Quick Getaway Trip to Houston Texas

Lou Martin
13
Quick Getaway Trip to Houston Texas  via  www.productreviewmom.com

Hey Yall!  I'm back from another one of my traveling adventures, this time, my family I visited Texas on Valentine's Day weekend.



Last year for Valentine's Day, Mr. M and I went to Miami, but this year we wanted to do something different, go to a place people wouldn't think of to spend their Valentine's.  We thought about going to either New York or Chicago, but both of those places we didn't want to take the risk of being stuck in a snow storm, so Houston Texas was the clear winner.



We went to Houston during our road trip back in 2014, and we wanted to take a visit back but never had the chance.



And I want to let you all know a secret.....my family, and I have been in the talks about moving to Houston or Austin.  We feel that Texas would be a better option for us than staying in Georgia for the rest of our lives.  I moved to Georgia from California back in 2006, and Georgia is okay but hasn't felt like home, a place for us to grow old at, this may be the reason we're always traveling out of Georgia.  I don't have many friends here in Georgia or family.   I feel a bit lonely out here.



In Texas, I love peoples' southern hospitality, the food is incredible, great culture, a lot of things to do and see, better job opportunities, the cost of living is reasonable, a lot of well-known cities within driving distance from each other, the list can go on and on.   And it's true what they say, everything is bigger and better in Texas.



Even though Valentine's Day is about adults going out on romantic dates minus the kids, we took the girls to Texas with us.  I want them to experience Texas as well to see what their thoughts are about moving there.



Since this was a very short trip, we flew to Houston instead of driving.  I did a package deal on Priceline that included our flights and hotel.  But since it was a three-day holiday weekend and we did our booking kind of last minute we paid in total $1200 and some change.  Ouch!



Quick Getaway Trip to Houston Texas   via  www.productreviewmom.com


And guess what airlines we were placed in?  You guessed it, the ghetto Spirit Airlines!!!  I hate their airlines, fees for this and fees for that.  Seating is super cramped and needs a wash down.



But we stayed in a beautiful hotel that we got to choose, the Hilton Americas.  Hilton is one of my favorite hotel brands, and I had a pleasure working with them in the past when we stayed in Orlando.



I have another complaint about Spirit airlines!!!!  When it comes to Spirit, it's better that you check-in online to avoid the $10 per person check-in fee when you check-in at the airport, and pay for your bags online to avoid paying additional fees, I did all that since I learned from my mistake last year.



I got to the Atlanta airport and the lady at the ticketing booth told me that my suitcase was overweight (over 50 lbs), and I had to pay another $25 for the weight fee.  Oh heck no my suitcase isn't overweight!  We are only traveling to Houston for a day and a half, that's just two outfits from all four of us.  But I had no time to argue before we miss our flight.   Spirit was almost 30 minutes late taking off to our destination.  I have no clue why the lateness.  Do they realize that people may have connecting flights they might miss due to Spirit's tardiness?  Spirit Airlines are the complete worst!  Oh, and it gets better, stay tuned.



I arrived at Houston's airport late, picked up our suitcase, and caught the shuttle to the rental car center.



If you remembered last year's post about my Miami trip, Hertz ran out of cars and had people waiting for hours stranded at the airport.  I complained on Twitter to Hertz, and they gave me a $50 off coupon for our next rental.



I wanted to use the coupon for this trip.  I went to Hertz and showed it to one of the attendants at the counter, and they told me that I had to give it to them when I return the car rental.  Now that doesn't sound right.  Then they said their credit card machine was down for updating, and I had to use their kiosks to speak to a live person to rent a car.



I went to the kiosk, and a girl came on the screen and already trying to upgrade me to an expensive SUV.  "No, give me what I reserved, a small SUV!"



Then she was trying to put me in yet another high priced SUV.  "Look, lady, I don't want it!  Give me what I reserved!"



Finally, she started working on putting me in what I wanted, and then I showed her my coupon.  She said she couldn't honor it because the people behind the counter have to apply it right away.  "But the people behind the counter is telling me I can't use my coupon until I return the vehicle," I said irritably.



