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    hotel news

    Tilman Fertitta's downtown hotel debuts multi-million-dollar makeover

    Brianna McClane
    Sep 25, 2025 | 9:30 am

    The Westin Houston Downtown is showcasing a multi-million-dollar renovation, featuring refreshed rooms, dining spaces, and Houston-inspired design touches.

    \u200bThe Westin Houston Downtown lobby

    Courtesy of Westin Houston Downtown

    The Westin Houston Downtown has undergone a multi-million-dollar renovation.

    Directly across from Daikin Park, the Fertitta Hospitality-owned hotel is a common spot for visitors and locals alike to gather for conferences, events, and a quick bite before the ball game.

    “This renovation marks a new chapter for The Westin Houston Downtown,” Brian Sciberras, general manager, said in a statement. “People stay with us because of the care, service, and location we provide. With refreshed rooms and vibrant dining areas, we’ve created spaces that feel inviting, comfortable, and distinctly Houston.”

    The city’s natural landscapes inspired the hotel's refresh. A custom mirror, inspired by tree bark’s texture, was commissioned from a local artist to serve as the focal point of the lounge. The color palette has been updated to feature greens reminiscent of Houston’s oak and cypress trees, while hints of yellow allude to the wildflowers found alongside the city’s streets.

    An oversized entertainment unit with a raw-edge limestone shelf houses an 85-inch screen, ideal for those who want to catch the game while sipping a craft cocktail at Ballpark Bar. The large piece separates the lounge from the main bar, creating two distinct spaces.

    In the Ballpark Cafe, natural cork now covers the walls, while sconces and chandeliers have been modernized throughout.

    The 200 guest rooms have received new flooring, mini refrigerators, and headboards boasting built-in reading lights. Once again, greens and yellows play a part, with beige and wood tones adding to the calming effect. The enhancements continue in the bathrooms, where guests will find illuminated vanity mirrors, stone countertops, and glass-encased Heavenly Showers.

    Guests can even book select rooms equipped with a Peloton, so no one has to miss their favorite instructor. The Fitness Room has also been upgraded with Technogym Treadmills, Ellipticals, and a Recumbent bike.

    Local pride shines through in the hotel’s meeting areas, which now feature custom carpeting depicting the city’s skyline, along with upgraded pendant lighting and enhanced technology offerings.

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    surf's up

    2 Texas beaches near Houston swim among 10 best in U.S. for 2026

    Amber Heckler
    Mar 25, 2026 | 9:15 am
    Waterfront homes - Jamaica Beach, Texas
    Getty Images
    Jamaica Beach earned a 9.20 "local secret" score.

    The Lone Star State has already preheated for the summer, and two coastal shores on Galveston Island have emerged atop a new list of the best beach destinations in the U.S.

    HomeToGo's 2026 U.S. Beach Index ranked Galveston's Jamaica and Terramar beaches the third and sixth best destinations nationwide for a "beach break" in 2026.

    To determine the rankings, HomeToGo created a shortlist of 100 U.S. beaches where vacation accommodations had a median price per person of less than $200 per night. The list was then ranked based on five metrics: a "hidden gem" score; the median nightly price for accommodations; average high temperatures from April to September; average visitor satisfaction based on Google, Tripadvisor, Yelp, and Facebook reviews; and a "local secret" score based on the average distance traveled by vacationers to reach the destination.

    "While traditional hot spots remain popular, this year’s index shines light on some lesser-known beach destinations where travelers can make the most of their vacation without the stress of overcrowded shorelines or overburdened budgets,” said HomeToGo spokesperson Eleanor Moody.

    Jamaica Beach, a tiny beach town located next to Galveston Island State Park, landed in third place nationwide after Florida's Saint Joe Beach (No. 1) and Bethune Beach (No. 2). Last year, Jamaica Beach ranked 17th on the list.

    Other than sunbathing and getting your feet wet in the water, visitors are welcome to fish from the shore or in West Bay, go kayaking in dedicated areas, or enjoy a relaxing picnic in the sand. Visit Galveston recommends travelers visit during the middle of the week during spring and fall to avoid heavy crowds and the brutal summer sun.

    Jamaica Beach Jamaica Beach is a vacation hotspot for 2026. visitgalveston.com/

    According to the report's findings, many visitors who travel to Jamaica Beach aren't coming from too far away. The beach earned a 9.20 "local secret" score, where locations with the shortest average distance traveled by visitors are awarded a maximum score of 10.

    Vacationers expect to spend about $93 per person per night on accommodations at Jamaica Beach, which also earned it high marks for its affordability.

    "Covering just under a square mile, this small coastal community moves at an easy island pace, offering quieter sands than busier parts of Galveston and space for beachcombing, sunbathing, kayaking, and paddleboarding," the report said.

    No. 6-ranking Terramar Beach is situated less than 10 miles west from Jamaica Beach down Galveston Island. This little seashore offers an even better "hidden gem" feel than Jamaica Beach, and is slightly more affordable. Accommodations cost about $86 per person per night at Terramar Beach, HomeToGo found.

    The top 10 best beach destinations in the U.S. in 2026 are:

    • No. 1 – Saint Joe Beach, Florida
    • No. 2 – Bethune Beach, Florida
    • No. 3 – Jamaica Beach, Texas
    • No. 4 – Butler Beach, Florida
    • No. 5 – South Bethany Beach, Delaware
    • No. 6 – Terramar Beach, Texas
    • No. 7 – Satellite Beach, Florida
    • No. 8 – Shell Beach, California
    • No. 9 – Litchfield Beach, South Carolina
    • No. 10 – Indian Beach, North Carolina
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