performance in Houston's renowned Theater District, which spans 17 blocks. Houston is one of a few U.S. cities with permanent, professional resident companies in opera (Houston Grand Opera), ballet (Houston Ballet), music (Houston Symphony) and theater (Alley Theatre).

Bayou Place, which features restaurants, nightclubs, theaters, and concert houses all under one roof, is an asset to the downtown entertainment scene. You can catch an art film at the Angelika Film Center.

If all of this is not enough to impress you, then give the underground tunnels and some shopping a try. A trip through this "city under the city" is an interesting experience that should not be missed by anyone—tourist or resident.

Galleria

The prestige and glamour of the Galleria area is undeniable. Office space in one of the nearby skyscrapers is expensive, and the shopping consists primarily of exclusive shops offering designer merchandise. If money is no object, put a trip to The Galleria on your list of things to do. This glamorous shopping center showcases the best names in American and European design, with more than 375 shops and restaurants in residence. If your shopping expenditures tend to be a bit more low-key, this outing still offers a world of fun in the form of window-shopping. The ice skating rink on the bottom floor is also a popular attraction, especially at Christmas, when a lavishly decorated, three-story tree is erected in the middle of the ice.

Restaurants and clubs, like most things in the area, tend to be fairly sophisticated and cosmopolitan. Cafe Annie, Arcodoro Ristorante Italiano, Morton's The Steakhouse and Capital Grille are all outstanding options for fine cuisine. Uptown's fashionable evening scene includes Bar Annie at Cafe Annie and Post Oak Grill.

Montrose/Museum District

Developed in 1911, Montrose covers approximately four square miles, bordered by Buffalo Bayou's Allen Parkway on the north, the Museum District and Highway 59 on the south, Bagby and the revitalized Midtown on the east and Upper Kirby District and Shepherd Drive on the west. Find some quiet time at the Menil Collection and neighboring Rothko Chapel, the artistic vision of John and Dominique de Menil. Enjoy the walk to the nearby Byzantine Fresco Chapel Museum, embracing the architecture that houses the rescued 13th century works of art. Stop for lunch at the Black Labrador, with its traditional English fish 'n' chips.Mark's American Cuisine, located in a small 1920s Gothic church, has long been at the top of Houston's culinary scene. Sitting side-by-side around an Italian-inspired piazza, Nino's Restaurant and Vincent's Rotisserie Italian restaurants have been a Houston tradition since 1977. Nino's is the older, and more formal classic spot, while Vincent's, with its wide-open rooms, is more casual and a tad more trendy. And when the day is done, rest assured you'll find peaceful sleep at one of several Montrose B&Bs. Victorian charm and soft featherbeds await you at the 116-year-old Robin's Nest Inn. Lovett Inn, home to former Mayor Joseph Hutcheson, Jr., offers traditional southern charm in a beautifully renovated mansion. Perhaps the ultimate hidden gem of Montrose is La Colombe d'Or Mansion & Le Grand Salon. With six stunning suites and nine opulent villas, it is the smallest luxury hotel in the world. Its award-winning restaurant specializes in modern cuisine from the French Riviera.

21st century Houston is a thriving art nexus, the home of world-class museums, acclaimed art galleries and a huge community of talented artists. At the heart of it all: The Houston Museum District, whose 15 museums and 50-acre zoological park—all within walking distance of one another and accessible by METRO Rail—form one of the largest cultural districts in the country, with more than half a million square feet of exhibition space. It's also one of the most vital in the nation, drawing six million visitors annually. The Museum of Fine Arts and the Contemporary Art Museum house some of the finest masterpieces in the world. If your interest in museums leans toward the historical, do not miss the Holocaust Museum Houston. It is recognized worldwide as a leading source of information about the horrifying events of the Holocaust.

Hermann Park Running alongside the Texas Medical Center, in what can only be described as an odd blend of technology and nature, lies Hermann Park. Or perhaps the blend is not as odd as it might seem. When striving to maintain a position as a leader in the healthcare industry, a peaceful view of a nearby park might be just what the doctor ordered for stress relief.

Besides providing a peaceful view and getaway for the local medical workforce, the park offers a variety of fun options to tourists and residents. Sports enthusiasts can commune with nature while exploring the bike and jogging trails or hit the golf course for the afternoon. Families can enjoy spending the afternoon riding the train around the park and exploring the water on paddle boats. For a little cultural enhancement, Miller Outdoor Theatre offers exceptional evening performances during the warmest ten months of the Houston year. Grab your cooler and arrive early, because the grounds are usually packed with fans.

