Things to do nearby: parks, sports, and music venues
Within walking distance of downtown Houston landmarks, The Laura Hotel, Houston Downtown puts you steps from parks, live-music venues, and major sports arenas. On-site options for relaxation and nightlife include the rooftop pool, The Deck, Hull & Oak Southern Kitchen, and The Bar at The Laura Hotel.
In this guide
Rooftop pool, The Deck, and hotel bars
Use the rooftop outdoor pool and The Deck when you want skyline views without leaving the building. The rooftop pool area includes sun loungers, umbrellas, and private shaded cabanas available for a surcharge; seasonal bar service runs at times.
The Deck is the hotel's open-air lounge for handcrafted cocktails, happy hours, and sports on TV. For quieter evenings, The Bar at The Laura Hotel operates in the lobby with craft cocktails and light fare from mid-afternoon into the evening.
Hull & Oak Southern Kitchen provides Southern-inspired breakfast, lunch, and weekend brunch on-site; in-room dining and a 'Supper' menu are also available through the in-room tablet.
- Rooftop pool: sun loungers, umbrellas, private cabanas (surcharge)
- The Deck: open-air lounge with downtown views and occasional pop-ups
- The Bar at The Laura Hotel: craft cocktails (hours 3:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.)
- Hull & Oak Southern Kitchen: breakfast, lunch, weekend brunch (hours listed on property materials)
| On-site venue | Typical service |
|---|---|
| Rooftop pool / The Deck | Pool access, cocktails, open-air seating (cabanas extra) |
| The Bar at The Laura Hotel | Lobby cocktails and light fare (3:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m.) |
| Hull & Oak Southern Kitchen | Breakfast, lunch, weekend brunch; in-room dining available |
Parks and outdoor green space nearby
Several small urban parks are within an easy walk from the hotel. Discovery Green sits directly across from the hotel area and is an obvious choice for outdoor events, lawns, and weekday strolls.
Other nearby green spaces include Market Square Park, Tranquillity Park, and the historic Sam Houston Park for a mix of fountains, lawns, and small museum sites. These parks are useful for short walks, people-watching, and quick outdoor breaks between meetings or events.
- Discovery Green — public park with programming and lawns (a short walk from the hotel)
- Market Square Park — historic square and evening lighting
- Tranquillity Park — quieter plaza with fountains near civic buildings
- Sam Houston Park — historic structures and small museums
| Park | Notes |
|---|---|
| Discovery Green | Near the hotel with regular public events |
| Market Square Park | Historic plaza and evening activity |
| Tranquillity Park | Fountain plaza near downtown civic buildings |
Sports arenas and where to catch a game
The hotel is close to multiple major sports venues, making it an easy base for attending professional games. Toyota Center, where NBA games and concerts take place, is a short walk from the property.
Minute Maid Park (Daikin Park) and Shell Energy Stadium (Dynamo / other events) are reachable on foot or via a short ride from downtown. If you plan to attend a specific event, check venue schedules and consider transit or ride-share for trips outside easy walking distance.
- Toyota Center — NBA, concerts and events
- Minute Maid Park (Daikin Park) — MLB and special events
- Shell Energy Stadium — soccer and occasional large events
| Venue | Event type | Approx. walk time from hotel (as listed) |
|---|---|---|
| House of Blues | Live music and concerts | About 1 minute (hotel materials) |
| Discovery Green / Toyota Center area | Arena events and concerts | Toyota Center: cited as a short (6-minute) walk |
| Minute Maid Park (Daikin Park) | Baseball / events | About a 15-minute walk (sources vary) |
Live music and night venues
House of Blues Houston is adjacent to the downtown entertainment district and steps from the hotel; it hosts touring bands, local acts, and special events. Check the House of Blues schedule for nightly listings.
Downtown has a mix of clubs and performance spaces within walking distance where you can find jazz, rock, and local singer-songwriters. The hotel's Bar and Deck are convenient for pre-show drinks or a post-concert nightcap.
- House of Blues Houston — live music venue very near the hotel
- Check local listings for smaller downtown clubs and pop-up shows
- Use the hotel's bars (The Bar and The Deck) for late-evening drinks near events
| Venue | Why go |
|---|---|
| House of Blues | Large national and regional live acts; very close to the hotel |
| The Bar at The Laura Hotel | Lobby bar with craft cocktails for pre/post-show drinks |
| The Deck | Open-air rooftop lounge with downtown views and occasional pop-ups |
Walks, transit, and easy routes around downtown
The Laura Hotel sits on Dallas Street, close to METRORail service at Main Street Square and the Downtown Transit Center; these provide simple connections across downtown and to other lines. The hotel also sits within the GreenStreet / downtown walkable area.
If you prefer transit to walking, the Red Line (Main Street) runs nearby. For destinations beyond downtown, consider rideshare or the regional transit connections from central stations.
- Main Street Square METRORail station — close to the hotel (Red Line service)
- Downtown Transit Center — bus and rail hub within walking distance
- Walking is practical for most downtown attractions listed on hotel materials
| Transit option | What it connects |
|---|---|
| Main Street Square METRORail | Downtown Red Line stops and connections |
| Downtown Transit Center | Multiple bus routes and rail access for wider travel |
| Walk | Discovery Green, House of Blues, and nearby restaurants |
Relaxation and spa after activities
The Spa at The Laura Hotel offers Swedish, deep tissue, hot stone, hydra facial, and CBD-infused treatments along with body scrubs and nail services. Spa hours and last-appointment times are posted by the property and on booking platforms.
Combine a spa treatment with an evening on the rooftop or a meal at Hull & Oak Southern Kitchen for a low-effort day in downtown Houston. Hotel guests can charge spa services to their room; the spa operates cashless.
- The Spa at The Laura Hotel — multiple massage and facial options
- Spa hours vary; last appointments are earlier in the day on Sunday per property listings
- Spa is cashless — bookings require a room number or credit card for payment
| Service | Notes |
|---|---|
| Massages (Swedish, deep tissue, hot stone) | Available; check spa schedule for booking times |
| Facials and body treatments | Includes hydra facial and specialty packages |
| Manicures / pedicures | Available through the spa and salon services |
