Getting around downtown from The Laura Hotel
The Laura Hotel, Houston Downtown at 1070 Dallas St places you within easy walking distance of major downtown attractions (Discovery Green, Toyota Center, George R. Brown Convention Center) and next to Main Street Square METRORail access. For longer trips use METRORail or rideshares; valet parking is the only on-site parking option.
In this guide
Walkable downtown: what’s nearby
The hotel sits in the heart of downtown Houston so many destinations are a short walk from the front door. Discovery Green and House of Blues are especially close and practical for short strolls between events, restaurants, and park space.
If you prefer a quick on-foot itinerary, the hotel’s Dallas Street location makes visiting the George R. Brown Convention Center, Main Street Square, and nearby entertainment venues convenient without a car.
- Discovery Green — about a 5-minute walk
- House of Blues Houston — about a 5-minute walk
- Toyota Center — about a 6-minute walk
- George R. Brown Convention Center — short walk
| Place | Typical walk time |
|---|---|
| Discovery Green | About 5 minutes |
| Toyota Center | About 6 minutes |
| House of Blues | About 5 minutes |
METRORail and local transit
Main Street Square (Red Line) has platforms on Main Street with the southbound platform between Lamar and Dallas Streets, within easy walking distance of the hotel. This makes the Red Line a useful option for getting to other downtown stops and connections.
There is also a Downtown Transit Center serving the Red Line and several bus routes; it’s a short walk from the hotel and gives more transit choices for moving across the city without driving.
- Main Street Square (Red Line) — nearest METRORail stop
- Downtown Transit Center — multiple bus routes plus rail connections
- Use METRORail for straightforward downtown-to-midtown/Northside trips
| Transit option | Use for |
|---|---|
| METRORail (Red Line) | Downtown stops, Midtown, some transfers |
| Downtown Transit Center (bus + rail) | Regional bus routes and broader downtown connections |
Taxis, rideshares, and driving
Rideshare services (Uber, Lyft) and taxis are frequently used in downtown Houston; request pick-up/drop-off at the hotel curb on Dallas Street. Rideshares are the simplest option for travel to neighborhoods not directly served by rail.
The hotel offers valet-only covered parking (no self-parking onsite). If you plan to drive, confirm with the front desk about current valet procedures and any vehicle-size restrictions — the hotel’s parking garage cannot accommodate oversized trucks.
- On-site valet parking only — no self-parking
- Valet garage may not accept oversized trucks
- Rideshare/taxi is recommended for point-to-point trips and airport transfers
| Option | Notes |
|---|---|
| Valet parking | Covered; inquire at front desk for fees and size limits |
| Rideshare / Taxi | Common downtown pick-up/drop-off at hotel curb |
Getting to the airports
William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) is the closer airport to downtown Houston; George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) is farther north. Travelers should pick rideshare or taxi for direct airport transfers because public transit routes may require transfers and take longer.
If you need public-transit directions from the hotel to either airport, ask the concierge for current transit routing and schedules since options and travel times can vary.
- Hobby Airport (HOU) — closer to downtown
- George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) — farther north, longer travel time
- Rideshare/taxi typically fastest door-to-door from the hotel
| Airport | General guidance |
|---|---|
| Hobby (HOU) | Closer to downtown; quicker drive under normal traffic |
| Bush Intercontinental (IAH) | Farther distance; allow more time |
Parks, outdoor activities and day trips
Several downtown parks are within easy walking distance: Discovery Green, Market Square Park, and Tranquillity Park offer green space, events, and places to relax. For longer outdoor outings, Buffalo Bayou Park is reachable with a short drive or a longer walk.
Day trips such as Galveston are possible by car; the drive to Galveston typically takes about 50–60 minutes in normal traffic. If you plan a coastal day trip, check current traffic conditions and seasonal congestion before you go.
- Discovery Green — ~5-minute walk
- Market Square Park and Tranquillity Park — walkable downtown parks
- Galveston — roughly 50–60 minute drive from downtown in normal traffic
| Destination | Typical travel mode |
|---|---|
| Discovery Green | Walk |
| Buffalo Bayou Park | Short drive or longer walk |
| Galveston (beach day) | Drive (~50–60 minutes in normal traffic) |
Hotel services that help you get around
Front desk and concierge can help with METRORail directions, rideshare requests, reservations at local restaurants, and printer/meeting logistics for business trips. The hotel’s 24-hour front desk is available for questions about transit and local arrangements.
The hotel publishes on-site amenities that may affect travel plans: complimentary Wi‑Fi (useful for booking rides), mobile key service, and a destination fee that includes Life Time Fitness access — check with staff for current inclusions and procedures.
- 24-hour front desk for transit help and local advice
- Complimentary Wi‑Fi for booking rides and checking schedules
- Mobile key and in-room tablet for ordering room service or spa appointments
| Service | How it helps |
|---|---|
| Concierge / Front desk | Transit directions, ride requests, local recommendations |
| Complimentary Wi‑Fi | Make rideshare reservations or look up transit times |
| In-room tablet | Order room service, book spa appointments |
