Houston, the fourth largest city in the United States boasts an eclectic arts and culture scene expanding beyond the Theater and Museum Districts. With more than 7 million residents in its metro area, Houston is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the country. Visitors to H-Town will have an ample variety of options for accommodations, including the new resorts, ideal for family travel, as well as elegant boutique hotels. In Houston, the local gastronomy takes its own spotlight with more than 13,000 restaurants including flavors and cuisines from more than 70 countries and world regions. When in Houston, you are one of us, here are the most recent industry news.

EXCITING NEW DEVELOPMENTS

Great Wolf Lodge Texas Gulf Coast announced October 18, 2024, as the opening day for its newest resort. Great Wolf Lodge Texas Gulf Coast, located in Webster, will feature a 92,000 square-foot indoor water park with an all-new design thematic and the Great Wolf Pack, the resort's cast of character friends and stars of an animated film and series created by Great Wolf Entertainment. The 532-room resort, the company's second in Texas, is being constructed on a 27-acre site east of the Gulf Freeway and south of the NASA Bypass, not far from Space Center Houston.

Meow Wolf Houston -The 5th permanent exhibition of Meow Wolf is scheduled to open later this year in Houston, located in the city's Fifth Ward, northeast of Downtown.  Meow Wolf Houston has selected more than 40 local and regional artists to collaborate on its newest location with immersive and inspiring art works that reflect on Houston's diversity. 

The Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS) has reopened the revamped Welch Hall: Matter & Motion exhibit with ten interactive galleries and topics that include: The Houston Connection, Newton's Cradle and History of the Universe. Special features like pioneering touch-free technology and other enhancements contribute to the new hall's unforgettable experience. Among other exhibits at HMNS are the Hall of Ancient Egypt, Cockrell Butterfly Center and the amazing Morian Hall of Paleontology. 

After two years of construction, the new 26-acre development The Commons at Hermann Park debuted in April, 2024. Locals and visitors alike will enjoy a series of interactive elements, including the Space Adventure playground with a 45-foot-tall Rocket Ship slide, water features, plus the classic swings and a modern carrousel. The renovated Fannin Pavilion is a central feature with major refurbishments including more natural light, food stations and food truck court, and custom wooden tables and benches, perfect for a family picnic day! 

Eternal Gandhi Museum Houston is the first museum in the Americas dedicated to preserving and promoting Mahatma Gandhi's legacy of non-violent conflict resolution. The museum was inaugurated on October 2, 2023, Mahatma Gandhi's 154th birthday. 

UNIQUE HOTELS 

Hotel Daphne (opening 2025) –The new build hotel, a Bunkhouse group project, will be set in the historic Heights neighborhood, featuring 47 guestrooms and suites, an all-day restaurant, ground-floor bar and lounge, pool and pool bar, courtyard, library, and a lobby retail store. To seamlessly blend into the area's recycled industrial aesthetic, Hotel Daphne will showcase elements like painted brick, and steel-framed windows. 

Hotel Saint Augustine (to open late 2024) -The upscale boutique hotel, the Bunkhouse group's first project in Houston, will artfully spread across five small buildings over two floors with 71 guestrooms, a full-service restaurant, lobby bar and pool. Located in the Montrose neighborhood, by The Menil Collection in the Museum District. 

Thompson Houston – The 36-story luxury hotel, with 172 rooms, including 34 suites and 100 private villas debuted early 2024 west of Downtown, along the scenic Buffalo Bayou Park. The new hotel boasts several chef-driven restaurants, a full-service spa and one of the city's largest rooftop pool decks, in addition to its own heliport. 

Moxy by Marriott Houston – The stylish chic 120-room hotel, opened December 2023, sits in a historic 15-floor building in Downtown Houston's historic district. On arrival, guests' check-in at Bar Moxy and receive not only the room key, but also a complimentary signature cocktail. 

NEW RESTAURANTS

PostScript -This elegant restaurant decorated in shades of pink, features classic American fare with a deluxe menu by chef Bryan Caswell. The main dining room boasts a centerpiece hand-painted grand piano and convenient Press for Champagne doorbells at each booth, ensuring the swift delivery of bubbles. 

Late August -Chef Chris Williams' new restaurant at The Ion, a technology park and innovation district in Houston's Midtown, presents diners with a unique menu that takes influences from him and his executive chef Sergio Hidalgo, featuring southern, African and Central American flavors. 

Conservatory Galleria -This new dining destination in Houston's Uptown invites diners to embark on a culinary adventure. The vibrant three-level food hall features an array of cuisines from 11 diverse food vendors and two innovative bar concepts.

Tatemó's chef Emmanuel Chavez is a finalist for the Best Chef: Texas category in this year's James Beard Foundation awards. Even as the recipient of several awards and recognitions, Tatemó is still an unassuming restaurant that has made it its mission to restore the cultural value of maíz (corn) by working with nixtamalized corn for their menu creations.

Initial projections indicate that in total Houston received 51 million visitors in 2023, 5% more than in 2022.

Find more information and details on Houston's attractions, events, hotels, restaurants, and helpful visitor information for your next trip at: VisitHouston.com.

Houston Photo gallery is available at: https://www.visithoustontexas.com/media/photo-and-b-roll-gallery/

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ABOUT HOUSTON FIRST

Houston First Corporation (HFC) is a local government corporation and the official destination marketing organization for the country's fourth largest city. In addition to serving as operator for the George R. Brown Convention Center and some of Houston's most prominent art, entertainment, and event venues, HFC is focused on promoting the city's vibrancy and rich tapestry of culture. By harnessing the city's collective energy, ambition, and creativity, including its diverse culinary scene, world-renowned performing arts, medical and space innovation, and elite filming locations, HFC is solidifying Houston as a premier national and global destination. For the latest news and info regarding HFC, visit www.houstonfirst.com.