The lack of luxury hotels in Houston

[IntheKnowHouston]

I searched but didn't see anyone post about this: Thompson Hotels has an Instagram and website for the forthcoming Thompson Houston. Both may have launched last fall. I'm not for certain.

The hotel is part of the Allen mixed-use development. It's located at 1701 Allen Parkway and is slated to open Fall 2023 (though some recent job listings also note spring and summer 2023 as possible opening timelines).


https://www.hyatt.com/hotel/texas/thompson-houston/iahth

https://www.instagram.com/thompsonhoustonhotel

 

Edited February 2 by IntheKnowHouston

[editor]

Good to hear.  Houston is a little short on luxury hotel options, considering the city's size.  Especially near downtown. 

[Jas3]

1 hour ago, editor said:

Good to hear.  Houston is a little short on luxury hotel options, considering the city's size.  Especially near downtown. 

So none of the hotels that are in downtown are considered luxurious like the Marriott, Hilton etc? 

[HOUCAJUN]

7 hours ago, editor said:

Good to hear.  Houston is a little short on luxury hotel options, considering the city's size.  Especially near downtown. 

Why are we so behind?

[Twinsanity02]

12 minutes ago, HOUCAJUN said:

Why are we so behind?

This is my hypothesis based on general observation living in Houston for 43 years. Houston until the 1990 relied heavily on its energy sector and to some degree the TMC. Thoughts of making this place attractive for conventions and competing  with other cities was not taken with any seriousness. Our downtown and midtown areas were a wasteland outside the gleaming office towers. The Rice hotel area and market square park were a trash filled urine odiferous areas. The bayou used to host the "reeking regata" which gives some idea of its past condition. This mercifully has changed. But perhaps the powers that be are not selling the amazing change which have occurred.

A hypothesis, not a theory.

[Big E]

On 2/2/2023 at 1:12 PM, Jas3 said:

So none of the hotels that are in downtown are considered luxurious like the Marriott, Hilton etc? 

Houston has only five 5-star hotels, and only one of them is downtown: the Four Seasons. The only other five star hotel remotely close to the area is La Colombe d'Or. The remaining three are in the Galleria Area.

[Houston19514]

5 hours ago, Big E said:

Houston has only five 5-star hotels, and only one of them is downtown: the Four Seasons. The only other five star hotel remotely close to the area is La Colombe d'Or. The remaining three are in the Galleria Area.

Just curious -  whose star ratings are you looking at?

[NB_Brendan]

On 2/2/2023 at 7:51 PM, HOUCAJUN said:

Why are we so behind?

We don't build enough! 

[Big E]

12 hours ago, Houston19514 said:

Just curious -  whose star ratings are you looking at?

Google lists hotels by their star ratings. You can go to Maps and simply search for Five-star rated hotels, or search Google itself. Just search "Five star luxury hotels in Houston"

Edited February 6 by Big E

[Houston19514]

10 hours ago, Big E said:

Google lists hotels by their star ratings. You can go to Maps and simply search for Five-star rated hotels, or search Google itself. Just search "Five star luxury hotels in Houston"

Thank you.  In general, I don't disagree that we are a bit behind other cities with regard to luxury hotels, and would love to see more in and near our CBD, but we've been gaining ground and I don't think we're as far behind other similar cities as Haifers (and Houstonians in general) like to think.  Using the Google map search as the gauge, I did  a little comparison:

• Houston.  5 5-star hotels.  One downtown. One near downtown.
• Austin.  Way ahead of us, considering the size differential.  Four 5-star hotels, all downtown.
• Dallas.  3 5-star hotels, none downtown (two near downtown).
• San Antonio.  3 5-star hotels, all downtown.
• Atlanta.  6 5-star hotels.  One downtown. One near downtown.
• Denver.  2 5-star hotels.  Both downtown.
• Chicago. 9 5-star hotels.  None inside the loop. All nine are near the Loop (in the North Michigan Avenue/Magnificent Mile area).
• Philadelphia.  4 5-star hotels.  All downtown.
• Minneapolis.  1 5-star hotel.  Downtown.
• Seattle.  1 5-star hotel.  Downtown.
• Boston.  8 5-star hotels.  7 are in or near downtown.

I'd like to see us get up to the Chicago numbers.

Hopefully, the Thompson will achieve 5-star status.

Edited February 6 by Houston19514

[Houston19514]

14 hours ago, Big E said:

Google lists hotels by their star ratings. You can go to Maps and simply search for Five-star rated hotels, or search Google itself. Just search "Five star luxury hotels in Houston"

Further to this topic, I personally wouldn't give much credence to Google Maps star ratings. Forbes Travel Guide and other such publications are better sources.  Forbes shows two 5-star hotels in the entire state of Texas.  1 in Houston (The Post Oak) and 1 in Dallas (The Ritz-Carlton).

