Many travelers may imagine honky-tonks, cowboy boots, ranchers, rodeos, livestock and gushing oil wells when they think Houston, Texas. The city is home to 2.2 million+ people that is a mix of world-class arts, booming business, sports, award-winning cuisine and eclectic neighborhoods.
Hey friends, just wanted to share my recent road trip to Houston. Wow how things have changed since I have lived there. The traffic is still the same as it ever was, but not as bad as the Metroplex. I included some personal highlights of things to do if you are interested in exploring Downtown Houston and some helpful resources like an interactive map.
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Valet was super nice when I pulled into the Hilton Americas-Houston at 1600 Lamar, Houston, TX 77010. Valet gave me directions where I can park my own car in the parking garage. It’s important to note which hotel you are staying at because their valet may be using the Hilton‘s parking garage. The valet attendant told me to hang a right at the streetlight, take another right and look to the left for the garage entrance. Press the button to get your parking ticket and find a parking spot. Then select level 2 in the Parking Garage elevator to walk on the Sky Bridge and follow the signs to the nearest hotel elevator to check-in the Lobby. When you check out you drop your card keys and parking ticket with the garage attendant.
Front Desk, Scooter Incident and Elevators
The front desk was welcoming when I checked in. Hilton Honors guests can check in earlier. Average guests check in at 3pm.
On my way to the elevators with my luggage I noticed I was passing the largest Starbucks in Texas. Like 4,000 square feet of spacious lounge-style seating and there was seating outdoors on the patio café tables. We did encounter rude scooter drivers like the kind that you normally see in a grocery store. Yep, one vicious lady ran over my friends toe, because she wanted to get in first on the elevator. No apology. Her two scooter friends actually considered trying to get in also with their scooter too. Hopefully, in the future hotels will restrict them to use only certain elevators. When the elevator reached the floor she wanted to get off at–she hit the gas in reverse without looking behind her. And there was no rear view mirror attachment! So beware of those scooter drivers.
Hilton-Americas Houston Accommodations
Guest rooms are accessible via Hilton Digital Key’s mobile-enabled room key technology, allowing guests the opportunity to easily check-in digitally and select their own room.
My one bedroom suite included a comfortable king size Serta Perfect Sleeper bed and I selected a nice view on the 19th floor overlooking the Discovery Green. I noticed that the wall mural was altered in the hotel promotional photos and I couldn’t resist not sharing what the printed wallpaper looked like. It’s like a cheap abstract print that a child colored over with crayons.
Houston is known to be humid-hot and sticky so adjusting the digital thermostat to your preference will come in handy. Once you get the Wi-Fi connected on your laptop through the login screen with your last name and room number. You may get kicked off periodically, but for the most part it works in the room and even in the executive lounge. All the usual features that you find in the closet like an ironing board, full length mirror, robes, slippers, hangers, a safe and extra bedding. The bath amenities has a walk-in shower that has a moderate shower head with refillable shampoo, conditioner and body wash station. You can simply touch a button on the LED Vanity Mirror to change the light intensity in the bathroom. The counter had drawers to put away beauty products and hair dryer. Extra white bath towels, hand towels and wash towels.
There is a mini coffee bar space with a mini refrigerator. A very nice full sized work desks with ergo chairs that I wanted to take home with me. You have to request for maid service or turn down service. There is a 65” 4K ultra high-resolution Samsung TV that I did not have the time to use so I’m going to believe that it was meeting guest needs. Also the digital executive room hotel key gives access to R24 Executive Rooftop Lounge.
The Hilton has a skyline spa with a full-service hair and nail salon, wet and dry sauna, plus 24-hour access to the fully-equipped Skyline Health Club. The 24th floor 75-foot heated indoor infinity-edge lap pool with oversized whirlpool, plus the adjacent outdoor Skyline Terrace, provide stunning views of the city and allow guests to lounge poolside or take in the sun outside. All of the buildings behind me are new to me as well as the view of the park below across from the George R. Brown Convention Center.
