The best areas to stay in Houston?: From the chic Galleria area to Downtown and hipster-friendly Midtown, these are the best areas and hotels in the city.
Where to Stay in Houston: Best Areas & Hotels
Known as the “Space City,” thanks to its connection to NASA’s Johnson Space Center, Houston is a sprawling metropolis in southeastern Texas. It’s the fourth-largest city in the United States, blending urban sophistication with Southern charm. From world-class museums and vibrant arts districts to professional sports and diverse culinary scenes, Houston offers something for everyone. Keep reading to discover the best areas to stay in Houston and find out which neighborhood suits your visit.
Houston has grown into a cultural and economic powerhouse with a history rooted in the oil and gas industries. Visitors can explore its historic downtown, bustling with landmarks like Minute Maid Park and Buffalo Bayou Park. The city attracts millions of travelers annually, and its hotel options range from luxurious high-rises to cozy boutique stays, ensuring a spot for every type of trip.
In addition to its iconic attractions like the Houston Museum District, Space Center Houston, and the Houston Zoo, the city boasts thriving neighborhoods packed with parks, restaurants, and shopping. Must-visit spots include the Heights, a charming area filled with restored homes and trendy cafes, and Montrose, known for its vibrant nightlife and art galleries.
Houston’s atmosphere is as diverse as its neighborhoods. The downtown area exudes a professional vibe, while places like the Museum District and Rice Village are more laid-back and family-friendly. Montrose caters to a younger crowd with its eclectic energy, and the Galleria area is a shopper’s paradise. No matter your preference, Houston’s neighborhoods provide unique experiences to match your travel style.
Ready to plan your visit? Keep reading to uncover the best areas to stay in Houston and find your perfect base for exploring this dynamic city.
If you don’t have the time (or the patience) to read the full article, here is a quick summary of our recommended areas to stay in Houston. Keep reading to find out more information about each of these districts.
Galleria & Uptown are the best areas to stay in Houston, Texas. Our absolute favorite hotel in this area is hands down The Post Oak Hotel (pictured).
If you’re wondering where to stay in Houston, the Galleria area is hard to beat—especially if you want somewhere safe with great shopping, nightlife, amazing food, and top-tier hotels. Just 8 miles west of downtown, Galleria has this mix of upscale vibes and convenience that makes it perfect for all kinds of trips. You’ll find some of the city’s highest-rated hotels here, like luxurious high-rises if you’re treating yourself, or cozy boutique stays that feel a little more personal. And, of course, there’s The Galleria mall—it’s not just any shopping center; it’s the biggest in Texas, with over 400 stores where you can splurge or just window shop. When you’re done shopping, you can dive into the nightlife with a cocktail at a trendy lounge or grab a meal at one of the many incredible restaurants around. Whether you’re here to work, play, or both, the Galleria area makes it easy to feel right at home in Houston.
Packed with attractions, bars, clubs, restaurants, and theaters, the Downtown district is the best area for tourists in Houston. Our favorite hotel in this vibrant area is the Marriott Marquis Houston (pictured).
While most Houston tourist attractions can be found in its central neighborhoods, some, like NASA’s Johnson Space Center are outside of the city, so there’s not a single district that we could classify as the definite area for sightseeing. In the end, the perfect location will depend on your priorities, tastes, and budget. That said, these are some of the most interesting districts for visitors:
Compact and pedestrian-friendly, Downtown Houston is home to the main historical sights in the city including the Theater District, home to the Houston Grand Opera and the Downtown Aquarium, the historic Market Square Park and the office-oriented Central Business District. Some of the best hotels in this area include the Marriott Marquis Houston and The Lancaster Hotel.
A few miles south lies the elegant Museum District, full of shady streets and home to Hermann Park and the main cultural institutions in Houston including the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Holocaust Museum and the Houston Museum of African American Culture. A great option in this area is the Hotel ZaZa Houston Museum District.