Forbes 5-star and 4-star hotels:

• Boston:  5 5-star and 5 4-star
• Chicago:  3 5-star and 3 4-star (all in Mag Mile area)
• Houston:  1 5-star and 4 4-star
• DFW:  1 5-star and 2 4-star 
• Philadelphia:  1 5-star and 1 4-star
• Seattle:  1 5-star and 1 4-star
• Atlanta:  Zero 5-star; 3 4-star
• Denver:  Zero 5-star; 2 4-star
• Austin:  Zero 5-star; 5 4-star
• San Antonio:  Zero 5-star; 1 4-star

Again, it looks like we're not as far behind as we routinely tell ourselves we are.

Edited February 6 by Houston19514

[Houston19514]

Let's take a look at AAA.

AAA 5 and 4-diamond hotels:

• Boston:  6 5-diamond hotels/25 4-diamond
• Chicago:  2 5-diamond/39 4-diamond
• Houston:  1 5-diamond/36 4-diamond
• DFW:  Zero 5-diamond/35 4-diamond
• Philadelphia:  1 5-diamond/12 4-diamond
• Seattle:  Zero 5-diamond/25 4-diamond
• Atlanta: 2 5-diamond/23 4-diamond
• Denver:  2 5-diamond/18 4-diamond
• Austin:  Zero 5-diamond/26 4-diamond
• San Antonio: 1 5-diamond/17 4-diamond

Edited February 6 by Houston19514

[Big E]

3 hours ago, Houston19514 said:

Further to this topic, I personally wouldn't give much credence to Google Maps star ratings. Forbes Travel Guide and other such publications are better sources.  Forbes shows two 5-star hotels in the entire state of Texas.  1 in Houston (The Post Oak) and 1 in Dallas (The Ritz-Carlton).

Forbes 5-star and 4-star hotels:

• Boston:  5 5-star and 5 4-star
• Chicago:  3 5-star and 3 4-star (all in Mag Mile area)
• Houston:  1 5-star and 4 4-star
• DFW:  1 5-star and 2 4-star 
• Philadelphia:  1 5-star and 1 4-star
• Seattle:  1 5-star and 1 4-star
• Atlanta:  Zero 5-star; 3 4-star
• Denver:  Zero 5-star; 2 4-star
• Austin:  Zero 5-star; 5 4-star
• San Antonio:  Zero 5-star; 1 4-star

Again, it looks like we're not as far behind as we routinely tell ourselves we are.

Huh. Forbes doesn't consider the St. Regis or Four Seasons to be 5-star? Interesting.

[monarch]

2 hours ago, Big E said:

Huh. Forbes doesn't consider the St. Regis or Four Seasons to be 5-star? Interesting.

^^^ the brand names alone, does not necessarily mean that the overall property has indeed earned the right to be called a "5-STAR" property.  it's all about patron amenities, customer service, location, restaurants, you name it... it has to have it all, to earn the ranking.  "5-STARS" do not rain down from heaven...

[HOUCAJUN]

7 hours ago, Houston19514 said:

Further to this topic, I personally wouldn't give much credence to Google Maps star ratings. Forbes Travel Guide and other such publications are better sources.  Forbes shows two 5-star hotels in the entire state of Texas.  1 in Houston (The Post Oak) and 1 in Dallas (The Ritz-Carlton).

Forbes 5-star and 4-star hotels:

• Boston:  5 5-star and 5 4-star
• Chicago:  3 5-star and 3 4-star (all in Mag Mile area)
• Houston:  1 5-star and 4 4-star
• DFW:  1 5-star and 2 4-star 
• Philadelphia:  1 5-star and 1 4-star
• Seattle:  1 5-star and 1 4-star
• Atlanta:  Zero 5-star; 3 4-star
• Denver:  Zero 5-star; 2 4-star
• Austin:  Zero 5-star; 5 4-star
• San Antonio:  Zero 5-star; 1 4-star

Again, it looks like we're not as far behind as we routinely tell ourselves we are.

Good info

[NB_Brendan]

Man, who cares about the number of 5-star hotels. Better off staying at a run of the mill Hilton for the price anyways! 

Edited February 7 by NB_Brendan

[004n063]

6 hours ago, NB_Brendan said:

Man, who cares about the number of 5-star hotels. Better off staying at a run of the mill Hilton for the price anyways! 

I just see it as an indicator of non-business travel demand, plus easy tax money for the city.