If you enjoy learning a thing or two while having a good time, visit the Houston Zoo and the Houston Museum of Natural Science. But do not try to do both in one day! The museum features three levels of amazing sights that will keep you busy for hours, and it also houses Burke Baker Planetarium and the Cockrell Butterfly Center. Combined, they definitely represent an all-day adventure. The zoo also features an assortment of exhibits that require a full afternoon to experience them all. The white Bengal tiger habitat is just one of the many popular exhibits.

Clear Lake/Kemah

If you head south past the Loop on I-45, you will run into the Clear Lake/Kemah area. Unless you are the boat-loving outdoors type, the greatest attraction in this area is Space Center Houston, Houston's famous home of NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration). Tours through various NASA buildings—including the original Mission Control room—and other exhibits provide a whole day of fun and enlightening activities.

If you happen to prefer the "splashier" side of life, you will undoubtedly love this area for its water sports and boating activities. Both Clear Lake and Galveston Bay offer ample opportunities to get your feet wet. In fact, this area has been labeled "the nation's third coast for boating" and contains one of the largest concentrations of pleasure boats in the country.

Of course, an area with ocean access has to provide delectable seafood offerings, or it simply would not be worth its weight in salt. The Kemah Boardwalk excels in this respect. The Aquarium and Bay Brewery are among the many restaurants that showcase fabulous culinary delights along this extended stretch of beach and wood.

East Houston/San Jacinto

A visit to San Jacinto State Historical Park is a must for history buffs. The park encompasses the actual fields where General Santa Anna's troops were defeated by the troops of Sam Houston and other Texas patriots at the Battle of San Jacinto in 1836. Those who have watched the movies or read the history books and "remember the Alamo" will definitely appreciate the 570-foot monument that stands as a reminder of Texas' hard-won independence from Mexico. The history of Texas and its prominent leaders, both before and after this battle, is fully captured in the Museum of Texas History, located in the base of the monument.

The park's Battleship Texas is from a different era, but is equally impressive. Docked on a branch of the Houston Ship Channel that runs adjacent to the park, it stands as a proud reminder of its wartime service. The ship was commissioned in 1914 and is both the last of the World War I era dreadnoughts and the only surviving combat ship to have served in both World Wars—an impressive accomplishment to say the least. Tours are self-guided, and guests are free to roam most areas of the ship.

Traveling through the area also offers a chance to see the famous Houston Ship Channel. While it is not necessarily as scenic, the sight is certainly splendorous in its own way. Depending on the route taken, you can cross the channel via a toll bridge or a ferry. Naturally, the ferry is recommended for the best view.

West Houston/Katy

As the newest section of the city, the west side has the distinction of being fresh and modern. There are not a lot of tourist attractions on this side of town, but you will find excellent restaurants and shopping centers. Town & Country Center, a modern, three-story shopping mall, offers the perfect blend of traditional mall retailers and unique specialty stores. The Center's newest neighbor, Town & Country Center, is a sprawling shopping center that has wisely followed the same pattern. Many designer and specialty stores stand next to the more recognizable names.

Katy Mills Mall hums with both shoppers ever since it opened. It is a sight to behold. The mall is home to the first Bass Pro Shop in the Houston area. And if you have the kids along, be sure to grab a bite to eat at Rainforest Cafe. The wait can be long, but the mechanical jungle animals, steamy waterfalls and simulated thunderstorms create a dining atmosphere that is worth the wait.

While contemporary restaurants still tend to gravitate to the downtown and Galleria areas, the west side holds its own when it comes to a juicy cut of steak or spicy Tex-Mex fare. Lynn's Steakhouse and Taste of Texas are two of the highest rated steakhouses in the city, while Little Pappasito's and Ninfa's fare equally well in the world of Tex-Mex. This side of town is also home to Wild West, an immensely popular Country & Western dance club.

Richmond Strip

Although a few other businesses have managed to squeeze into the crevices here and there, the number of restaurants, bars and nightclubs lining this strip is phenomenal. The western portion of Richmond Avenue is fairly tame and civilized, but once you cross Hillcroft on your way downtown, the fun and games begin.

