Need some help from the Houston gang

[RainMaker]

The spousal unit and myself are going to be camping out in Houston from April 13th to April 20th for the Texas Library Association annual meeting at the George Brown Convention Center.  I'd like to know of a good hotel/motel that would not be too far from the convention center (30 minute or less commute) as we need to be there 8-5 everyday plus dinners out with clients every night.  Every review I read on reasonably priced rooms indicates that the areas near the convention center are not the nicest parts of town.  As I plan to bring the Valk down for this weeklong trip (now it's Valk related) I want to have a relatively secure parking area and not be worried about getting mugged.  The extended stay places would work, but the closest ones have reviews indicating bedbug infestation.  YEOOOWWW!

Any ideas welcome.  Not into the $200 a night places as I don't want to buy them, just rent 'em.

Thanks!

Mark aka RainMaker

[Gear Jammer]

Here's some info Mark.  The farther east you stay, the closer to the GRB center.  Most within walking distance on that side of downtown.  I don't know if I'd want to stay in any motels in that part of town, unless you're wanting it by the hour 

http://www.expedia.com/Downtown-Houston-Houston-Hotels.0-n800037-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels

[RainMaker]

I figured the hotels nearest were the red light locations. So is west of Downtown the best area in terms of the neighborhood?

[Gear Jammer]

I differentiate between "hotel and motel".  Motels wouldn't be my choice in any downtown area. Much like Harry Hines in Dallas    I think any of the "name brand" hotels would be OK, regardless of the location downtown.  I'd read some of the reviews from guests if possible.  I think they would also have inside parking at these larger places.  

[HayHauler]

Hi Mark,
It's BJ here. 
Personally I wouldn't stay anywhere inside the loop unless it is around 59 south between downtown and loop 610.  This is a good area with lots of h/motels and good restuarants. 

We can make a run over there and look around. 

Bj

[Dave G]

There is a Holiday Inn near the Medical Center with underground parking.  I think it is on Main near Holcomb.  Lots of Med Center patients stay there.

[keepinon]

Within the last year & a half, or so, there have been three new motels built in the Porter/New Caney area. Right on US-59, should be a 30-40 minute morning drive to the GRB. I could not recommend anything any closer to downtown on the north side, and am unfamiliar with the south.

see if this link holds..

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g56351-d1382896-Reviews-BEST_WESTERN_PLUS_New_Caney_Inn_Suites-New_Caney_Texas.html

[HayHauler]

I have a suggestion... maybe stay at the Howard Johnson South of town, the GOTF hotel?
In the morning y'all can hop on the HOV lane (2 people in the vehicle requirement) and ride it all the way to downtown.  If you get off on the South side of downtown, it dumps you off 1 block South of Chartres, the street that is directly behind the GRB.  In the evening, if y'all are out dining past 7 or so, you can just take I-45 South to the Dixie Farm exit to the hotel.  If you leave between 3-6, you can catch the HOV again South this time to miss all of the traffic jams. 
Either way you are about 25-35 minutes from the GRB and in a pretty good hotel back off of the highway.  It sits behind the Shell station and that "diner" that is out on the frwy feeder.

It's just a thought, but on the nights that you aren't out dinning with clients, some of the Houston VRCC could meet y'all for dinner one night, maybe Wednesday night, our monthly meet and eat!

We might even be able to have it at Floyds, a few exits South of your hotel that month?

What say you Rocketman?

Hay 
Jimmyt

[Rocketman]

It's just a thought, but on the nights that you aren't out dinning with clients, some of the Houston VRCC could meet y'all for dinner one night, maybe Wednesday night, our monthly meet and eat!

We might even be able to have it at Floyds, a few exits South of your hotel that month?

What say you Rocketman?

Hay 
Jimmyt

That's actually the right week for our meeting, and the right month for a Webster meetup.  Therefore, I say YES!
See ya'll there!

[RainMaker]

That just works out too good.  Not sure we'll be at the HoHo (that wasn't a typo ) and will try to keep the schedule open for seeing you at the meeting.  Just depends on the teachers, the evening events (we have to schmooooooze), etc, but thanks for the invite. 

Arlington Mark

[HayHauler]

Its all about you RM and your schedule.  We will be at Floyds Wed. night.  It's the "El Darado" exit going South on I-45 about ~3 exits past the beltway.

Hay 
Jimmyt

[Rocketman]

Its all about you RM and your schedule.  We will be at Floyds Wed. night.  It's the "El Darado" exit going South on I-45 about ~3 exits past the beltway.

Hay 
Jimmyt

Actually, it's the NASA 1 (NASA Parkway, not the bypass) exit.

[RainMaker]

Thanks for all the info and help. Looking forward to seeing the gang at the April meeting if it all works out.

RM