[Twinsanity02]

9 hours ago, NB_Brendan said:

Man, who cares about the number of 5-star hotels. Better off staying at a run of the mill Hilton for the price anyways! 

I agree, which is what I do. But the number of 5-star hotels is one measure of a city's power, "prestige", and overall appeal . Examples: Paris London, NYC vs Beaumont (being a bit facetious)

[NB_Brendan]

24 minutes ago, Twinsanity02 said:

I agree, which is what I do. But the number of 5-star hotels is one measure of a city's power, "prestige", and overall appeal . Examples: Paris London, NYC vs Beaumont (being a bit facetious)

 

3 hours ago, 004n063 said:

I just see it as an indicator of non-business travel demand, plus easy tax money for the city.

I guess I see what y'all are saying. Houston just doesn't have a ton of touristy stuff to do really, which might be limiting the supply of boujee hotels. We've gotta invest in more "destinations" first before we can worry about the accommodations, I think. I also just didn't quite understand as someone who has never stayed in one why someone would splurge with those prices. 

[editor]

On 2/2/2023 at 1:12 PM, Jas3 said:

So none of the hotels that are in downtown are considered luxurious like the Marriott, Hilton etc? 

I didn't say there were none. I said there aren't many considering the size of Houston. 
 

Since you brought it up, no, the Hilton isn't a luxury hotel. I stayed there for a week, and can tell you that it's just an ordinary business hotel.  There is nothing special or luxurious about it. 
 

I have not stayed at the Marriott, so I offer no opinion on that. 

[editor]

On 2/6/2023 at 9:50 PM, NB_Brendan said:

Man, who cares about the number of 5-star hotels. Better off staying at a run of the mill Hilton for the price anyways! 

I do. Different people have different needs and expectations. 

[EllenOlenska]

With amusing regularity conversations on here remind me of the Frasier episode where Niles bemoans "A city this size and only three boites." 

[editor]

On 2/6/2023 at 9:30 AM, Houston19514 said:

 Using the Google map search as the gauge

Wait… Are there people who really believe that five stars on a social media platform is the same thing as a real five star rating?

56 minutes ago, EllenOlenska said:

With amusing regularity conversations on here remind me of the Frasier episode where Niles bemoans "A city this size and only three boites." 

Guilty!

[editor]

23 hours ago, NB_Brendan said:

Houston just doesn't have a ton of touristy stuff to do really, which might be limiting the supply of boujee hotels.

While tourism can be a driver, I don't think that tourists necessarily cause luxury hotels.  There are plenty of luxury hotels in non-touristy places.  Business happens everywhere.  Some businessmen are door-to-door salesman who are fine with an EconoLodge.  Some businessmen are C.F.O.'s, or company owners from other parts of the country or the world, who are used to something a little better than the basics.

[ChannelTwoNews]

1 hour ago, EllenOlenska said:

With amusing regularity conversations on here remind me of the Frasier episode where Niles bemoans "A city this size and only three boites." 

...what boite?

[s3mh]

59 minutes ago, editor said:

While tourism can be a driver, I don't think that tourists necessarily cause luxury hotels.  There are plenty of luxury hotels in non-touristy places.  Business happens everywhere.  Some businessmen are door-to-door salesman who are fine with an EconoLodge.  Some businessmen are C.F.O.'s, or company owners from other parts of the country or the world, who are used to something a little better than the basics.

Expense account travelers sustain the high end hotels, steak houses, etc.  I had a client who was an importer of manufactured flooring from China.  It was a relatively small business, but profitable.  They were in California and had to come to Houston for mediation.  They probably spent more on the trip than on legal fees to get the lawsuit resolved.  But when you run a small business, that is how you get to live large.  You expense it all because you own the company and no one can tell you not to do it.  

[LosFeliz]

It's a shame the Post Oak is basically a car-centered freeway trophy tower. With Fertita owning the Rockets, maybe he could build a hotel/condo tower downtown... The Live Oak. 

Downtown is really missing the high end hotel/condo tower. The Four Seasons doesn't cut it because those condos up top were originally corporate rentals. It seems as if the units at the Allen are selling. If you can sell multi-million dollar units next door to public housing, you could sell them downtown.

[Big E]

2 hours ago, editor said:

Wait… Are there people who really believe that five stars on a social media platform is the same thing as a real five star rating?

Guilty!

The star rating of the hotel is listed separately from the user rating sir.

[Jas3]

1 hour ago, Big E said:

The star rating of the hotel is listed separately from the user rating sir.

I don't think it's accurate, though, because the post oak is advertised as the only 5 star hotel in Houston. All the other hotels must have dropped a star over the years.

