Over the weekend, I had the most darling staycation with my husband at the Marriott Medical Center / Museum District in Houston! The hotel recently completed the final phase of their multi-million dollar renovation that includes a new lobby, 2 new restaurants (Main & Green and Curate), a refreshed M Club for elite members and an updated fitness center.
Note: This post is sponsored by the Marriott Medical Center / Museum District. All opinions and experiences are my own!
The Medical Center / Museum District Location
Location location location! The Marriott Medical Center / Museum District location has it all. It’s amazingly situated with super easy access to Rice University, Hermann Park, and the Museum District. The neighborhood is briming with 19 museums and tons of weekly activities and events and programming. These are some of my favorite spots for you to explore.
Hermann Park
- Paddle boats at Hermann Park — only open 10am – 4pm
- Miller Outdoor Theatre — check out their free summer theater programing
- McGovern Centennial Gardens
- Japanese Garden at Hermann Park
- Houston Zoo — you must feed the giraffes and visit Zoo Lights in the winter!
- Brays Bayou — rent bikes or walk along the extensive trail network
Museum District
- Cloud Column — Houston’s version of Chicago’s Bean
- Contemporary Art Museum Houston – free entrance!
- Museum of Fine Arts (MFAH) — don’t miss Thursday’s at the MFAH (DJ, drinks and free museum entrance) and the immersive summer art installation (see the 2017 and 2016 exhibits)
- Nancy & Rich Kinder Building — newest MFAH addition with tons of modern art and a fabulous James Turrell light tunnel
- Houston Museum of Natural Science — did you know Houston has the most extensive paleontology (aka dinosaurs!!) collection in North America?
Rice University
- James Turrell SkySpace – go for sunrise or sunset for the daily light show!
- 3-mile running loop around the edge of campus
Rice Village
- Sipple – non-alcoholic bottle shop
- Tecovas – Texas made boot maker
- Local Foods Market — artisan grocery, wine and shop
Metro Rail
The Marriott Medical Center / Museum District is situated at the Dryden/TMC stop of the Red METRO Rail Line. Here are some stops that are supper accessible:
- NRG Stadium –only 3 stops away or a 7 minute ride –so perfect for Houston Rodeo goers who want to skip the crowds and lines or parking at the stadium
- Midtown — 5 stops away or 10 minute ride
- Downtown — 10 stops away or a 20 minute ride
Pro tip: Ditch your car and don’t worry about parking in this crowded city neighborhoods! The Marriott has a free shuttle that will take you anywhere you want within a 2-mile radius of the hotel. The Red METRO Rail Line that can take you to Downtown Houston or NRG Stadium for just $1.25 and often goes faster than driving in traffic!
Where to Eat in the Med Center / Museum District
My favorite dining spots are sprinkled across the Museum District and Rice Village that are super convenient to get to from the Marriott Med Center / Museum District.
Museum District
- Le Jardiner — French restaurant for a fancy date night
- Grand Prize — dive bar with craft cocktails
- Bodega’s Taco Shop
- Cafe Leonelli — Italian cafe inside the MFAH
- MF Sushi — elegant sushi and omakase
- Lucille’s — go for brunch!
Rice Village
- Rice Box – quick Chinese-American takeout
- Craft Pita — healthy Mediterranean bowls and wraps
- Bitty & Beau’s Coffee — adorable coffee shop that employs humans with disabilities
- Grinder’s Coffee — CBD coffee shop with a cute mural
- Sixty Vines — pizza and wine night
- Navy Blue — elegant restaurant from legendary chef Aaron Bludorn
- Under the Volcano — excellent frozen cocktails
What I Loved About the Marriott Medical Center / Museum District
I took advantage of all the amenities while I was at the Marriott Med Center / Museum District. Some highlights from my stay included:
- Main & Green — onsite restaurant that serves casual, comfort cuisine for breakfast and lunch.
- Curate — new restaurant and bar is open daily with full dinner menu from 2pm to 11pm and happy hour 3pm to 6pm
- Fitness Center and Indoor Pool — newly renovated with an outdoor sundeck and lounge area and a Peloton bike!!
- Complimentary Shuttle Service — available first come first serve 6am to 11pm for anywhere within a 2 mile radius of the hotel
- M Club – you get into the club for free when you hit Platinum status, or you can pay $50 per night to receive access
The Marriott team was also sweet enough to upgrade my husband and I into the Presidential Suite for the weekend! I’ve never stayed in a hotel room this spacious. We had two entrances, a bedroom, an expansive living room, a dining table for 6 and a lounge area with four additional chairs. They also greeted us with an adorable Texas-theme welcome package of DIY margaritas and chips and salsa. The robes robes and slippers were legit and I wore them pretty much whenever I was in the room. It’s nice to take off your shoes and feel cozy in the space! Click here to book your next stay!
Why Marriott Bonvoy is the Best
I’m a career consultant and have had my share of experiences at hotels around the world. Marriott Bonvoy brands are hands down my favorite because of the amenities and perks that come with being a Marriott Bonvoy rewards member. I’m currently Titanium status for this year and working to get lifetime status based on overall nights stayed. A few years ago I got the Marriott Bonvoy Chase Credit Card, which helped me continue to earn points and nights even when the world was closed down.
Perks of being a Marriott Rewards Member
- Points never expire
- Priority late check-out for Elite Members – up to 4pm
- Complimentary Wi-fi
- Access to Lounge or M Club – 24/7 snacks, beverages, breakfast and appetizers / desserts
- Gold members and higher receive enhanced room upgrades
- Elite members earn more points
- United Airlines Gold members receive Gold Elite Bonvoy Status
Let me know if you have any questions about my Marriott experience! I’d love to chat! Click here to book your next stay!