Set between Downtown and the Museum District, Midtown Houston is a centrally-located residential area packed with nightlife and restaurants. Houston’s Midtown is also home to a broad offer of tourist apartments and condo hotels such as Sonder at Mid Main Lofts.
While not the most central or attraction-packed district in town, Uptown Houston is a safe and upscale area home to The Galleria Mall, one the largest shopping center in Texas. Hotels here are among the best in the city and include luxury properties such as The Post Oak Hotel.
Galleria is the safest area to stain in Houston, Texas
The Galleria Mall is one of the premier shopping destinations in Texas
Uptown-Galleria is home to some of the best hotels in the Houston Metro Area
Uptown – The Galleria is the best area to stay in Houston for those looking for the best-rated hotels in the city.
Why is this the best area to stay in Houston, TX:
Safest area for tourists in Houston
The Galleria shopping center
Upscale area
Luxury hotels
Upscale restaurants and shopping
Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
Located about 8 miles (13 km) west of downtown, Uptown Houston offers a refreshing escape from the city’s bustling core. It’s a dynamic district blending residential neighborhoods with commercial spaces and office developments. At its heart is the renowned Galleria Mall, which serves as a major draw for locals and visitors alike.
The Galleria isn’t just the largest shopping center in Texas—it’s a destination in itself. Home to a mix of high-end boutiques, popular chain stores, and luxury dining spots, it caters to every kind of shopper. Add to that a large indoor ice-skating rink that’s perfect for cooling off on Houston’s warmer days, and you’ve got a place that’s more than just a mall—it’s an experience.
Beyond The Galleria, Uptown boasts smaller shopping centers, excellent eateries, and a handful of nightlife spots, offering a well-rounded experience for visitors. The area is also a hotspot for accommodations, with many of Houston’s largest and most luxurious hotels located here. Some of these upscale properties are known for their fashionable rooftop bars, offering stunning views of the city skyline, expertly crafted cocktails, and a stylish ambiance perfect for winding down after a day of shopping or sightseeing.
If you’re considering staying here, it’s worth noting that Uptown is slightly removed from downtown and is not directly connected by the METRORail system. However, getting to the city center is straightforward. Travel time to downtown by taxi or rideshare services like Uber typically takes about 15–20 minutes, depending on traffic. The cost ranges from $15 to $25 USD (€14–€23), making it a convenient option for those without a car. Alternatively, local buses run along key streets like Westheimer and Hidalgo, but they may take significantly longer and require planning.
Uptown isn’t all about shopping and hotels, though. Nature lovers will appreciate nearby Memorial Park, one of Houston’s largest green spaces, located just a 5-minute drive (3 miles / 5 km) away. It’s perfect for jogging, cycling, or simply unwinding. Within the park lies the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, which features tranquil trails and fascinating exhibits that highlight the region’s unique plant habitats.
While Uptown might lack the historic charm of other parts of Houston, its combination of shopping, dining, and high-quality hotels makes it a standout area for many visitors. It’s ideal for those who enjoy a bit of luxury, fashionable nightlife, and convenience, even if it means staying slightly outside the city center.
Best Hotels in Uptown Houston / Galleria Area
Best 5-star hotel
The Post Oak Hotel
Set within 1 mi of The Galleria in Houston, The Post Oak Hotel features an outdoor swimming pool and a fitness center. Also featuring a bar, this 5-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom.
Best 4-star hotel
Hyatt Regency Houston Galleria
Located in Houston, 0.2 miles from The Galleria, Hyatt Regency Houston Galleria features an outdoor pool and sun terrace. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant. Free WiFi is offered throughout the property, and valet parking is available on-site.
Best 3-star hotel
Drury Inn & Suites Houston Galleria
A daily hot breakfast and rooms with free Wi-Fi are offered at this Houston Galleria hotel. Drury Inn & Suites Houston Galleria has rooms with a flat-screen TV and cable channels. A refrigerator and a microwave are supplied in every room.
Best budget hotel
Extended Stay America Suites – Houston – Galleria – Westheimer
This Extended Stay America – Houston – Galleria – Westheimer is located in Houston and specially designed for longer stays, with all rooms featuring a fully equipped kitchen. The hotel offers free WiFi and a 24-hour front desk.