[Pleak]

2 hours ago, LosFeliz said:

It's a shame the Post Oak is basically a car-centered freeway trophy tower. With Fertita owning the Rockets, maybe he could build a hotel/condo tower downtown... The Live Oak. 

I guess it's a good thing he attached a dealership to the hotel.  😀

[Houston19514]

1 hour ago, Jas3 said:

I don't think it's accurate, though, because the post oak is advertised as the only 5 star hotel in Houston. All the other hotels must have dropped a star over the years.

See the Forbes ratings (which are more meaningful than the Google ratings).

3 hours ago, Big E said:

The star rating of the hotel is listed separately from the user rating sir.

Then what is the source of the star ratings posted on Google?

[samagon]

28 minutes ago, Houston19514 said:

See the Forbes ratings (which are more meaningful than the Google ratings).

Then what is the source of the star ratings posted on Google?

this is a good question. there is the crowd sourced rating, which is basically, if I just don't like the idea of Conrad Hilton, I can go ping every Hilton with a 1 star review that I have time to hit. then there's a thing right next to that which states whatever the 'official' rating is.

 

the best I can find on that is this:

https://support.google.com/hotelprices/answer/7219055?hl=en#:~:text=Google gathers data for these,%2C room size%2C and amenities.

Quote

Google assigns hotel class ratings on a 1-5 star scale and allows people to filter their hotel search based on type (“any” or “vacation rental”) and class. Google gathers data for these ratings from a variety of sources, including third-party partners, direct research, feedback from hoteliers, and machine learning inference that examines and evaluates hotel attributes, such as price, location, room size, and amenities. 

so they don't really give any specifics, but it's not a direct from Michelin, or AAA, or whatever other travel company someone might prefer as their hotel ratings provider.

Edited February 8 by samagon

[Big E]

11 hours ago, Houston19514 said:

Then what is the source of the star ratings posted on Google?

 

10 hours ago, samagon said:

this is a good question. there is the crowd sourced rating, which is basically, if I just don't like the idea of Conrad Hilton, I can go ping every Hilton with a 1 star review that I have time to hit. then there's a thing right next to that which states whatever the 'official' rating is.

 

the best I can find on that is this:

https://support.google.com/hotelprices/answer/7219055?hl=en#:~:text=Google gathers data for these,%2C room size%2C and amenities.

so they don't really give any specifics, but it's not a direct from Michelin, or AAA, or whatever other travel company someone might prefer as their hotel ratings provider.

Sounds like its a correlation of a variety of sources. Though I'm sure the exact way they calculate it is a "trade secret". My guess, they look at multiple places, including Forbes, AAA, and others and average it out to some kind of mean, using an algorithm to do the work. It sounds like something Google will do, though the star ratings do reflect the prices generally.

[Ns1021]

On 2/6/2023 at 9:30 AM, Houston19514 said:

Thank you.  In general, I don't disagree that we are a bit behind other cities with regard to luxury hotels, and would love to see more in and near our CBD, but we've been gaining ground and I don't think we're as far behind other similar cities as Haifers (and Houstonians in general) like to think.  Using the Google map search as the gauge, I did  a little comparison:

• Houston.  5 5-star hotels.  One downtown. One near downtown.
• Austin.  Way ahead of us, considering the size differential.  Four 5-star hotels, all downtown.
• Dallas.  3 5-star hotels, none downtown (two near downtown).
• San Antonio.  3 5-star hotels, all downtown.
• Atlanta.  6 5-star hotels.  One downtown. One near downtown.
• Denver.  2 5-star hotels.  Both downtown.
• Chicago. 9 5-star hotels.  None inside the loop. All nine are near the Loop (in the North Michigan Avenue/Magnificent Mile area).
• Philadelphia.  4 5-star hotels.  All downtown.
• Minneapolis.  1 5-star hotel.  Downtown.
• Seattle.  1 5-star hotel.  Downtown.
• Boston.  8 5-star hotels.  7 are in or near downtown.

I'd like to see us get up to the Chicago numbers.

Hopefully, the Thompson will achieve 5-star status.

Houston is so far behind cities like Dallas / Austin it’s a joke when it comes to 5 star/ high end / boutique 4 stars.

Dallas (Uptown/Downtown core): Ritz, Crescent Court, Mansion, Zaza, W, Omni, Fairmont, Hall Arts, Thompson, JW Marriott (coming soon), Joule, Adolphus, Le Meriden, Four Seasons (coming soon), Auberge (coming soon), Swexan (coming soon) plus all the normal big chain brands. 
 

Austin: Four Seasons, Proper, Fairmont, Thompson, Van Zandt, JW, Omni, W, Driskill, Zaza, LINE, Otis, Commodore Perry, Ritz (planned) Ella, plus all the big chains. 
 