With so many choices available, it is hard to nail down the most popular spots in the area, but City Streets would no doubt qualify. This vast nightclub houses seven distinctly different clubs, including a 1970s Pop Disco, a piano bar and a huge Country & Western dance hall. If you enjoy perfecting your gaming skills with the latest in high-tech virtual reality and video game equipment, head to Dave & Busters. It also features a full-service restaurant, numerous pool tables and both a karaoke and a traditional bar.

Restaurants along the strip are both diverse and impressive. The Outback, for one, is a popular bar/restaurant hangout with the twenty-something and thirty-something crowd. One word of caution—most of the strip's establishments focus heavily on boisterous fun. The atmosphere gets a little classier at a few select spots—Ruth's Chris Steak House is a prime example—but for those truly in search of peace, quiet and luxury, sample the choices in The Galleria and downtown areas instead.

As long as glitz and glamor are not on your agenda, the strip offers the perfect solution for a night out. Head there and you will inevitably stumble across the perfect spot.

Historical Background

From its humble beginnings as a cotton-shipping port to its current designation as the "Energy Capital of the World", Houston has enjoyed more than 160 years of existence.

The first settlement in this area was actually started by John Harris in 1826 and was called Harrisburg. At that time, the area was still under Mexican rule, but Texans were growing increasingly discontent. Ten years later in 1836, war between Texas and Mexico was in full swing, and Harrisburg was destroyed by Mexican General Antonio López de Santa Anna as he chased the Texas army across the area. A short week later, General Sam Houston led the Texas troops to victory and independence at the Battle of San Jacinto.

Later that same year, Augustus and John Allen, two brothers and land speculators from New York, purchased land near the burned-out remains of Harrisburg and started a new settlement. They decided to name the new city after Sam Houston, in honor of his amazing victory at San Jacinto State Historical Park and his new status as the first President of the Republic of Texas. They also managed to convince the first Congress of the Republic of Texas to move to Houston. However, the move didn't quite take, and the government relocated to Austin after two years.

With its economy was based primarily on the shipping of cotton, the town grew slowly during the early years. After the widening and deepening of Buffalo Bayou—now part of the Houston Ship Channel—in 1869 and the periodic addition of railway systems, the town began to grow into a transportation center for southeast Texas. The city's full-blown surge into expansion and prosperity was brought about by the discovery of oil in the area in 1901. The construction of refineries and other petroleum-related industries began during World War I; these were expanded during World War II. The completion of the Houston Ship Channel in 1914 established Houston's importance in the shipping world, and the city hasn't stopped growing since.

Houston's prestigious billing as the "Energy Capital of the World" is a fact that is well known, but energy is only a small part of what makes the city the thriving corporate center it has become. The chemical industry produces almost half of the United States' petrochemical supply. Manufacturing firms are valued at over billions of dollars, and one out of every three jobs in the area is tied to international business in some way. With the Port of Houston serving as the second largest port in the U.S. in total tonnage, the import/export trade always thrives as well. Numerous computer companies have located their headquarters and data processing operations here—including Compaq Computer Corporation—and over 400 local firms are involved in software development. Electronics companies abound, and engineering firms employ nearly 47,000 engineers and architects in various fields.

Houston medical facilities oversee the health of residents and people across the globe; local medical centers provide some of the best patient care, medical research and medical education in the world. The renowned Texas Medical Center is highly respected for its pioneering work in cardiac and organ-transplant surgery and cancer treatment. Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, M.D. Andersen Cancer Center and many other prestigious institutions are located here.

And last, but certainly not the least; remember those first words spoken from the moon? "Houston, Tranquility Base here. The Eagle has landed". Houston's past and future impact on the aerospace industry is in a league of its own. Space Center Houston, the mission control headquarters for manned U.S. space flights, has played a significant role in further developing and expanding Houston's contribution to scientific fields.

The city's extreme industrial diversity has resulted in a cultural blend that is equally impressive. With over 60 primary languages spoken in the homes of Houston Independent School District families, Houston is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the United States. It has been further estimated that an additional 30 languages are also spoken on a smaller scale.

Residents typically have a broad knowledge and a great deal of respect for other world cultures and enjoy numerous cultural events every year. Along with common neighborhood events, Talento Bilingue de Houston has become extremely popular over the years by offering productions that illustrate the values of these different ethnic cultures. Needless to say, ethnic diversity has also broadened the horizons in the restaurant world. The number of cultures and cuisines represented throughout Houston is both impressive and appreciated. Ima Hogg, a renowned local philanthropist, first blessed Houston's arts and culture scene back in 1913 when he established the Houston Symphony. In the years since then, Houston has gained a formidable reputation as a world-class center for the arts. The 17-block Theater District is home to numerous performing arts organizations and is second only to New York's Broadway for number of theater seats (over 12,000) in a concentrated area. It is also one of the few U.S. cities that has its own professional symphony orchestra and resident professional companies in ballet, opera and theater. More than 200 visual and performing arts organizations are currently active in the Houston arts scene.

