Houston Travel Forum

Hello all!
I'll be in Houston several times over the next little while, each time for just one night/day. My company puts me up at the Houston Marriott North at Greenspoint (255 North Sam Houston Parkway East). I understand this location is close to the airport. Is there anything close by, even if I have to take a short taxi ride there? When I say anything, I'm looking for a wide variety of things-a nice dinner at a non-chain restaurant, a non-country music bar, possibly some outlet shopping, a museum or something I may not have thought of. I may be on my own, as I can't be sure my colleagues will care to join me, so safety is also key(especially in the evening). Thanks for any tips!

Ther Greenspoint Mall is within walking distance, but it isn't the greatest. There's nothing else around culture-wise, just restaurants and more hotels catering to the airport business. There are a few good Texas BBQ restaurants that are local chains. But unfortunately, you're kind of stuck out in the middle of nowhere since the airport is far from Houston proper (about 20 miles).

If you are able to manage it timewise, it would suit you to go to Houston proper and stay at some place there, like the Galleria area where you have all the things you had mentioned. but it might take 45 minutes to get there by taxi. or you may have to rent a car. there are many many hotels near the IAH airport and almsot all of them are bland and without character. the service personnel seem to know that you are staying there because you have to, not because you want to.. service thus tend to be very poor

It's almost all chain restaurants in that area. There's a really good, little Japanese place on the other side of I-45 that I've eaten at for years, but you can't walk it from the Marriott. It's an office area by nature and shuts down after working hours. Greenspoint 15 or 20 years ago was one of the worst areas of the city (even though it's 15 miles from Downtown) and, although it's improved quite a bit, it's still not a good area to walk around in at night, especially alone.
Rent a car, if you can. You'll be able to drive south to non-chain areas (generally just west of Downtown, like Montrose, and into the Galleria area) and really enjoy Houston. There's nothing to do where you're staying.

I would sooner rent a car than take a 45 minute taxi ride. So, that being said, Montrose or Galleria areas are recommended? Any favorite restaurants/bars/shops or streets in those areas?

What's the name of the Japanese restaurant near my hotel-I may consider going there before heading back to the airport to catch my flight back in the afternoon. Thanks for the tips.

The Greenspoint area is not one of the safest areas and the mall is not one of the nicest. It would be worth it to rent a car (would cost about the same as taxi) and drive to the Galleria, great mall and good restaurants in the mall and within walking distance from the mall. The Midtown area (just sw of downtown) has fun bars and restaurants. Feel free to e-mail me if you need more info next time you're planning to be in Houston.

The Greenspoint area is not a nice area... the mall is, well, not the best I've been to, to say the least. I looked into renting a car and the cost is ridiculous since it's not a weekend-was even considering going to the Rodeo for a few hours-I've never been to a rodeo. Guess I'm stuck in Greenspoint again... hopefully I'll have more time in town next time and can follow all your great suggetions. Thank you all. :)