Best tourist apartments
Locale Houston – Uptown
Set in Houston, with The Galleria Houston and Waterwall Park nearby, Locale Houston – Uptown offers accommodation with access to a fitness room. Free WiFi is featured throughout the property, and private parking is available on site.
Downtown Huston is known for its avant-garde architectuuure
Downtown Houstonn main skyline
Full of both historical attractions and shiny skyscrapers, the Downtown district is the best area to stay in Houston for those looking to be close to everything.
Why is this the best area to stay in Houston, TX:
Very central location
Best area to stay without a car
Central Business District
Main Street, Historic District & Theater District
Market Square Park
Connected by METRORail, bus & train
History, business, and shopping all come together in Downtown Houston.
Houston was founded in 1837 at the junction of Buffalo and White Oak bayous and served as the capital of the short-lived Republic of Texas from 1837 until 1839. Centered around Market Square Park, the Main Street Market Square Historic District is home to Houston’s oldest structures and historical sights. Around the park, there are three 19th-century buildings still standing: the Fox-Kuhlman Building, the Baker-Meyer Building, and the Kennedy Bakery Building. Other historic buildings in the district include the Houston National Bank, the Magnolia Brewery Building, the Henry Brashear Building, The Rice Hotel, and the Union National Bank Building.
A few blocks southeast of Market Square lies Houston’s Theater District. This 17-block section of Downtown Houston hosts many professional performing arts organizations. It is home to several world-famous venues, including the Houston Grand Opera, the Houston Symphony Orchestra, the Houston Ballet, Theatre Under the Stars, and The Alley Theatre. The Bayou Place Entertainment Complex is home to dozens of restaurants, bistros, bars, live music venues, several theaters, and cinemas.
Other than historical buildings and cultural venues, as couldn’t be otherwise, Downtown Houston is the city’s Central Business District. Up until the 1970s, Houston’s skyline was rather modest compared to other major American cities. In 1971, with the culmination of the 714-foot-tall One Shell Plaza, the race for the tallest building began in Downtown Houston. Today, the city is home to seven of the ten tallest buildings in Texas, with six of them located downtown. At 1,002 feet tall, the 1982 JPMorgan Chase Tower is the tallest structure in the state.
Downtown Houston is also home to the main sports and events venues in the city; Minute Maid Park, Toyota Center, and the George R. Brown Convention Center. Other attractions in the district include the Houston City Hall, Christ Church Cathedral, Annunciation Catholic Church, Discovery Green, and the Downtown Aquarium.
The downtown district is the best area to stay in Houston without a car. All three lines of the METRORail system cross the neighborhood, offering a convenient interchange on Main Street. The Amtrak Station, located north of Market Square, offers train connections on the Sunset Limited east towards New Orleans and west towards Los Angeles (via San Antonio and El Paso). Likewise, the Greyhound bus terminal is located on Main Street.
When it comes to accommodation, Downtown Houston has a very wide hotel offer ranging from top-notch luxury brands to mid-range business-style hotels and a few generic budget options.
All and all, Downtown Houston is the best area to stay in Houston for sightseeing, business travelers, concerts, and sports events.
Best Hotels in Downtown Houston
Best 5-star hotel
Four Seasons Hotel Houston
Located in downtown Houston, 0.6 mi from Toyota Center sports arena, this hotel features a full-service spa, an onsite restaurant, and rooms with free WiFi. Houston’s Theatre District is within 0.6 mi of the property.
Best 4-star hotel
The Lancaster Hotel
Located in the lively Theater District of Houston, Texas, this boutique hotel is listed as a Texas Historic Landmark and a Historic Hotel of America. The hotel features free WiFi and an intimate dining experience at Cultivated F+B, which serves American cuisine.