Houston is not even in the same stratosphere as those types of lists…..

[HoustonBoy]

1 hour ago, Ns1021 said:

Houston is so far behind cities like Dallas / Austin it’s a joke when it comes to 5 star/ high end / boutique 4 stars.

Dallas (Uptown/Downtown core): Ritz, Crescent Court, Mansion, Zaza, W, Omni, Fairmont, Hall Arts, Thompson, JW Marriott (coming soon), Joule, Adolphus, Le Meriden, Four Seasons (coming soon), Auberge (coming soon), Swexan (coming soon) plus all the normal big chain brands. 
 

Austin: Four Seasons, Proper, Fairmont, Thompson, Van Zandt, JW, Omni, W, Driskill, Zaza, LINE, Otis, Commodore Perry, Ritz (planned) Ella, plus all the big chains. 
 

Houston is not even in the same stratosphere as those types of lists…..

This is the ultimate truth. Houston may have one incredible hotel, but we are woefully behind Austin and especially Dallas. This city cares so little about its image that we haven't cultivated any coherent region where tourism might have a chance at thriving. Things are obviously changing, but this city has a lot of ground to cover. 

[monarch]

^^^ houston is the FOURTH LARGEST city in USA.  yet, we literally have to BEG for a brand like the "W".  yet, we still cannot seem to get one.  houston is the largest city in the state of texas.  yet, austin/dallas both have their respective "W" brands... and san antonio is preparing to construct their "W" brand within the broadway corridor district.  yes, that's THREE W HOTELS within the major markets of texas... and houston just cannot seem to get one.  heck, if it wouldn't have been for TILMAN FERTITTA planning and constructing his very own SUPER LUXURY POST OAK HOTEL, we wouldn't even have this one.  i have literally been repeating myself for over a decade now while residing in our fair city of houston... "something is really the F*&K wrong with this city's hospitality picture".  i am simply torn with the same old tired and worn out excuses since they never really make any real sense.  our fair city seems to keep growing larger and more progressive.  yet, we seem to keep acquiring lesser and lesser.  meanwhile, austin/dallas/san antonio seem to keep acquiring more and more prestige within its overall hospitality industry.  HAIF houston... harbors some really smart/intellectual/dynamic/progressive minded patrons here.  we all are acutely aware of this very fact.  however, none of us (at least not yet) can really provide a comprehensive answer/sentiment to what is wrong with the houston hospitality scene.  somehow, i just can't seem to get it... what the F*&K is happening here...?    

Edited February 11 by monarch

[wxman]

4 hours ago, monarch said:

^^^ houston is the FOURTH LARGEST city in USA.  yet, we literally have to BEG for a brand like the "W".  yet, we still cannot seem to get one.  houston is the largest city in the state of texas.  yet, austin/dallas both have their respective "W" brands... and san antonio is preparing to construct their "W" brand within the broadway corridor district.  yes, that's THREE W HOTELS within the major markets of texas... and houston just cannot seem to get one.  heck, if it wouldn't have been for TILMAN FERTITTA planning and constructing his very own SUPER LUXURY POST OAK HOTEL, we wouldn't even have this one.  i have literally been repeating myself for over a decade now while residing in our fair city of houston... "something is really the F*&K wrong with this city's hospitality picture".  i am simply torn with the same old tired and worn out excuses since they never really make and real sense.  our fair city seems to keep growing larger and more progressive.  yet, we seem to keep acquiring lesser and lesser.  meanwhile, austin/dallas/san antonio seem to keep acquiring more and more prestige within its overall hospitality industry.  HAIF houston... harbors some really smart/intellectual/dynamic/progressive minded patrons here.  we all are acutely aware of this very fact.  however, none of us (at least not yet) can really provide a comprehensive answer/sentiment to what is wrong with the houston hospitality scene.  somehow, i just can't seem to get it... what the F*&K is happening here...?    

Tongue-n-cheek comment here but...

Houston consistently ranks as one of the ugliest cities in America. I'd have to agree. What would draw people to Houston outside of business? The Space Center? Galveston? The Museum District? Those are very lame, mediocre "attractions" at best. I'm sorry but Houston has a horrific reputation for its endless billboards, traffic, sprawl, endless highways, graffiti, urban decay, and outside the skyline (which interestingly enough I think is one of the better ones in the US), it's a nasty place with stifling humidity. The beaches are probably the worst in all of North America. There's no mega-attractions here that people just have to see. We're a big city with not much to offer unless you like to eat out. 