Overall, it’s a beautifully designed hotel with flexible meeting space contained on three levels, all easily accessed via escalators, sky bridges, stairs and dedicated meeting rooms. Even if you wanted to hang out on one of the open floors seating areas with friends you could easily do that. All of the staff that I encountered was very helpful and friendly.
Float Around The World’s Only Rooftop River
After the window cleaner passed, I was able to see the rooftop infinity pool at the Marriott Marquis Houston, which is the tip of the iconic Texas-shaped lazy river. A friend told me that he inquired about a poolside Day Pass and the cost was $40 pp. There are several selfie stations and in the winter they have it heated at 80° with winter lights.
Dining In Downtown Houston
Each floor has giant framed mirrors as you wait for your elevator so I took advantage of taking a selfie. It’s very rare that you will see me in white. Numerous on-site dining options located lobby-level and provide a variety of fine cuisines appealing to a variety of palates such as the 1600 Bar+Grille, The Lobby Bar, and Pappasito’s Cantina.
Seafood Dining
Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen is right across the street from the Hilton Americas that you can walk in at street level. Our service was very friendly, the food came hot and the drinks were delicious. I was hankering for shrimp so I ordered The Sampler without the crawfish. Yum!
VISIT Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen AT: 1001 Avenida De Las Americas, Houston, TX 77010 | WEBSITE: Pappadeaux.com
Mexican Dining
Pappasitos Cantina served me a pair of mouthwatering grilled Baja Fish Tacos on corn tortillas filled with fresh tilapia, jalapeño créma, rice and refried beans. Had super friendly service with great seating at the bar watching them handcraft THE PLATINUM Margarita which is made with Patrón Silver tequila, orange liqueur, fresh lemon and lime juices. Chips and salsa was delicious too! There was plenty of comfortable seating options with nice views for people watching.
VISIT Pappasitos Cantina AT: 1600 Lamar St, Houston, TX 77010 | WEBSITE: Pappasitos.com
R24 Executive Rooftop Lounge | Exclusive
R24 Executive Rooftop Lounge is open for breakfast for all guests staying on the Executive Level floors, as well as, Diamond Hilton Honors members from 6:30am-10am daily. The Lounge offers coffee, juice, water, soda along with breakfast hot items (oatmeal, eggs, sausage or bacon, potato), as well as, pastries, cereal, fruit, yogurt. Snack services will be offered daily from 10am-5pm, including granola bars, dried fruit trail mix, bananas and a selection of beverages. The Lounge is accessible through the day for the guests.
Really enjoyed waking up, making a self-serve latte, cozying up with my laptop to watch a relaxing sunrise. The morning music was kind of perky and better than the typical elevator music. YES, I’m still doing OMAD, however I did take a break for a few days to enjoy food and hanging out with friends. When I returned to my normal schedule I did not have any issues. The bullet journal really helps me to keep me on track with my goals.
Breakfast
Electric Outlets Have USB Connections
Ya’ll, I forgot to pack my wall charger to connect the USB cable to my Sony ZV-1. So thankfully Hilton Americas had this electrical outlet where I can insert my charging cord directly. And it worked!!! My camera was fully charged. Your guest room should be equipped with similar outlets too!
Hilton Americas Executive Rooftop Lounge | R24 After Dark
R24 Lounge is on floor 24 and you have to have the executive level card to be able to enter. There is a variety of seating options at glass top tables, comfy couches and cushioned highboy bar chairs. It has a beautiful bar focal point and self-serve beverage station. There is also multiple den style seating around a giant flat screen. There are other multiple flat screens in a permanent room fixture that adds to the open space ambiance. Sometimes there is live music until 10pm. Enjoy a limited selection of wines, craft beers and handmade cocktails. Specialty teas, sodas, Perrier water, juices, cappuccino, mochas and several coffee options are also available. The panoramic view of downtown Houston from atop the exclusive 24th floor lounge at Hilton Americas-Houston is truly a sight to see. Also a great view to catch the Minutemaid Ballpark fireworks show.
