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Temporary Housing

Information on short-term accommodation options such as hotels, motels, and extended stays.

Sections

1. Types of Temporary Housing in Houston

Houston offers a variety of temporary housing options, ranging from budget-friendly to luxury accommodations. Here are the main types:

a. Hotels

  • Best for: Short stays (a few days to a week).
  • Options: Houston has a wide range of hotels, from budget chains like Motel 6 and La Quinta to luxury hotels like The Post Oak Hotel and Four Seasons.
  • Cost:
    • Budget hotels: $60โ€“$100 per night.
    • Mid-range hotels: $100โ€“$200 per night.
    • Luxury hotels: $250+ per night.
  • Booking: Use platforms like Booking.com, Expedia, or directly through hotel websites. Many hotels offer discounts for extended stays.

b. Extended-Stay Hotels

  • Best for: Stays of a week or more.
  • Options: Brands like Extended Stay America, Homewood Suites by Hilton, and Residence Inn by Marriott cater to longer stays with amenities like kitchenettes and laundry facilities.
  • Cost: $80โ€“$150 per night, with discounts for weekly or monthly stays.
  • Booking: Book directly through the hotelโ€™s website or via platforms like Hotels.com.

c. Short-Term Rentals (Airbnb, Vrbo, etc.)

  • Best for: Flexible stays (a few days to several months) and those seeking a home-like environment.
  • Options: Entire apartments, houses, or private rooms. Many rentals are fully furnished and include utilities.
  • Cost:
    • Private rooms: $50โ€“$100 per night.
    • Entire apartments/houses: $100โ€“$300 per night, with discounts for weekly or monthly stays.
  • Booking: Use platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo. Be sure to read reviews and check cancellation policies.

d. Corporate Housing

  • Best for: Business travelers or those relocating for work.
  • Options: Fully furnished apartments or condos, often located near business districts.
  • Cost: $2,000โ€“$4,000 per month, depending on location and amenities.
  • Booking: Work with corporate housing providers like National Corporate Housing or Oakwood.

e. Sublets

  • Best for: Budget-conscious travelers or those staying for a few months.
  • Options: Sublet apartments or rooms from locals who are temporarily away.
  • Cost: $800โ€“$2,000 per month, depending on the neighborhood and size.
  • Booking: Check websites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or Sublet.com. Exercise caution and verify legitimacy.

f. Hostels

  • Best for: Budget travelers or solo visitors.
  • Options: Limited in Houston, but options like Wanderstay Houston offer affordable dormitory-style accommodations.
  • Cost: $30โ€“$60 per night.
  • Booking: Use platforms like Hostelworld or directly through the hostelโ€™s website.

2. Neighborhoods to Consider

Houston is a large city with distinct neighborhoods, each offering unique advantages. Here are some popular areas for temporary housing:

a. Downtown Houston

  • Best for: Proximity to business centers, cultural attractions, and public transportation.
  • Key Sites Nearby: Discovery Green, Minute Maid Park, Toyota Center.
  • Housing Options: Hotels, corporate housing, and short-term rentals.
  • Cost: Mid to high range.

b. Midtown

  • Best for: Young professionals and those seeking nightlife and dining options.
  • Key Sites Nearby: Midtown Park, bars, and restaurants.
  • Housing Options: Short-term rentals and extended-stay hotels.
  • Cost: Moderate.

c. The Galleria/Uptown

  • Best for: Shoppers and those seeking upscale accommodations.
  • Key Sites Nearby: The Galleria Mall, Waterwall Park.
  • Housing Options: Luxury hotels, corporate housing, and short-term rentals.
  • Cost: High.

d. Medical Center/Museum District

  • Best for: Visitors to the Texas Medical Center or those interested in museums and parks.
  • Key Sites Nearby: Houston Zoo, Hermann Park, Museum of Fine Arts.
  • Housing Options: Extended-stay hotels, short-term rentals.
  • Cost: Moderate to high.

e. Montrose

  • Best for: Artsy, eclectic vibe with a mix of dining, shopping, and cultural attractions.
  • Key Sites Nearby: Menil Collection, Rothko Chapel.
  • Housing Options: Short-term rentals and boutique hotels.
  • Cost: Moderate.

f. Energy Corridor/West Houston

  • Best for: Business travelers working in the energy sector.
  • Key Sites Nearby: Terry Hershey Park.
  • Housing Options: Corporate housing, extended-stay hotels.
  • Cost: Moderate.

g. Suburbs (e.g., Sugar Land, Katy, The Woodlands)

  • Best for: Families or those seeking quieter, more spacious accommodations.
  • Key Sites Nearby: Local parks, shopping centers.
  • Housing Options: Short-term rentals, sublets.
  • Cost: Moderate to low.

3. Expected Costs

  • Daily Budget: $50โ€“$300+ depending on the type of accommodation.
  • Monthly Budget: $1,500โ€“$4,000+ for short-term rentals or corporate housing.

4. Steps for Booking Temporary Housing

  1. Determine Your Budget and Needs: Consider factors like location, amenities, and duration of stay.
  2. Research Options: Use platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, or corporate housing providers.
  3. Check Reviews: Read reviews and ratings to ensure quality and reliability.
  4. Verify Amenities: Confirm whatโ€™s included (e.g., Wi-Fi, parking, laundry).
  5. Contact Hosts/Providers: Ask questions about the property, cancellation policies, and check-in procedures.
  6. Book Early: Houston hosts many events (e.g., rodeos, conventions), so accommodations can fill up quickly.
  7. Confirm Details: Double-check your reservation and communicate your arrival time.

5. Local and Cultural Considerations

  • Transportation: Houston is a car-dependent city. If you donโ€™t have a car, look for accommodations near METRORail lines or bus routes. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are widely available.
  • Weather: Houston is hot and humid, especially in summer. Ensure your accommodation has air conditioning.
  • Events: Major events like the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo or sports games can impact availability and prices. Book early if visiting during these times.
  • Diversity: Houston is one of the most diverse cities in the U.S. Youโ€™ll find a wide range of cultural neighborhoods and cuisines to explore.
  • Safety: While most neighborhoods are safe, research specific areas and avoid poorly lit or isolated locations at night.

6. Proximity to Key Sites

  • Downtown: Ideal for business and cultural attractions.
  • Medical Center: Convenient for healthcare-related visits.
  • Galleria: Great for shopping and dining.
  • Suburbs: Best for families or those seeking a quieter environment.

7. Tips for a Smooth Stay

  • Pack for the Weather: Lightweight clothing for summer, but bring layers for air-conditioned spaces.
  • Explore Local Cuisine: Try Tex-Mex, barbecue, and international cuisines.
  • Be Aware of Traffic: Houston traffic can be heavy during rush hours (7โ€“9 AM, 4โ€“7 PM). Plan accordingly.
  • Stay Flexible: Houstonโ€™s size and diversity mean thereโ€™s always something new to discover.

By considering these factors, youโ€™ll be well-prepared to find and enjoy temporary housing in Houston. Let me know if you need further assistance!