I'm not saying this to shit on Houston. I'm from here. This place is home and I'd get super defensive really fast if somebody else crapped on it the way I have but Houston has made absolutely no effort to draw tourists here or to change its reputation. I doubt Houston will ever be a trip given away on the Price-Is-Right. 

If I was an investor or a developer, Houston wouldn't be a place I'd be looking to build a luxury brand. 

Edited February 11 by wxman

[monarch]

27 minutes ago, wxman said:

Tongue-n-cheek comment here but...

Houston consistently ranks as one of the ugliest cities in America. I'd have to agree. What would draw people to Houston outside of business? The Space Center? Galveston? The Museum District? Those are very lame, mediocre "attractions" at best. I'm sorry but Houston has a horrific reputation for its traffic, sprawl, endless highways, graffiti, urban decay, and outside the skyline (which interestingly enough I think is one of the better ones in the US), it's a nasty place with stifling humidity. The beaches are probably the worst in all of North America. There's no mega-attractions here that people just have to see. We're a big city with not much to offer unless you like to eat out. 

I'm not saying this to shit on Houston. I'm from here. This place is home and I'd get super defensive really fast if somebody else crapped on it the way I have but Houston has made absolutely no effort to draw tourists here or to change its reputation. I doubt Houston will ever be a trip given away on the Price-Is-Right. 

If I was an investor or a developer, Houston wouldn't be a place I'd be looking to build a luxury brand. 

^^^ much obliged @wxman for the very appealing, compelling, and intriguing sentiment.  i'd have to say that you are indeed correct upon most points.  however, may you please for the sake of GOD AND COUNTRY... please, point out just what is soooooo appealing about dallas over houston?  heck, i get austin, tx.  austin, IMO, is just so very beautiful with it's san francisco type rolling hills... along with lake austin and the such.  heck, i can even understand flat san antonio with it's alamo historical sentiment... along with it's gorgeous fan friendly riverwalk.  however, what is sooooooo appealing about dallas?  why do they keep winning over houston...?

[MrFubbles]

6 minutes ago, wxman said:

Tongue-n-cheek comment here but...

Houston consistently ranks as one of the ugliest cities in America. I'd have to agree. What would draw people to Houston outside of business? The Space Center? Galveston? The Museum District? Those are very lame, mediocre "attractions" at best. I'm sorry but Houston has a horrific reputation for its traffic, sprawl, endless highways, graffiti, urban decay, and outside the skyline (which interestingly enough I think is one of the better ones in the US), it's a nasty place with stifling humidity. The beaches are probably the worst in all of North America. There's no mega-attractions here that people just have to see. We're a big city with not much to offer unless you like to eat out. 

I'm not saying this to shit on Houston. I'm from here. This place is home and I'd get super defensive really fast if somebody else crapped on it the way I have but Houston has made absolutely no effort to draw tourists here or to change its reputation. I doubt Houston will ever be a trip given away on the Price-Is-Right. 

If I was an investor or a developer, Houston wouldn't be a place I'd be looking to build a luxury brand. 

The Space Center, Museum District, the Rodeo, Menil, Orange Show, Azalea Trail, Art Car Parade, U.S. Clay Court Championships, Rice, San Jacinto Monument, Wortham Theater, Bayou Bend, Memorial Park, Rothko, Rienzi, James Turrell, Tanker Surfing, Minute Maid, NRG, the Heights, Montrose, not to mention BBQ, kolaches, crawfish, Tex Mex, Viet, fried chicken, it goes on

And don't get me started on Galveston

[jmitch94]

I’d prefer Houston not become touristy. All it would add is more congestion and crime. All the money gained from it would got to the same few people that already hold all the money anyway. 

[wxman]

1 hour ago, MrFubbles said:

The Space Center, Museum District, the Rodeo, Menil, Orange Show, Azalea Trail, Art Car Parade, U.S. Clay Court Championships, Rice, San Jacinto Monument, Wortham Theater, Bayou Bend, Memorial Park, Rothko, Rienzi, James Turrell, Tanker Surfing, Minute Maid, NRG, the Heights, Montrose, not to mention BBQ, kolaches, crawfish, Tex Mex, Viet, fried chicken, it goes on

And don't get me started on Galveston

👀 Mmk bro. If that’s what you think makes Houston exciting then more power to ya. There’s not a single person more than 30 miles out that would visit any of that. And if you have to include crawfish and fried chicken as part of the appeal, that does nothing but endorse my point. Houston is ghetto and lame with a sexy skyline. 

