Getting Here, Getting Around and Staying Here

All right, I will try to add to this later, but here is some basic information.

• Getting Here:

There are two main airports in Houston: Bush Intercontinental and Hobby. Hobby is significantly closer to downtown, but neither one is exactly close. You can get downtown from either on public transportation. Intercontinental has a somewhat pricey but direct shuttle option from downtown, while Hobby has inexpensive but somewhat slow bus service).

From Intercontinental: ($15, 30 minute ride)
http://www.ridemetro.org/Services/airport_direct.aspx

From Hobby: ($1.25, 45 minute ride, #88 bus)
http://www.ridemetro.org/SchedulesMaps/TransitCenter/Hobby.aspx

• Getting Around:

For those of you not familiar with Houston, it isn't the easiest city to get around without a car. Still, this wedding is pretty downtown focused and you should be able to do most of what you'd need to/want to without one. The only exception is Friday evening dinner in Katy, TX, but hopefully you would be able to carpool their with other guests.

If you're coming for multiple days and want to enjoy the area, you certainly won't regret renting a car. Particularly if your time here is relatively short, you'll definitely be able to get by without one.

• Staying Here:

We recommend that you stay at the Hotel Icon. They're offering our group a very good rate, and they're literally two blocks away from the site of the wedding ceremony. This is where we are staying after the reception and will be the center of the party.

The hotel is located at 220 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002. To receive our rate, you must book your room by September 16th by calling 832-667-4450. Say that you are part of Maria Guzman's wedding party.

I had hoped to have Club Quarters as a second option, which seemed to have very reasonable rates and a convenient location. Unfortunately, they refused to let me see what their rooms looked like, so I cannot personally recommend them. Still, they have favorable reviews online and they might be worth a try. Their phone number is (713) 224-6400.

You would have to stay a fair distance from downtown to get a significantly better rate, but that could be a reasonable option if you're renting a car. The last time I looked there were some very affordable places along I45 between downtown and Hobby airport. At times other than rush hour, this is only about a 10-15 minute drive from downtown.

Parking:
The Kim Son Parking Garage, right on Market Square and within 2 blocks of both the Magnolia Ballroom and the Hotel Icon, is probably the best place to park. I am going to continue to look into other options or potentially a special rate. Guests who rent a car and stay downtown will definitely need to pay something to park at least some of the time. Anyone staying in other parts of Houston is likely to be able to park for free.