<p>Can anyone suggest hotel accommodations when we visit Rice University this October?</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>There are lots of choices in the near vicinity. One excellent close by option is the Marriott Medical Center. [Houston</a> Medical Center Hotels | Houston Marriott at the Texas Medical Center](<a href=“http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/houmc-houston-marriott-at-the-texas-medical-center/]Houston”>Hotel near Downtown Houston | Houston Marriott Medical Center/Museum District)</p>
<p>^Thanks! I found another Marriott in “Rice Village.” Would this be even closer? It was a bit more expensive, but I wondered if it might even be in walking distance. We have never been there before so I have no idea about what the area is like. Thank you.</p>
<p>I can’t see the Rice Village one with a quick search (or even picture one in that area) but the med center one that blackeyedsusan recommended is definitely within walking distance. It’s about 1 block off of the edge of campus.</p>
<p>Rice has negotiated special rates with a lot of the hotels in the area. Make sure to ask for the Rice rate.</p>
<p>If you want Marriott call and ask for the Rice rate. It is cheaper than anything they show on line. We liked to stay at the Residence Inn -West University at their Rice rate it was very reasonable e and has a good breakfast.</p>
<p>I like Hotel ZaZa in the Museum District. It’s next to Hermann Park and just a short walk to Rice. The Rice U rate is $179/night. They have a car/driver available to take you to dinner, etc, which has worked well for me in the past.</p>
<p>There is no hotel in Rice Village, so I can’t imagine which Marriott you are referring to.</p>
<p>I am staying at the Holiday Inn which has shuttle service to Rice. I am paying $99/night after asking for the Rice rate. But that is the same rate that I found online. Oh well. The fact that the Holiday Inn has shuttle service tips the balance for me because I won’t have to rent a car.</p>
<p>Sorry blackeyedsusan. I must have been mistaken.</p>
<p>Anyone heard of the Magnolia?</p>
<p>The Magnolia is nice, but it’s downtown. Directly across the street from it is a church that houses a terrific local restaurant known as Treebeard’s that serves cajun food in a cafeteria-style setting. Bank workers, lawyers and jury panels all line up here for a great lunch (as it’s close to the courthouse). [Treebeards:</a> The Cloister](<a href=“http://www.treebeards.com/locmenus/lm-cloister.php]Treebeards:”>http://www.treebeards.com/locmenus/lm-cloister.php)</p>
<p>Since we’re on this topic… Restaurant suggestions near Rice (I’m a big fan of Mexican). Also, what areas of Houston are easy to get to from Rice and nice?</p>
<p>We have always had car access when visiting Rice. We enjoy the Courtyard Houston Medical Center on Main Street. This year we booked rooms for Families Weekend for $69/night. The hotel is only around two years old. (Previously we stayed at the one directly next door) It has a nice pool, small workout room, free internet, and the rooms are decorated nicely. It certainly isn’t walking distance though.</p>
<p>We have had some great meals while visiting Rice as well. I have a travel blog with many photos and restaurant names. If you google Occasional Traveler, you will find it under the name My Down-Time. There is a post under October 2010 and August 2012.</p>
<p>PS- If you recognize my son, don’t tell him you saw the blog. ;)</p>
<p>We used to stay at the Best Western, which was perfectly adequate.</p>
<p>Wheres this blog, Brooklyn?</p>
<p>^ Google “My Down-Time Occasional Traveler”</p>
<p>Gotcha. Nice pics.</p>
<p>We like to stay a little further away and have found the holiday inn at reliant field to be a great choice (except when there’s a game on). Older hotel with large rooms but has had enough modernization to keep it nice. Its a short easy drive up Kirby to Main to Rice (or stay on Kirby for breakfast etc at Rice Village. Rates are good (and if you are a hotwire user they are usually $50 - $55 night and easily “recognized”: three star, pool, restaurant, bar…) free parking no other hidden charges.</p>
<p>Marriott Residence Inn on Main St- about 1 mile from Campus- had pretty good rates with a hot breakfast included.</p>