Best 3-star hotel
Best Western Plus Downtown Inn & Suites
Featuring free WiFi, Best Western Plus Downtown Inn & Suites is located in Houston, 0.7 mi from Theater District Houston. George R. Brown Convention Center is less than 1.2 mi from the property, while NRG Stadium is within 5.3 mi.
Best budget hotel
Athens Hotel & Suites
This downtown Houston hotel is a 5-minute walk from the Toyota Center and one kilometer from the Downtown Aquarium. The hotel offers suites with kitchens.
Best tourist apartments
Sonder l The Hogg Palace
Set in Houston in the Texas region, with Alley Theater and Wortham Center nearby, Sonder — The Hogg Palace offers accommodations with free WiFi and free private parking.
Best Area to Stay in Houston for Nightlife & LGBT Travelers
Midtown and neighboring Montrose are the best districts to stay in Houston for those looking for great nightlife and a central location.
Why is this the best area to stay in Houston, TX:
Central location
Quiet shady streets
Best area for nightlife & food
Art Deco architecture
Houston’s LGBTQ+ district
Connected by METRORail & bus
Located between the Central Business District and the Museum District, Midtown Houston is a lively and very centrally-located area with a few attractions and some of the best nightlife in town.
Like Downtown Houston, Midtown follows a strict grid plan, and both are centered around Main Street. Born in the late 19th century as a Victorian-style residential area for the upper classes, Midtown went through an economic decline during the 20th century that saw many of its residents move to the newly created suburbs of the city. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, several public and private efforts were put in place to revitalize the neighborhood, and the area became a hotspot for new residential and business developments and a bustling nightlife and food district developed in its now gentrified streets.
Today, Midtown displays an interesting mix of historic buildings and new developments. While there aren’t many “traditional” tourist attractions in the neighborhood, the district is home to a few sights, including 1920s Spanish-revival Isabella Court, the Trinity Episcopal Church, the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, and Midtown Park.
West of Midtown Houston lies Montrose. Known for its Art Deco architecture and impressive mansions, this district was designed in the early 20th century as a mainly upper-middle and upper-class residential area. Like Midtown, the neighborhood saw many residents move to the suburbs after WWII.
In the 1960s and 70s, Montrose became a haven for Houston’s counter-cultural and bohemian movements, welcoming hippy communes, alternative social centers, artists’ collectives, and the gay community. Since then, Montrose has been Houston’s LGBTQ+ neighborhood.
Not unlike neighboring Midtown, Montrose went through a process of gentrification in the 1990s and has since become one of the most desirable districts in Houston. Attractions in Montrose include the Menil Collection, the Houston Center For Photography, and the non-denominational Rothko Chapel.
Midtown Houston is well-connected to the city center and the Museum District through the METRORail system and the city’s bus network.
Best Hotels in Midtown Houston & Montrose
Best 4-star hotel
Sonder at Mid Main Lofts
Set in Houston, Sonder at Mid Main Lofts offers accommodations with free WiFi and free private parking. Units are fitted with air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchen, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom.
Best boutique hotel
La Colombe d’Or Hotel
La Colombe d’Or Hotel features a restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, and a bar. Among the facilities at this property are a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi throughout the property.
Best B&B
Modern B&B
This modern Houston bed and breakfast serves a gourmet, organic breakfast and private rooms with free Wi-Fi. It is just 5 mi from downtown Houston.
Home to some of the most important cultural institutions in Texas, Houston’s Museum District is a quiet and green neighborhood and one of the most convenient areas to stay in the city.
Why is this the best area to stay in Houston, TX:
Convenient location
Hermann Park
Houston Museum of Natural Science
Museum of Fine Arts & Contemporary Arts Museum
Holocaust Museum Houston
Connected by METRORail & bus
Located between Midtown and Medical Center, Houston’s Museum District is home to a collection of 19 museums, galleries, and cultural centers and organizations.
Considered one of the largest cultural districts in the southern United States, the Museum District is one of the most visited tourist areas in the city, attracting some 9 million visitors interested in art, history, culture, and nature.