1 hour ago, monarch said:

^^^ much obliged @wxman for the very appealing, compelling, and intriguing sentiment.  i'd have to say that you are indeed correct upon most points.  however, may you please for the sake of GOD AND COUNTRY... please, point out just what is soooooo appealing about dallas over houston?  heck, i get austin, tx.  austin, IMO, is just so very beautiful with it's san francisco type rolling hills... along with lake austin and the such.  heck, i can even understand flat san antonio with it's alamo historical sentiment... along with it's gorgeous fan friendly riverwalk.  however, what is sooooooo appealing about dallas?  why do they keep winning over houston...?

I don’t think Dallas or Austin is all that either but what I will say is that Dallas certainly appears to be a nicer, cleaner city but that’s a fairly low bar to clear when compared to Houston. 

Edited February 11 by wxman

[LBC2HTX]

I’ve said it a dozen times… the only way houston becomes a tourist city is if it embraces hedonism and becomes a party town. Expand rail down Washington and shut down vehicular traffic east of Heights. Similarly make blocks of downtown pedestrian only. Run a north south line along Studemont/Montrose starting at white oak and ending at Westheimer (or extending down to connect to red line). Shut down vehicular traffic on lower westheimer. Allow casinos to be built in downtown Houston. 

[Nate_56]

@wxmanif you're saying Houston is your home have some pride in it. Pretty pessimistic comments, they're far far worse cities to live in the us imo. I think Houston has a great multi cultural feel and a dominating presence in world headquarters for company's.

Edited February 11 by Nate_56

[LosFeliz]

Houston is hosting the Final Four again this year. It's on the rotation for Super Bowls and gets surprisingly high praise for hosting big events. And while we might not get big dollar tourists, we do get very wealthy medical tourists as well as international business travel. There's no reason why we don't have a 2-3 bigger brands like a Ritz, Fairmont, Mandarin, Waldorf, etc...

I also know SEVERAL people who have traveled to Houston for our museums. These are the types that go to the Kimball in Fort Worth but skip Dallas and come to Houston for the Menial Collection and MFA but have no interest in Austin. They're a rare breed but now they at least have more options than the ZaZa which while fun, is pretty cheesy. The Colombe d'Or hotel addition is getting $700 a night these days. I'm not sure if they're getting healthy room occupancy rates, but if they are, more will come. 

I've lived in 4 of the 5 biggest cities. Houston is far from the ugliest. But part of the reason the perception exists is its become a sport to dump on the city. A New Yorker would punch you in the face if you called it ugly, but have you walked by an alley in the lower East Village on a hot August night where the smell of garbage and vomit can make you see haze? Have you taken a wrong turn in LA and found yourself with blocks on end of homeless camps that block sidewalks and sometimes even the roads? Have you been to Southside Chicago or Gary, Indiana? If you have and you say Houston has a decay issue...

 

Edited February 11 by LosFeliz

[monarch]

11 hours ago, LosFeliz said:

Houston is hosting the Final Four again this year. It's on the rotation for Super Bowls and gets surprisingly high praise for hosting big events. And while we might not get big dollar tourists, we do get very wealthy medical tourists as well as international business travel. There's no reason why we don't have a 2-3 bigger brands like a Ritz, Fairmont, Mandarin, Waldorf, etc...

I also know SEVERAL people who have traveled to Houston for our museums. These are the types that go to the Kimball in Fort Worth but skip Dallas and come to Houston for the Menial Collection and MFA but have no interest in Austin. They're a rare breed but now they at least have more options than the ZaZa which while fun, is pretty cheesy. The Colombe d'Or hotel addition is getting $700 a night these days. I'm not sure if they're getting healthy room occupancy rates, but if they are, more will come. 

I've lived in 4 of the 5 biggest cities. Houston is far from the ugliest. But part of the reason the perception exists is its become a sport to dump on the city. A New Yorker would punch you in the face if you called it ugly, but have you walked by an alley in the lower East Village on a hot August night where the smell of garbage and vomit can make you see haze? Have you taken a wrong turn in LA and found yourself with blocks on end of homeless camps that block sidewalks and sometimes even the roads? Have you been to Southside Chicago or Gary, Indiana? If you have and you say Houston has a decay issue...

