Houston - Help Please

[4copas]

The wife and I have to make a trip to MD Anderson this week. Finding a hotel close has been next to impossible. Finally got one at Best Western Plaza Hotel & Suites at the Medical Center 6700 south main street. They have a shuttle that runs to the medical center so we shouldn't have to worry about driving and parking. We've never been past The Woodlands and that was only once. Looks like we're headed right in the middle of town. Any advice would be appreciated, warnings, do's or don'ts, is it a safe area, places to eat close by. Thanks

[apostate]

It's definitely more urban than The Woodlands but it's only a couple of blocks from Rice University and nearly across the street from Texas Children's Hospital. The neighborhood directly West of the hotel is chock full of half-million dollar homes.

Depending what you want to eat, you can head West on University Blvd to Rice Village, or West on Holcombe for any variety of fast food.

[Divided Attention]

When you get there get in touch with the patient liaison, they can help you with all the questions like this. I used to be much better versed in the med center, but haven't worked down there in a decade or more.

Wish you the best, you are off to a good start taking advantage of the shuttles.

[n5wd]

The wife and I have to make a trip to MD Anderson this week. Finding a hotel close has been next to impossible. Finally got one at Best Western Plaza Hotel & Suites at the Medical Center 6700 south main street. They have a shuttle that runs to the medical center so we shouldn't have to worry about driving and parking. We've never been past The Woodlands and that was only once. Looks like we're headed right in the middle of town. Any advice would be appreciated, warnings, do's or don'ts, is it a safe area, places to eat close by. Thanks

Sorry to hear you're making the MDAnderson run. But, you CAN get the T-shirt at any of the gift shops! Yes, the area is generally safe, though you obviously need to exercise good judgement. We weren't out late any of the nights we've been there, and have had absolutely no problems at all in or around our trips to MD Anderson (going on for a few months, now).

The BW Plaza's not bad - the free breakfast was good - traffic's a bit heavy in the morning, so leave enough time to get there and get up to your appointment (suggestion: if you don't take their shuttle, spend the $15 and valet park (refundable at your individual center for your first appointment there) - it makes it a whole lot easier than trying to self park) and get up to your first appointment. The elevator system throughout the complex is well marked, but sometimes the elevator you want can be a fair walk through the building. They've got good directions - pick up one of the handy pocket maps to guide you along. MD Anderson is part of the University of Texas system, throughout, and as such is posted 30.06 throughout. Just sayin'.

There are snack bars throughout the complex - if you're wanting to get a snack/lunch/dinner between appointments, it's not a problem. There's also a coffee place in most of the buildings for a bit of a pick-me -up. Wheelchairs are available for borrowing while you're on the complex, if you or your spouse need one.

You didn't say what kind of food you're looking for. MD Anderson is very close to the Rice University area... lost of different kinds of food in that area, especially in the Rice Village area west of the Medical City complex - Kirby Drive/University Drive to Morningside Drive/Rice Blvd - in that 4 block area. Enough diverse food to keep anyone happy for a long time! If you're into yum cha... try Yum Yum Cha, 2435 Times Blvd.

If you're going to be going there regularly, and can afford $125-150 per night, consider staying in the Rotary House - it's a hotel that's integrally build into and owned by MD Anderson and managed by Mariott for MD Anderson. Rates start at $115/night plus taxes, and you never have to go outside - walk through skyways and trams, if going to the far south of the complex).

While the Rotary House is also posted 30.06, they understand that folks coming in may be carrying, and they'll politely suggest you put your weapon in the safe that's in your room - it's individually programmed by you, and looked very secure. Mine got locked into a carry safe, and put into the room safe, and everyone was happy. You park in their parking garage, and stay inside the building all the way to your room. It really is the most convenient way to go to MD Anderson if you're staying for more than one day.

http://www.mdanderson.org/patient-and-c ... index.html

We stayed at Rotary House the first time we went for Pam's appointments, and will stay there again, when we can get the appointment early enough to get a booking for all the nights we need to be down there. Last two times we've gone, that didn't happen, so we stayed off campus. BW Plaza was the first. The place we stayed the last time, Roadway Inn Medical Center, looked like a hole in the wall, but the room was recently remodeled and was nice, but... Probably won't stay there again. But there's a GREAT Thai restaurant next door.

Don't want to write an encyclopedia so if you want more information from us... we'll be glad to respond to a PM or email. Again, sorry you're having to bear this cross - we've been working the problem since March of this year and finally, on the last visit, got some indications that the chemo is doing it's thing successfully!!!

Wayne

[4copas]

Wayne-
Great hearing that treatment is working for Pam! My wife went through chemo up here and has been in remission since January. Problem is her body's immune system never has kicked back in, so we're headed to MD for a fresh set of eyes and hopefully correct it. Thank you so much for all the information and invitation to pm-email! Exactly the things I was hoping to find out. Don't know if this will be a one and only trip or not, but your suggestions work perfectly either way. Prayers from us that Pam beats her problem and prayers that you always find strength.

Again, thanks.

[JJVP]

While the Rotary House is also posted 30.06, they understand that folks coming in may be carrying, and they'll politely suggest you put your weapon in the safe that's in your room - it's individually programmed by you, and looked very secure. Mine got locked into a carry safe, and put into the room safe, and everyone was happy.

I would never put anything in a hotel room safe. Bring your own safe. See link.

http://www.corporatetravelsafety.com/sa ... -they-were" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Jim Beaux]

Good luck to the both of you and your wives.

[JJVP]

Good luck to the both of you and your wives.

I think he only has one wife.

[SewTexas]

he means Wayne and 4copas, and their wives....

blessings for both of you, and your families. 4copas, let us know what the docs say.

[4copas]

Thanks all for the info and thoughts.

[n5wd]

Thanks all for the info and thoughts.

Ditto for the positive thoughts from us, as well. As one of Pam's teachers (she's an elementary school principal) told her.... 'there's a lot of power in crowdsourcing prayers!'

[Birdie]

Even if you aren't staying at the Rotary House, the restaurant there is nice. We would often wander over for breakfast between appointments.

[4copas]

Update - My wife had many test done during our stay. No news yet though. We have to go back this mid-week for more testing. It will be a three day stay with appointments the first and third day. So with one open day I have another newbe to the area question. She (Kellee) wants to take a little day trip to Galveston or just hit the beach for toes in the sand and water, good place to eat some seafood type of trip. We will be staying at the Rotary House at MD this time. I would love to hear any suggestions y'all might have for a little day trip. Again, thanks to everyone for prayers, thoughts, and advice.

[77346]

For seafood in Galveston, I recommend Gaido's on the Seawall and 39th. Check out their website for more info: http://www.gaidos.com/

Good luck to your wife and her tests...

[4copas]

77346- Good start, thank you.