Its southern end is occupied by Hermann Park, a 445-acre green area packed with gardens, monuments, and attractions. Opened in 1914, it is one of the oldest public parks in the city and is home to sights including the Hermann Park Golf Course, one of the first desegregated public golf courses in the United States, the Hermann Park Railroad, Miller Outdoor Theatre, the Houston Zoo, the Japanese Garden, Mecom Fountain, Pioneer Memorial, and Sam Houston Monument.
The Houston Museum of Natural Science, established in 1909 and located within the park, also includes the Burke Baker Planetarium, the Cockrell Butterfly Center, and the Wortham Giant Screen Theatre.
Nearby, the Museum of Fine Arts, one of the largest museums in the United States, displays a permanent collection consisting of 70,000 pieces from around the world and spanning 6,000 years of history. Its Italian Renaissance and French Impressionism collections are among the largest and most comprehensive in America. If you enjoy modern art, the Contemporary Arts Museum and Cullen Sculpture Museum are located next door.
If you’re traveling with kids, then make sure to visit the Children’s Museum Houston, a family-friendly museum with hands-on displays about science and nature. Likewise, The Health Museum offers interactive displays centered around the human body.
Other must-see institutions in the Museum District include the Houston Museum of African American Culture, dedicated to Black history, the Holocaust Museum Houston, the Czech Center Museum Houston, and the Houston Center for Photography.
The Museum District is very well-connected to Midtown and Downtown Houston thanks to the red line of the METRORail, which offers four different stops along San Jacinto and Fannin streets. The area is also well-connected by buses and taxis.
Although the Museum District is home to some of the most visited tourist attractions in Houston, the truth is that this area is somewhat lacking in accommodation options. That said, there are several Airbnb-style apartments and a handful of hotels to choose from.
Best Hotels in the Museum District
Best 4-star hotel
Hotel Zaza Houston Museum District
Offering an outdoor pool, terrace, and poolside bar, Hotel Zaza Houston Museum District is located in Houston, Texas. Featuring free WiFi, the hotel has a spa center and sauna, as well as an onsite restaurant.
Best 3-star hotel
Sonder l The Hampstead
Sonder l The Hampstead offers accommodations with free WiFi and free private parking. All units here are air-conditioned and feature a flat-screen TV, a living room with a sofa, and a well-equipped kitchen.
Best tourist apartment
Newly Furnished 1BR Apartment w/ Hermann Park View
Located in Houston, 0.9 mi from the Houston Museum of Natural Science and 1.1 mi from Hermann Park/Rice U Station, this apartment offers air conditioning.
The Texas Medical Center is home to a wide hotel offer and is a convenient area to stay in Houston.
Why is this the best area to stay in Houston, TX:
Central location
Hermann Park
Texas Medical Center
Close to some of the best hospitals in the country
Connected by METRORail & bus
Houston is known for having the best medical communities in the country, perhaps the world. That’s not surprising since it’s home to the Texas Medical Center, the largest health sciences complex on the planet.
Renowned for its world-leading expertise in fields including cancer treatment, heart surgery, and pediatric care, the 21 hospitals, and 60+ institutions and research institutes in the Texas Medical Center welcome more than 7.2 million visitors each year.
TMC is located in south-central Houston, directly south of Hermann Park and the Museum District. As the most visited medical destination in the country, the area is home to a vast number of hotels ranging from simple chains to luxurious and boutique properties.
Houston’s MetroRail runs through the center of the district, which makes it easy to travel from the campus to the Museum District, Downtown, and NRG Park.
Best Hotels in Texas Medical Center
Best 4-star hotel
InterContinental Houston Medical Center, an IHG Hotel
InterContinental Houston Medical Center, an IHG Hotel features a restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, and bar in Houston. The property provides a 24-hour front desk, a shuttle service, room service, and free WiFi.
Best 3-star hotel
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Houston SW – Medical Ctr Area, an IHG Hotel
Featuring free WiFi, this Holiday Inn Express & Suites is set in Houston. Complimentary breakfast is served daily.
