better bathrooms for all

Houston Airports relieves travelers with $30 million for restroom upgrades

George Bush Intercontinental Airport Houston

Some of the restrooms at IAH are 20 years old.

Photo courtesy of Visit Houston

Houston Airports is making a major investment in helping travelers take care of one of their most basic needs. Over the next two years, the agency will invest $30 million in upgrading the bathrooms at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and at William P. Hobby Airport (HOU).

The money will be used to upgrade restrooms throughout Hobby and at IAH’s Terminals A and D. Houston Airports notes the restrooms at IAH are about 20 years old. Houston Mayor John Whitmire had made the upgrades one of his priorities.

Plans for the renovations include replacing floors, walls, stalls, lighting, sinks, and counters. The new stalls will be larger, with enough room for a carry-on suitcase and a shelf to hold a person’s bag, and will better comply with ADA regulations. Even better, occupancy sensors for each stall will mean not having to look for feet when trying to determine if one is available.

“Houston Airports joins Mayor Whitmire in a shared strategic priority to make our passengers happy. Earlier this year, the mayor challenged Houston Airports to prioritize the renovation of our aging restrooms at both airports,” Houston Airports director of aviation Jim Szczesniak said in a statement. “We are committed to exceeding expectations and ensuring that Houston Airports offers a world-class travel experience for all passengers. The restroom renovation project is a significant step forward in achieving that goal.”

Overall, the upgrades will include:

IAH Terminal A: 18 restrooms, seven family restrooms, and a companion care changing room
IAH Terminal D: Five restrooms, one restroom in the Mother’s Room
HOU: 9 restrooms each in Departures and the Ticketing Lobby

A $10 million grant from the FAA will help subsidize the cost of the renovations.

As for IAH Terminals B, C, and E, United has agreed to upgrade them as well. Last year, United and Houston Airports agreed to invest $2.6 billion to upgrade Terminal B.

"In 2023, Houston Airports welcomed a record 60.1 million passengers, with a vast majority flying through Bush Airport,” Szczesniak added. “It’s imperative that Houston Airports continue improve existing infrastructure to meet increasing demand while aligning our terminals to meet the modern and sustainable design of the new IAH international terminal. The end result of these projects will be a more resilient and sustainable airport system that delivers an efficient passenger experience from curb to gate.”

airport

Texas getaways

6 best Hill Country and San Antonio hotels for a weekend getaway

Photo courtesy of Monarch Hotel website

The new Monarch Hotel has opened near the iconic Hemisfair.

The San Antonio area is buzzing with a number of freshly renovated hotels and brand-new accommodations that are beckoning for a weekend getaway. Head west for about three hours from Houston and settle into a romantic Hill Country retreat or check into a hip stay in the heart of the Alamo City.

From romantic Hill Country havens to buzzy downtown hotels that have just opened their doors, here are our top picks for a chic San Antonio stay this fall.

The Gunter Hotel
This downtown San Antonio hotel’s multimillion-dollar renovation wasn’t just about adding fancy new furniture; it was about honoring the property’s storied history. Inspired by Robert Johnson's history-making stay in Room 414, the Gunter serves as a love letter to San Antonio’s music heritage. Add elegant rooms and suites, refined American fare at Jots, the city’s first Paris Baguette location, and a street-level speakeasy, and you've got more than enough excuses to book a stay.

The Monarch Hotel
A new kid on the block, this Hemisfair hotel takes flight from the second you step into the lobby. But the snazzy design is second to the dining. Grab a morning pastry at the Nectarie Café, splurge on steaks at Oak & Amber, then have after-dinner drinks underneath the butterfly wing eaves of Alateo. Theme continues outdoors with the property’s La Mariposa sculpture — the perfect backdrop for a vacation selfie.

The InterContinental Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk
This underrated property scores high marks with those who seek the buzz of the city core. Located within walking distance of multiple popular restaurants and bars, the hotel itself also has a dining standout with Cavalier, offering a globally-inspired menu of coq au vin, picanha, short rib, lamb shank, and more. The social set will want to check out its frequent wellness events and movie nights and pony up for a suite with access to the posh Club InterContinental.

The Ranch Motel
During the day, this Broadway spot’s pool is home base for the see-and-be-seen crowd, with snacks served by some of Alamo City’s hottest pop-ups. After the sun sets, it feels even more exclusive thanks to a dimly lit upstairs mezcal lounge and showers stocked with Le Labo products.

Schedule a couple's massage at Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Villas.Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Villas/ Facebook

Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Villas
This Hill Country retreat is located near SeaWorld San Antonio, but don’t waste a minute finding Nemo. Instead, head to the crystal lagoon for some splashy fun, get a massage at the spa, and share some charcuterie at Antlers Lodge. After a full day, sink into the bed outfitted with luxurious linens — part of a massive $100 million renovation.

JW Marriott Hill Country Resort
This secluded hideaway near Stone Oak sprawls out on 600 acres. Every type of weekend warrior will find something to explore — from multiple restaurants for foodies to a 9-acre waterpark for adventurers and a 36-hole golf course. Later in the year, snuggle up and enjoy some frosty holiday activations.

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