I had one of the people behind the counter talk to her, and within minutes, her screen turned off.  I guess she told the attendant you better apply the coupon now our she's telling management.



The attendant used my $50 coupon towards my rental and got us in a small SUV just like I asked.  What happen to the credit card machine updating?  Were you just too lazy to help us?  Hertz, another company I don't like.  Avoid them!  Use Avis or Enterprise, they are the two best rental car companies I like to use when I travel when I don't have a review car dropped off to me.




We were off to our hotel to drop off our suitcase.



Quick Getaway Trip to Houston Texas  via  www.productreviewmom.com


Hilton Americas is in downtown Houston, conveniently located next to George R. Brown Convention Center, and steps away from Discovery Green Park, Toyota Center, BBVA Compass Stadium, and Minute Maid Park.



Quick Getaway Trip to Houston Texas  via  www.productreviewmom.com



The Hilton Americas was elegant with a touch of southern charm.  We stayed in the executive room located on the top floor overlooking downtown Houston.  When staying in the executive room, it includes one king-sized bed or two queen-sized beds, bathrobes, continental breakfast and evening hors d'oeuvres. Other room amenities include a seating area with a chair and an ottoman, a large work desk, a mini-refrigerator, complimentary WiFi, two phones with voice mail, an in-room safe, and a refreshment center with bottled water.



Quick Getaway Trip to Houston Texas   via  www.productreviewmom.com

Quick Getaway Trip to Houston Texas  via  www.productreviewmom.com

Quick Getaway Trip to Houston Texas   via  www.productreviewmom.com



Our room to me seemed like a standard room with a contemporary design.  Our bathroom was larger than regular rooms, which is a plus for me.


Quick Getaway Trip to Houston Texas   via  www.productreviewmom.com

Quick Getaway Trip to Houston Texas  via  www.productreviewmom.com




We loved our beds, 250 thread sheets, plush pillows, weighted soft blankets for a relaxing and peaceful sleep.



Quick Getaway Trip to Houston Texas   via  www.productreviewmom.com



To my surprise, when I turned on the tv the screen welcomed me, what an excellent gesture to acknowledge my visit.  I also liked that the tv in the room was a 48" Smart TV with all the channels.



Quick Getaway Trip to Houston Texas   via  www.productreviewmom.com



We put our belongings down and went driving around looking for a place to have dinner.  Found a spot called Chuy's in the Midtown district and ate Tex-Mex.  Can't go to Texas without eating Tex-Mex!



Quick Getaway Trip to Houston Texas   via  www.productreviewmom.com



Our meals were enormous, and we couldn't eat it all.  I'm telling ya', eating food in Texas will have you gaining weight fast, I can eat on my meal for days!



Quick Getaway Trip to Houston Texas  via  www.productreviewmom.com



We took to-go boxes and headed back to the hotel to go to bed.



2/14

We woke up early and grab a bite to eat at the Executive's Lounge.  The food wasn't much, just oatmeal, eggs, pastries, and yogurt with juices and coffee.   But what I like about this lounge is the impressive views of all of downtown Houston.


Quick Getaway Trip to Houston Texas   via  www.productreviewmom.com

Quick Getaway Trip to Houston Texas   via  www.productreviewmom.com

Quick Getaway Trip to Houston Texas   via  www.productreviewmom.com

Quick Getaway Trip to Houston Texas   via  www.productreviewmom.com



After breakfast, my family and I went to NASA Space Center.  Fun and educational place my whole family and I enjoyed.  A lot of hands on stuff inside, learning about space, and about astronauts the way they live, eat, clean, and their missions.  Just so much to absorb and take all in.  The Space Center is a place you need to go several times to experience everything.


Quick Getaway Trip to Houston Texas   via  www.productreviewmom.com

Quick Getaway Trip to Houston Texas   via  www.productreviewmom.com

Quick Getaway Trip to Houston Texas   via  www.productreviewmom.com

Quick Getaway Trip to Houston Texas   via  www.productreviewmom.com

Quick Getaway Trip to Houston Texas   via  www.productreviewmom.com

Quick Getaway Trip to Houston Texas  via  www.productreviewmom.com

Quick Getaway Trip to Houston Texas  via  www.productreviewmom.com

Quick Getaway Trip to Houston Texas   via  www.productreviewmom.com

Quick Getaway Trip to Houston Texas   via  www.productreviewmom.com

Quick Getaway Trip to Houston Texas   via  www.productreviewmom.com



The highlight of the Space Center was walking into a real space shuttle; we got a feel for how astronauts worked and lived in space.