The visual arts are equally represented in the numerous museums and galleries that are located primarily in the Museum District. In 1987, the Menil Collection opened and added a new sense of prestige to Houston's museum scene. It boasts what is recognized as one of the finest private collections in the country. With more than USD100 million poured into the economy by the television and motion picture industry recently, the city is also emerging as a prominent force for Hollywood businesses.

To a large extent, the growth and development of Houston has been based on the education of its residents. The city has always put significant emphasis on the education of children at both the primary and secondary levels. Several of the local school districts traditionally win state and national achievement awards for academic aptitude.

To this day, residents of Houston are more likely to have completed four years of college than the rest of the U.S. adult population. The city boasts some excellent universities and colleges. Among them are the very prestigious and highly acclaimed Rice University, which first opened for classes in 1891, the University of Houston (1927), Texas Southern University (1947), University of Saint Thomas (1947) and Houston Baptist University (1960). Also, both Baylor and the University of Texas have prominent medical schools in the Texas Medical Center. More than 240,000 students are currently enrolled in colleges and universities in the area.

From tiny cow-town to the fourth largest city in the U.S., Houston has had quite a historical journey. Petroleum might be what launched the city on the path to growth and success, but it is the diverse population and quality of life that make it a city worth living in and visiting. Houston is truly an international city in every sense of the word.

Getting Around

Getting There

Air

George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) +1 281 230 3100 http://www.fly2houston.com/

IAH is located 35 miles north of Houston.

William B. Hobby Airport (HOU) +1 713 640 3000 http://www.fly2houston.com

HOU is located seven miles from downtown.

IAH services the following airlines:

Aero Mexico (+1 800 237 6639 / http://www.aeromexico.com) Air Canada (+ 800 268 0024 / http://www.aircanada.ca) Air France (+1 800 871 1366 / http://www.airfrance.com) Alaskan Airlines (+1 800 252 7522 / http://www.alaskaair.com) American Airline (+1 800 433 7300 / http://www.aa.com) British Airways (+1 800 247 9297 / http://www.british-airways.com Delta (+1 800 221 1212 / http://www.delta.com) Frontier Airlines (+1 800 432 1359 / http://www.frontierairlines.com) Lufthansa (+1 800 645 3880 / http://www.lufthansa.com) Southwest (+1 800 435 9792 / http://www.southwest.com) United (+1 800 241 6522 / http://www.united.com) US Airways (+1 800 428 4322 / http://www.usairways.com)

Airport Map & Information: http://www.airguideonline.com/WIDirports/WIDirport_iah.htm
Airport Services: http://www.airguideonline.com/WIDirports/WIDirport_iah2.htm
Airport Transportation: http://www.airguideonline.com/WIDirports/WIDirport_iah3.htm

HOU services the following airlines:

American Airlines (+1 800 433 7300 / http://www.aa.com) Delta (+1 800 221 1212 / http://www.delta.com) Southwest (+1 800 435 9792 / http://www.southwest.com/) Jet Blue (+1 800 538 2583 / http://www.jetblue.com) Comair (+1 800 221 1212 / http://www.comair.com) AirTran (+1 1 800 247 8726 / http://www.airtran.com) Atlantic Southeast (+1 404 766 1400 / http://www.flyasa.com) American Trans Air (+1 800 435 9282 / http://www.ata.com) Southwest Airlines (+1 800 435 9792 / http://southwest.com)

Airport Map & Information: http://www.airguideonline.com/WIDirports/WIDirport_hou.htm
Airport Services: http://www.airguideonline.com/WIDirports/WIDirport_hou2.htm
Airport Transportation: http://www.airguideonline.com/WIDirports/WIDirport_hou3.htm

Airport Parking:

Park N' Fly (+1 800 763 6895 / https://book.pnfnetwork.com/travel/gateway.rvlx?action_route=0:PARKING:1:PROMO2&tracking_number=0070030 )

