Time for ... Texas

Why Texas?

From Austin's vibrant music scene to Houston's place in the annals of American space travel, the 'Lone Star State' has much to offer. Associated with cowboys and arid land, C&I buyers are usually surprised to learn only ten per cent of Texas, in its southwest, is desert. Austin, the capital, is located on the banks of the Texas Colorado River and boasts 5,500 downtown hotel rooms. A popular itinerary is to combine a stay exploring the hospitality and music of Austin with a few days in Houston, Texas' largest city and only a three-hour drive away.

Getting there

Continental Airlines operates two daily flights to and from Heathrow into Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport. Delegates can then take a 45-minute domestic Continental Airlines transfer to Austin. American Airlines flies to Dallas Fort Worth International and British Airways flies to George Bush Intercontinental and Dallas Fort Worth.

Where to stay

The 448-room Hyatt Regency Austin is set on the shore of Lady Bird Lake and adjacent to the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge, home to 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats during the summer. The Hyatt Regency Houston is situated in the heart of downtown's business and entertainment district, and a short walk from the George R. Brown Convention Center.

For groups looking for boutique options, Hotel Zaza in Houston's museum district boasts the 'Magnificent Seven' bespoke suites, as well as 315 guest rooms. For delegates wishing to discover authentic and historical Austin, The Driskill Hotel, built in 1886 as the showplace of a cattle baron, has been restored to its original opulence. It has 189 guest rooms and suites.

Where to meet

The Driskill is a famous Austin meeting spot. Lyndon B. Johnson heard his 1964 presidential result from the Jim Hogg room, while several governors have used the 1,672m2 of event space and nine meeting rooms to host their inaugural balls. The Austin Convention Center, stretching over six city blocks, has 54 meeting rooms. Its Grand Ballroom can seat 3,000 for dinner. Connected to Houston's George R. Brown Convention Center is the city's largest convention hotel, the Hilton Americas-Houston. Its 3,716m2 Grand Ballroom can be divided into 12 rooms and can seat 3,000 guests banquet-style.

Incentive ideas

Austin's 6th Street music scene and the Texas State Capitol building are must-sees, but group sightseeing tours should also take in the Hill Country. Local DMC Austin Overtures offers 90-minute, half-day or full-day driving tours. For a more retro experience, Vintage Rides of Austin transports guests in classic American cars. Groups can take a cooking class at Central Market, visit a ranch to embrace the Western lifestyle or record a song at Groove Labs studio. No trip to Houston is complete without a visit to Mission Control at the NASA Johnson Space Center.

Where to eat and drink

Chuckwagon dinners are a popular larger group activity, hosted by ranches throughout the state. Delegates enjoy campfire dinners or fine dining in the barn horse stalls. Menus range from steaks cooked over a wood fire, barbecues or authentic Mexican cuisine. Both Austin and Houston boast a Continental Club, where guests can drink margaritas to local music. For a sunset fine-dining experience, groups of between ten and 50 visiting Austin should head to Vintage Villas overlooking Lake Travis.

Flight time is about ten hours. Time difference is GMT -6 hours.

Houston attractions include the Museum of Fine Arts, Downtown Aquarium and Museum of Natural Science.

Austin City Limits is the capital's world-famous music festival (8-10 October).

DIRECTORY
Texas Tourism
Contact: Lisa Stewart
Telephone: 020 7367 0900
Email: lisastewart@hillsbalfoursynergy.com
Web: www.traveltex.com