 

^^^ much obliged, per your well rounded and quite compelling input @LosFeliz I SEE YOU.  i have had the most wonderful privilege of working / living abroad for quite some time.  i have harbored the opportunity to visit some of great cities in the world and lodge and patronize some of the best hotels in the world.  therefore, i share in your sentiment that "houston is far from the ugliest".  fact is, and maybe i'm a bit biased here having grown-up in beaumont, tx,.  (moved to houston in the 80's during college) I HAVE NEVER ACTUALLY VIEWED OUR FAIR CITY AS UGLY... NEVER.  yes, it may be a bit discombobulated and messy in some areas/districts... but ugly?

actually, and this is just my opinion/theory here, is that the "UGLY" moniker derived from visitors to our fair city that just cannot fathom the extreme HEAT/HUMIDITY... that we are so famous for during our long summers.

this is the primary reason that i posted the content above, i just do not get it, our fair city has soooooo very much to offer this crazy / perilous world.  actually, we have it all here... and then some.  there are so very many sports celebrities that call houston home.  whenever we host a world event... super bowl, final four, downtown car track racing, rodeo, you name it, they come from all over the nation / world... and the reviews are always wholesomely MAGNIFICENT.

yet, here we are, discussing on this most inclusive forum, as to why we just cannot get over our fair city's putrid hospitality hump... and acquire some of the very decent hotels of the world... that other cities far less than houston have had for years / decades.  i just can't seem to comprehend this...  

    

[LosFeliz]

I've found that most people that have traveled to Houston to visit friends or for a long weekend are actually impressed by Houston. They love the friendly people and diversity of food and drinks and I've heard several comment that the museum district and Hermann Park are quite lovely. 

The ones that think Houston is just one ugly eyesore tend to be people who came for work and say things like "I was in our downtown office" but when I pressed I found out they were in Westchase or Energy Corridor staying in a mid-level chain and eating at places you could find in any city. Or, even worse, the people who say "I've driven through on my way from Florida to California and saw enough."

Our freeways are huge and ugly and we are one of the only cities with feeder roads. They are ugly. Not much we can do about it since Texas loves concrete and the corrupt folks who run our state love to spend to pave over everything. 

[004n063]

1 hour ago, LosFeliz said:

I've found that most people that have traveled to Houston to visit friends or for a long weekend are actually impressed by Houston. They love the friendly people and diversity of food and drinks and I've heard several comment that the museum district and Hermann Park are quite lovely. 

The ones that think Houston is just one ugly eyesore tend to be people who came for work and say things like "I was in our downtown office" but when I pressed I found out they were in Westchase or Energy Corridor staying in a mid-level chain and eating at places you could find in any city. Or, even worse, the people who say "I've driven through on my way from Florida to California and saw enough."

Our freeways are huge and ugly and we are one of the only cities with feeder roads. They are ugly. Not much we can do about it since Texas loves concrete and the corrupt folks who run our state love to spend to pave over everything. 

Eh, there are ugly bits. Hillcroft and Bellaire are, in my opinion, two of Houston's most iconic streets, and I would never deprive a visitor of them, but they ain't lookers.

Edited February 11 by 004n063

[Big E]

11 hours ago, LosFeliz said:

I've found that most people that have traveled to Houston to visit friends or for a long weekend are actually impressed by Houston. They love the friendly people and diversity of food and drinks and I've heard several comment that the museum district and Hermann Park are quite lovely. 

The ones that think Houston is just one ugly eyesore tend to be people who came for work and say things like "I was in our downtown office" but when I pressed I found out they were in Westchase or Energy Corridor staying in a mid-level chain and eating at places you could find in any city. Or, even worse, the people who say "I've driven through on my way from Florida to California and saw enough."

Our freeways are huge and ugly and we are one of the only cities with feeder roads. They are ugly. Not much we can do about it since Texas loves concrete and the corrupt folks who run our state love to spend to pave over everything. 

I don't think Houston's freeways are particularly egregious. And the feeder roads help with traffic immensely (just ask Los Angeles, which lacks them, to its detriment). Your not going to get the full measure of any city's beauty if you just stick to the highways.

[HOUCAJUN]

On 2/10/2023 at 6:18 PM, wxman said:

👀 Mmk bro. If that’s what you think makes Houston exciting then more power to ya. There’s not a single person more than 30 miles out that would visit any of that. And if you have to include crawfish and fried chicken as part of the appeal, that does nothing but endorse my point. Houston is ghetto and lame with a sexy skyline. 

I don’t think Dallas or Austin is all that either but what I will say is that Dallas certainly appears to be a nicer, cleaner city but that’s a fairly low bar to clear when compared to Houston. 

Usually when people say Dallas is cleaner, they're referring to Plano and Frisco. Houston is an appealing and a destination place to the black community, especially black women and their girls' trips. This hotel, when it opens, will be among the ones featured on YouTube 

[kennyc05]

1 hour ago, HOUCAJUN said:

Usually when people say Dallas is cleaner, they're referring to Plano and Frisco. Houston is an appealing and a destination place to the black community, especially black women and their girls' trips. This hotel, when it opens, will be among the ones featured on YouTube 

If I'm being honest it depends on what group of people you're talking about if I'm mainly talking to black people they love the hell out of Houston or other minorities as well. Not saying that white people don't but it's just depends who you're talking to.