From the Airport

Car Rental: Advantage (+1 800 777 5500 / http://www.arac.com/) Alamo (+1 800 462 5266 / http://www.alamo.com) Avis (+1 800 230 4898 / http://www.avis.com) Budget (+1 800 527 0700 / http://www.budget.com/) Dollar (+1 800 800 4000 / http://www.dollar.com) Enterprise (+1 800 325 8007 / http://www.enterprise.com) Hertz (+1 800 654 3001 / http://www.hertz.com) National (+1 800 227 7368 / http://www.nationalcar.com) Thrifty (+1 800 331 3550 / http://www.thrifty.com)

Taxi: If money is not a concern a taxi presents the quickest option to downtown. Passengers are charged the cheapest fare between a flat rate and a metered rate. Most rides, factoring in traffic, take an hour. Some of the more noted cab companies are:

Fiesta (+1 713 236 9400) Liberty (+1 713 695 6700 / www.libertycab.net/) Square Deal (+1 713 659 5105) United (+1 713 699 0000 / www.unitedcab.com) Yellow Cab (+1 713 236 8877 / www.yellowcabhouston.com)

Shuttle: Express Shuttle (+1 713 523 8888 / +1 877 615 4577 / http://www.coachusa.com) is the popular choice with most arriving passengers. Call well in advance to know the Shuttle service operating hours and total cost.

Bus: Bus service, via the METRO (+1 713 635 4000 / http://ridemetro.org), is the ideal choice for the budget minded. All rides are reasonably priced. The buses run from 4:30a-12:45a and can be found on the south side of Terminal C.

Train

Amtrak (+1 800 872 7245 / http://www.amtrak.com) pulls into downtown Houston's train station (902 Washington Avenue) three times a week. The Sunset Limited services between Los Angeles and Orlando but does not possess a solid reputation for arriving on time. The station's surrounding area leans towards the seedy side. Stemming your walking radius is recommended.

Bus

Greyhound (+1 800 231 2222 / http://www.greyhound.com) ushers passengers in from all over the country via Houston's city bus terminal.

Highway

Driving options into downtown are many, highlighted by Interstate 610 (I-610). Better known as the loop it completely surrounds Houston's outer rim, making it a good choice for bypassing rush hour situations. Interstate 10 (I-10) accesses downtown from an east/west direction. And Interstate 45 (I-45) runs north/south, making it the popular route for drivers traveling from Dallas.

Getting Around

Car

Because of Houston's staggering sprawl a car is necessary. Its web of Interstates give Houston the stunning distinction of being one of the very few cities in the last ten years to see traffic congestion subside, making it easy to negotiate even for visitors who loathe city driving. However, Houston's strange need to pin two and three names to its Interstate system creates confusion. Interstate 45, for example, goes by North Freeway to the north, Gulf Freeway to the south, and the Pierce Elevated through downtown. Your best bet is to disregard the names and only pay attention to the Interstate numbers.

Public Transit

The METRO (+1 713 635 4000 / http://www.ridemetro.org) services all of Houston via 100 bus lines. Geared towards weekday commuters service extends as far north as the Bush Intercontinental Airport and as far south as Clear Lake near Galveston Bay. On weekends, however, service is far more limited in range. Call ahead for further details.

The Metro Trolley (+1 713 635 4000) offers free transportation in the downtown area only. Trolleys pass every 12 minutes.

The Uptown Shuttle (+1 713 621 2011 / http://www.uptown-houston.com/), a bus decorated as a trolley car, provides free service up and down Houston's famed Post Oak Boulevard. It stops at or near most of the strip's popular restaurants and shops.

Taxi

Taxis are quick, but pricey. Charges are heavy for every mile. So, check before you get into one.

A1 Hidalgo Cab (+1 281 706 0094/ http://www.hidalgocab.com/) Yellow Cab Services (+1 713 224 4445 / http://www.yellowcabhouston.com) A1 Houston Taxi (+1 713 722 8888 / http://www.a1houstontaxi.com)

Bike

Thanks to Houston's ambitious Bikeway Program (http://www.houstonbikeways.org) the city provides around 227 miles of bike paths and on-street bike lanes.

Traffic Information

To find out city traffic information go to http://www.traffic.com/

If traveling overseas, take the safety precaution of registering your trip at https://travelregistration.state.gov and for helpful, practical advice about traveling technicalities and safety standards check out http://travel.state.gov/

The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a recommendation. Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., is not responsible or liable for any errors or inaccuracies with respect to the information contained on this page.

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