Japanese Dining
I invited a friend and guest writer Robert Montoya to share his recent dining experience. Read his review below:
At Kata Robata, the service is unmatched to a regular casual dining restaurant. Here I felt like a king. At your table you are welcomed with a Japanese tradition of a hot towel, which is used to wipe your hands to clean them before eating. There are a number of dishes that are authentically Japanese, and there are also Americanized versions too. The flavors are delicious. The lighting is dim to set the mood, friendly atmosphere for friends and it’s a perfect date night spot. It’s a bit pricey so it would be an excellent choice for special occasions. Kobe Beef Skewers were spicy, buttery, smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
The sushi comes out fresh, with the sweet taste of the ocean dancing off the flesh into your tongue.
You can watch the handcrafting of sashimi or sushi from the sushi bar.
VISIT KATA ROBATA AT: 3600 Kirby Dr, Suite H, Houston, TX 77098 | WEBSITE: KATAROBATA.COM
George R. Brown Convention Center And Discovery Green
The George R. Brown Convention Center (GRB) was named after Houston business leader and philanthropist George Rufus Brown, whose Texas Eastern Corporation donated six of the 11 downtown blocks required to build the convention center, in its original dimensions, in 1987. This donation brought future prosperity, in many forms, to Houston. If you plan to attend a convention at the GRB and you are staying in the Hilton Americas take advantage of the two Skywalk Bridges on Level 2 and Level 3. It will help navigate through foot traffic. Also, I recommend to wear comfy shoes.
This area is now Houston’s newest dining, entertainment and arts district called Avenida Houston! Four unique restaurants are housed within the GRB and Partnership Tower. All restaurants will be open daily and can be accessed from Avenida de las Americas or within the buildings on Level 1. Check this restaurant list at GRB.
Discover Green is a beautiful 12 acre park that is Downtown’s new backyard! This dynamic park includes 2 restaurants, kids play area, man-made lake, 2 dog runs, multi-use amphitheater, event lawn and more! The Discovery Green Calendar will list a variety of health coach schedule for zumba, yoga and other fit classes for free. Reading rooms, flea markets, farmers market, concerts, water sports, special events, live web cams and maps are available on the website. There is plenty of shaded areas or green space to have a picnic or simply take a stroll at twilight.
Biggio’s is local legend, Houston Astros’ Craig Biggio’s restaurant serving sport bar dishes across from GRB. Upstairs guests can enjoy a patio overlooking the Discovery Green or meet before or after a Houston Astros game. In fact, when the Astros play at home they offer a condensed menu for quick convenient service.
VISIT BIGGIO’S AT: 1777 Walker St, Suite H, Houston, TX 77010 | WEBSITE: BIGGIOSHOUSTON.COM
Water Play
Kayaks at Kinder Lake for $5 pp. Leisurely kayak the shallow Kinder Lake and enjoy all the fish swimming beneath the surface. Kayak rentals are provided by Bayou City Adventures and subject to weather conditions. If you have any questions, or would like more information please call 713-538-7433 or visit their Facebook Page.
R/C Sail Boat Rentals. How cool is this!!! The cost is $5 per boat for 15 minutes. Sailboat rentals are provided by Bayou City Adventures and subject to weather conditions. If you have any questions, or would like more information please call 713-538-7433 or visit their Facebook Page.
Baseball, Early Houston and Specialty Tours
🎵 Take me out to the ballgame,
🎵 Take me out with the crowd;
🎵 Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack,
🎵 I don’t care if I never get back.
🎵 Let me root, root, root for the home team,
🎵 If they don’t win, it’s a shame.
🎵 For it’s one, two, three strikes, you’re out,
🎵 At the old ball game!
WATCH A BASEBALL GAME. Score some quick one-day tickets to watch the Houston Astros play a visiting team. Ticket prices vary from $20+ and there is an interactive map on the website that displays inventory or you can give a ticket price range.
TOUR MINUTE MAID PARK. There are a variety of daily year round tours available as low as $10 pp. Like A Minute in Minute Maid Park where you are escorted by an ambassador and you can snap photos. On another guided tour baseball fans could have the opportunity to check out the Visitor’s Clubhouse and batting cage, the Astros Dugout, take a lap around the Warning Track, and conclude the tour by getting an inside look at the manual Scoreboard.
