Marriott Rewards (including Ritz-Carlton) - JW or Icon in Houston

We are going to a wedding in Houston. We have a category 5 certificate. We are gold. The wedding is downtown. The wedding party is at Four Seasons. Would you stay at the JW Marriott or The Hotel Icon in downtown Houston. They are both available.

The JW is in a much better location with the Galleria within walking distance and a very central location if you want to head anywhere. Just about every restaurant known to mankind would be close by as well.

Not much happens in downtown in the evenings and on the weekends. Getting to downtown from the JW is not a hassle at all and if it is on a Saturday/Sunday traffic is not an issue.

If it was me I would do the JW hands down. Lived in Houston for 25+ years and all my family still lives there in case you were wondering about my knowledge of the area.

If you're only there for 1 night, I'd suggest the Icon. It's not far from the FS, so you'd not have to bother getting a taxi back to the Galleria area for the JW.

I never stayed at the icon, but the JW is definitely nice! The location is unbeatable. The JW was a cat 4 for a while, but I think just got bumped back to a 5. If your staying for only 1 night and the wedding is downtown, that would be my choice, especially if your drinking. I disagree with the no traffic, it can really build up around the galleria area and the freeways even build up too. I was in Houston a few weeks ago and 59 was backed up on saturday afternoon and the gulf freeway is a permenant disaster 7 days a week.

I never stayed at the icon, but the JW is definitely nice! The location is unbeatable. The JW was a cat 4 for a while, but I think just got bumped back to a 5. If your staying for only 1 night and the wedding is downtown, that would be my choice, especially if your drinking. I disagree with the no traffic, it can really build up around the galleria area and the freeways even build up too. I was in Houston a few weeks ago and 59 was backed up on saturday afternoon and the gulf freeway is a permenant disaster 7 days a week.

Your traffic argument supports the Icon but I agree with the JW suggestions. I know it's really granular, but if you're swooping in at like 2pm and are just going to the wedding before leaving on Sunday morning, stay downtown (Icon). If you plan to explore a bit and want to be close to the Galleria, restaurants, etc..., stay at the JW. Head to head, the JW is a nicer hotel.

Your traffic argument supports the Icon but I agree with the JW suggestions. I know it's really granular, but if you're swooping in at like 2pm and are just going to the wedding before leaving on Sunday morning, stay downtown (Icon). If you plan to explore a bit and want to be close to the Galleria, restaurants, etc..., stay at the JW. Head to head, the JW is a nicer hotel.

I didn't realize this was for only one night on m post above. If so the Icon is a fine property.

If the plan is for multiple nights and explore then the JW is the better choice.

As an hotel t stay n, I'd go for the Icon. It is a true boutique hotel, different, slightly off beat in design but a nice place to stay with a much more personal touch amongst the staff. I don't find the JW particularly good in comparison.

From a location perspective, the Icon is a 10 minute walk from the FS, whilst the JW is a 30 minute drive. However, as stated, there's not a lot to do in downtown Houston whilst JW is opposite the Galleria where you can shop till you drop.