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Shopping in Houston

Houston is a shopper's delight, as there are dozens of malls in the area and an extensive system of underground pedestrian tunnels and skywalks for weather-free shopping. Most visitors to Texas come away with an item of cowboy wear, such as a Stetson or Western-style boots.

Key areas

A more eclectic mix of shops can be found in the Rice Village neighbourhood, with designer boutiques, art and craft galleries and traditional shops. Art galleries and antique shops are to be found in the Upper Kirby District. The Houston Heights is a quaint Victorian neighbourhood filled with eclectic fashion, art and gift shops.

Markets

Antiques and arts and crafts bargain hunters should go to the Back Bay Market, held once a month, south of Downtown in Clear Lake. Trader's Village, North Eldridge Road, is a great weekend venue for open-air bargain hunting and sells anything and everything.

Shopping centres

The uptown area of Houston, around Westheimer Road at Post Oak, has a host of designer shops, mostly in the Galleria - a shopping mall that is also one of Houston's top tourist attractions. A few blocks from the Galleria on Uptown Park Boulevard is Uptown Park, a European-style plaza with fountains and small gardens.

Opening hours

Shopping hours are generally Monday to Saturday, 1000-2100 and Sundays, 1100-1900.

Tax information

There is a sales tax of 8.25%, which foreign visitors can claim back if exporting their purchases. This can be done at Texas Tax Back in the Galleria and Tax-Free Shopping which has various outlets across the city.

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Hotel ZaZa

After making a huge splash in Dallas Hotel ZaZa is a fun addition to the Houston hotel scene. The 315-room 12-storey property features a dynamic mix of rooms bungalows and suites - including the city's largest and most decadent accommodations with contemporary chic and bold designs. Among concept suites are the 'Rock Star' and the 'Casablanca' and there's a fabulous spa and outdoor pool too.

La Quinta Inn & Suites

Part of a chain of extremely good-value hotels this one is in the upscale Galleria area. There are 173 bright clean and spacious rooms featuring free high-speed internet access. The hotel also features a pool spa and fitness centre. Breakfast is included in the rate. It is extremely good value for its location but far enough away to not be too noisy.

Hilton Americas

This impressive 1,200-room Houston hotel is connected to the George R Brown Convention Center. Hilton Americas' rooms have modern facilities including internet, a fitness room and pool and three restaurants serving American fare with The Skyline Grill on the 24th floor having panoramic views of the city.

The Houstonian Hotel, Club and Spa

Set in eight hectares (18 acres) of parkland close to the Galleria, this award-winning hotel has an old world charm and oozes sophistication. The rooms are tastefully decorated and have floor-to-ceiling windows. The excellent facilities include a health club, three pools and a spa facility. There are four restaurants serving regional American dishes and lighter meals.

La Colombe d'Or Hotel

This tiny luxury hotel is situated just a few minutes from downtown with just five luxury suites and nine villas with one- and two-bedroom suites, each with a private dining room and marble bathroom. Built in 1923, the elegant French furnishings in this hotel are complemented by original art and antiques. La Colombe d'Or has a stylish restaurant serving modern French cuisine with a Texan twist, a library and a bar.

Comfort Inn Downtown

Part of a chain of budget hotels, this property is close to the Downtown Aquarium and just minutes from many major attractions. All rooms are comfortable, modern and spacious and some even have fridges and microwaves. There are limited facilities on site but there is a swimming pool. Breakfast is included.