Quick Getaway Trip to Houston Texas  via  www.productreviewmom.com

Quick Getaway Trip to Houston Texas  via  www.productreviewmom.com

Quick Getaway Trip to Houston Texas  via  www.productreviewmom.com

Quick Getaway Trip to Houston Texas   via  www.productreviewmom.com

Quick Getaway Trip to Houston Texas  via  www.productreviewmom.com

Quick Getaway Trip to Houston Texas   via  www.productreviewmom.com

Quick Getaway Trip to Houston Texas   via  www.productreviewmom.com

Quick Getaway Trip to Houston Texas   via  www.productreviewmom.com



If you're ever in Houston, make sure to visit the Space Center, on Fridays you can meet astronauts in-person.



Quick Getaway Trip to Houston Texas   via  www.productreviewmom.com

Quick Getaway Trip to Houston Texas   via  www.productreviewmom.com

Quick Getaway Trip to Houston Texas   via  www.productreviewmom.com

Quick Getaway Trip to Houston Texas   via  www.productreviewmom.com

Quick Getaway Trip to Houston Texas   via  www.productreviewmom.com

Quick Getaway Trip to Houston Texas  via  www.productreviewmom.com

Quick Getaway Trip to Houston Texas   via  www.productreviewmom.com

Quick Getaway Trip to Houston Texas   via  www.productreviewmom.com

Quick Getaway Trip to Houston Texas   via  www.productreviewmom.com

Quick Getaway Trip to Houston Texas  via  www.productreviewmom.com

Quick Getaway Trip to Houston Texas   via  www.productreviewmom.com

Quick Getaway Trip to Houston Texas   via  www.productreviewmom.com

Quick Getaway Trip to Houston Texas   via  www.productreviewmom.com

Quick Getaway Trip to Houston Texas   via  www.productreviewmom.com

Quick Getaway Trip to Houston Texas    via  www.productreviewmom.com


We heard there was a beach in Galveston about 45 minutes away, so we took a trip there.



Quick Getaway Trip to Houston Texas   via  www.productreviewmom.com


Pleasure Pier at Galveston Island is filled with stores and carnival rides.  We didn't go on the pier since just to walk the pier cost money and the girls didn't want to go on any rides, and that cost too.  So we just opted to drive up and down the coast to site-see.



We saw people riding four-seater bikes, children flying kites, couples holding hands along the beach, restaurants packed with people, and cruise ships were sailing off.




Quick Getaway Trip to Houston Texas   via  www.productreviewmom.com


Next we drove to another pier that was about 30 minutes away called Kemah Boardwalk.  A much better Boardwalk with a lot of things to do, plus walking inside was free.  A lot of different carnival rides, restaurants, boat rides, bands playing, shops, even a hotel overlooking the pier and water.



Quick Getaway Trip to Houston Texas   via  www.productreviewmom.com


We walked around, people watched, and the girls enjoyed their Dippin Dots ice cream.


Quick Getaway Trip to Houston Texas   via  www.productreviewmom.com


Quick Getaway Trip to Houston Texas   via  www.productreviewmom.com

Quick Getaway Trip to Houston Texas   via   www.productreviewmom.com

Quick Getaway Trip to Houston Texas   via  www.productreviewmom.com
Quick Getaway Trip to Houston Texas   via  www.productreviewmom.com

Quick Getaway Trip to Houston Texas   via  www.productreviewmom.com


Quick Getaway Trip to Houston Texas   via  www.productreviewmom.com


We had our Valentine's Day dinner at Saltgrass Steakhouse; it was recommended to us by one of the locals.



Quick Getaway Trip to Houston Texas   via  www.productreviewmom.com


The food was good, but my steak sandwich had a bit too much sauce on it.  I couldn't eat it all.  The girls loved their steaks and Mr. M said his steak would've been good without the butter on top.