Best budget hotel
Staybridge Suites – Houston – Medical Center, an IHG Hotel
This Houston motel offers an outdoor pool and free shuttles to the nearby medical centers. 2 mi from Houston Zoo, it provides free Wi-Fi in every room.
It may not be the most central area to stay, but if it’s your first time traveling to Houston, NASA’s Johnson Space Center is probably the number one attraction on your list.
Why is this the best area to stay in Houston, TX:
Houston Space Center
Best location for a family trip
Budget hotels
If you’re traveling to Houston with kids (or even without them), chances are you’re planning to visit NASA’s Johnson Space Center.
The Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, as it’s officially called, is NASA’s center for human spaceflight. Located in Clear Lake, about 30 miles southeast of downtown Houston, this gigantic complex is one of ten major NASA field centers and is especially famous for coordinating the Apollo program, which succeeded in landing the first humans on the Moon.
Its visitor center, Space Center Houston displays 400+ artifacts related to space exploration including the Mercury 9, Gemini 5, and Apollo 17 space capsules, and offers tours of some of the buildings where history was made, including the Mission Briefing Center.
With over one million annual visitors, Space Center Houston is one of the most visited attractions in Texas.
Best Hotels around Johnson Space Center
Best 3-star hotel
Courtyard by Marriott Houston NASA Clear Lake
Located 0.5 mi from NASA Johnson Space Center, this Houston hotel features an outdoor pool and Wi-Fi throughout the property.
Best budget hotel
Extended Stay America Suites – Houston – NASA – Johnson Space Center
This Extended Stay America – Houston – NASA – Johnson Space Center is located in Houston and specially designed for longer stays, with all rooms featuring a fully equipped kitchen. The hotel offers a 24-hour front desk.
Home to the Energy Corridor and Bear Creek Pioneers Park, Northwest Houston is a mainly suburban area home to a wide selection of hotels.
Largely made up by expansive residential suburbs and parkways, West and Northwest Houston are great areas to stay for people traveling by car.
What this area lacks in attractions, it sure makes up in accommodation options. NW Houston is home to all kinds of hotels ranging from cheap motels to luxury properties.
Best Hotels in Northwest Houston
Best 4-star hotel
Embassy Suites by Hilton Houston-Energy Corridor
This all-suite hotel in Houston, Texas is minutes from I-10 and companies including Shell. The hotel offers a free cooked breakfast and evening reception with beverages and snacks.
Best 3-star hotel
Homewood Suites By Hilton Houston Memorial
Homewood Suites By Hilton Houston Memorial is set in Houston, less than 2.5 mi from Memorial City Mall and CityCentre. The property is located 5 mi from Houston Arboretum and Nature Center.
Best budget hotel
Palace Inn Houston Northwest 290
Located conveniently in Northwest Houston, Palace Inn Houston Northwest 290 offers rooms with a desk, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, bed linen, and towels.
Houston is the fourth most populous city in the United States and is located southeast of the state of Texas, near the Gulf of Mexico.
This Texas metropolis enjoys tourist attractions such as the Space Center, home of US space missions, the Houston Galleria Mall, the Museum District, and the lively nightlife in Montrose.
The Best Areas to Stay in Houston – Top Districts and Hotels
Houston enjoys a subtropical climate, so the recommended months to visit the city are May and September. During the summer months, temperatures of over 90ºF (32°C) are common, while in mild winter, the temperatures drop to 61ºF (16°C).
The transportation system of Houston consists of light rail (METRORail) and Metro buses, with a variety of stations throughout the city.
In case of arriving at the Bush Intercontinental Airport or the Houston Hobby, you can take the Super Shuttle, the METRO bus, or a taxi to move to other Houston areas
Houston is a city of epic proportions. If your visit to Houston is solely to visit the NASA Space Center, you can choose to stay in its surroundings See accommodation near Houston Space Center.
Areas such as Downtown Houston and Galleria are recommended when deciding where to stay in Houston, as they have hotels that suit the purpose of travel, budget, and interests (See accommodation in Galleria | See hotels in Downtown Houston.
