4copas wrote: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