After dinner, we were so tired and called it a night.




2/15

Time for us to pack our belongings and go to the airport, but first we need breakfast, some real breakfast, not at the Executive's Lounge.




Quick Getaway Trip to Houston Texas   via  www.productreviewmom.com


Mr. M did a Google search and seen high ratings for the breakfast klub, located in Midtown Houston.  The line was out the door, and I was telling Mr. M that we may miss our flight waiting in line.  The lady monitoring the line and passing out menus told us to get out the car and get in line, the line goes fast.  She was right, the line was fast, and the lady was filled with great personality.  We told her we had a plane to catch, and she made sure to let the employees know we were in a hurry.



Quick Getaway Trip to Houston Texas   via  www.productreviewmom.com



The wait was well worth it!   The best southern breakfast cafe I've ever eaten!  No wonder the breakfast klub has been recognized as one of the “best breakfast restaurants in the nation” by Good Morning America, USA Today, Esquire and Forbes Magazines.  With their signature dishes, grits & wings, and wings & waffles, it gives Glady's Knight Chicken and Waffles restaurant a run for their money.



Our bellies are happy and full, time to go to the airport.  We checked in our bag and guess what, it wasn't overweight, just 38 lbs, the lady from Spirit in Atlanta lied to us!   I complained to the Spirit ticketing lady in Houston, and she refunded my $25.



Spirit Airlines are a bunch of crooks, avoid them if you can, they rip people off!



What are your thoughts about my family and I thinking of moving to Texas, should we do it?





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13 Comments
  1. Excellent review and girl I flew Spirit one time and that was enough for me. Houston is a great town! Keep us posted on your decision!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Spirit is a hot mess! Yes girl I'll keep you posted on our decision. It won't be anytime soon because I would like my daughters to graduate from their school with their friends.

      Delete
  2. Great review. I will avoid Spirit at all costs. As a military brat and ex military wife, I say lice where you and your family are happiest. I moved so much I learned home is where your family thrives. Pray on it. You'll make the right decision.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, avoid Spirit! I just read the other day that Spirit ranks #1 at being the worst airlines. Looks like people have the same complaints like I do.


      I'll continue to pray about it, and let God guide me to the right decision. Thanks girl!

      Delete
  3. Your photos of Houston were incredible! I went to Austin in May and loved it, so I would say go for it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much! I haven't visited Austin yet, but always heard great things about it. I'll need to visit there to make a final decision.

      Delete
  4. Anonymous8:26 AM

    What a great review! I've never been to Texas but would love to visit one day. I've read your reviews about Spirit in your previous posts and I've been telling everyone I know to avoid Spirit. Thank you for the heads up about Hertz too. I understand how you feel about living in Georgia without family. My family and I have been here 10 years and we have no family here either. It doesn't feel like home to us either. We moved from South Carolina to Georgia when the boys were 5 and 6. My husband and I are from the lowcountry of South Carolina and that's where the boys were born. We were just talking about moving back to Charleston, Summerville, or Sullivan's Island in a couple of years. I think you and your family should go for it. Pray about it and GOD will put the right decision in your hearts.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I didn't realize you were in Georgia too, or I may have forgotten. If you don't mind, where in Georgia do you stay?


      I heard Charleston is very nice. I don't blame you wanting to move back home, Georgia just doesn't seem like a place to be without having family here. It doesn't feel like home. Some of Mr. M's family moved here to Georgia as well. Some are still here, and some went back to California because they didn't like it here.

      Delete
  5. wow!Seems you all had a great time.Really like the photos of NASA Space center and the food.Seems all are delicious!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yep we did Amila! If you're ever in the states you and your son should visit The Space Center.

      Delete
  6. I've never been to Houston but it sounds like your trip turned out alright in spite of everything. My son would love to go to that space center!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Seems like I always have some horror story to tell from my travels. LOL!


      Yes girl, your son would have a blast at the space center. Such a fun place, and very educational.

      Delete
  7. Thanks girly! You and your family need to start traveling too. And you can being a blogger, you can start working with travel companies.

    ReplyDelete
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