Only in Texas will you find a hotel that feels like the size of, well, Texas. The Marriott Marquis Houston, opened in 2016, is perfectly positioned in the heart of downtown, making it an excellent launchpad for taking in the city’s many landmarks, while also having just about everything you might need within its own walls. Beyond the 1,000 available guest rooms, the hotel features six dining options, access to the neighboring convention center, and a 50,000 square-foot urban oasis on the sixth-floor rooftop. Altitude Rooftop & Pool features a Texas-shaped lazy river, infinity pool, rentable cabanas, day beds, and a spacious bar, all overlooking Discovery Green park, making you feel like you’ve dropped into a coastal retreat.
Also on property are a variety of food and beverage options, including Biggio’s, which is named for MLB legend and former Astros player Craig Biggio and meets any and all sports-fans needs, including dozens of flat screens, 20 beers on tap, and traditional gameday fare. (The hotel also happens to sit a few minutes’ walk from Diakin Park, where the Astros play.) At Xochi, chef Hugo Ortega brings upscale Mexican to the table with Oaxacan-inspired dishes, including a tasting of the seven classic moles of Oaxaca. High Dive, set by the infinity pool and lazy river, is open year round for poolside cocktails and snacks while Cueva is just the spot for lobby lounging, classic cocktails, and snacks like truffle fries and charcuterie.
Also on the sixth floor, overlooking the lazy river, a 24-hour fitness center features floor-to-ceiling windows, Peloton equipment, and plenty of workout gear, while Pure Spa Houston is laid out over 5,000 square feet for pure relaxation. But when it’s time to get out on the town, one of the hotel’s best amenities is its Curator of Culture, Rahmsha Khan, a Houston native who curates cultural and culinary experiences for out-of-towners. Meaning all you have to do is be prepared to take it all in.