SPECIALTY TOUR AT MINUTE MAID PARK. Most people don’t know about the history site of Minute Maid Park, which used to be a neighborhood known as Quality Hill. Houston’s first upscale neighborhood. Perhaps on your way into Minute Maid Park you will notice a blue-and-white Victorian home just behind a wrought iron fence across the street from the ballpark. READ Uncovering the Story of Quality Hill, Houston’s First Elite Residential Neighborhood: A Detective on the Case.
A Music Series in the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern
Located at The Water Works at 105 Sabine Street. Underground Sounds is organized in collaboration with several Houston-based music organizations. The Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern is an underground, former water reservoir in Buffalo Bayou Park open for touring. The reservoir was decommissioned in 2007. Check the calendar for immersive art installations to symphony musical performances.
Sesquicentennial Park
Sesquicentennial Park is an urban park in downtown Houston, Texas. Established in 1989 along the banks of Buffalo Bayou, the 22.5 acre park was established in 1986 to commemorate the 150 year anniversary of the founding of the city of Houston and of the Republic of Texas. Buffalo Bayou flows past Wortham Theater Center and the northern section of the Houston Theater District. There are several water features that are illuminated like the Seven Pillars. It’s a nice area to stroll after a show or watch the sunset.
Buffalo Bayou Boat Tours
Bayou City Adventures Twilight Boat Tours depart promptly each half-hour. Cruise the waterways and see if you spot any of the natural wild life including alligators or turtles on the banks. No restrooms are available on the pontoon. Reservations are required and can be purchased online. There are several tours to choose from. The departure location: 1019 Commerce Street (at Main Street), go down the cascading stairs (on your left of the 3-story brown brick building). The pontoon boat will be docked at the wharf. The Twilight Boat tour costs range from $12 pp to $15 pp.
Rooftop Bars In Houston
Fun Fact: Chase Tower is the 1,002-foot-tall skyscraper sitting at 600 Travis Street and is the city’s tallest building. It has 75 floors and there used to be an observation floor, but it is no longer open to the public.
When it comes to Houston’s skyline there are towering Texas-sized buildings made of concrete, granite to glass. Making the skyline more distinctive. Just in case you wondered how they came about it was due to the city’s lack of zoning restrictions. So if you are looking for a place to get an elevated venue here are my suggestions:
Lawless Spirits & Kitchen
Located in the historic Rice Hotel. The interior exudes glamour in every detail. The outside terrace is a beautiful backdrop as it overlooks downtown. Check out their happy hour specials!
VISIT LAWLESS SPIRITS & KITCHEN AT: 909 Texas Ave, Houston, TX 77010 | WEBSITE: LAWLESS SPIRITS & KITCHEN
Z on 23 Rooftop Bar
Located atop of the Le Meridien Houston Hotel that has the highest open-air rooftop lounge. Check the schedule when it is open for the public, Salsa DJs and drink specials.
VISIT Z on 23 AT: 1121 Walker St, Houston, TX 77002 | WEBSITE: Z on 23 Rooftop Bar
Sunset Rooftop Lounge
Just east of Downtown Houston elevate your night life with signature cocktails. Check their calendar for weekly music and specials.
VISIT Sunset Rooftop Lounge AT: 2119 Dallas St., Houston, TX 77003 | WEBSITE: SUNSETROOFTOPLOUNGE.COM
Downtown Tunnels
Located 20 feet under the surface of the city are more than 6 miles of interconnected tunnels that are about 95 blocks of downtown Houston. Shop, bank, dine in restaurants in the air conditioned tunnel system during the week from 8am to 2pm. When I worked downtown I used to enter the tunnel from the Houston Chronicle building, but the building is no longer there. There is no signage advertising it, but you can try to start at the Wells Fargo Plaza and McKinney Garage on Main that offers direct access from the street to the tunnel. [FIGURE 1] For entry points find the solid lines on the map of the tunnels and the buildings they connect, click here.
Downtown Houston Interactive Map
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