Looking for a convenient yet chic place to crash during the Final Four in Houston? Or just planning a getaway in the heart of one of the most diverse cities in the country? There are plenty of hotels in downtown Houston to suit your needs. The average cost of a downtown Houston hotel room is about $225 per night. Some stays, such as the Four Seasons, will run approximately twice that, but there are deals to be found, too. Prices hinge upon factors including the day of the week and popular events that drive up demand. From boutique historic charmers and peak modern luxury purveyors, to the home of that famous Texas-shaped lazy river overlooking H-Town's iconic skyline, here are 10 of the best downtown Houston hotels worth booking. The Four Seasons hotel is the height of luxury in downtown Houston. Hotel ICON has many amenities including a happy hour-friendly bar. The Lancaster Hotel is a Texas Historical Landmark. (Photos by … [Read more...] about Downtown Houston hotels near the NCAA Final Four for every type of traveler
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U.S. Offers Key Support to Canadian Pipeline
WASHINGTON — The State Department gave a crucial green light on Friday to a proposed 1,711-mile pipeline that would carry heavy oil from oil sands in Canada across the Great Plains to terminals in Oklahoma and the Gulf Coast. The project, which would be the longest oil pipeline outside of Russia and China, has become a potent symbol in a growing fight that pits energy security against environmental risk, a struggle highlighted by last year’s oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. By concluding that the $7 billion Keystone XL pipeline would have minimal effect on the environment, President Obama would risk alienating environmental activists, who gave him important support in the 2008 election and were already upset by his recent decisions to expand domestic oil drilling and delay clean air rules. Pipeline opponents have protested in front of the White House for a week, resulting in nearly 400 arrests. At the same time, rising concerns about the weak economy and high gas prices have made … [Read more...] about U.S. Offers Key Support to Canadian Pipeline
U.S., in Reversal, Issues Permit for Keystone Oil Pipeline
HOUSTON — During his presidential campaign, Donald J. Trump repeatedly hailed the Keystone XL pipeline as a vital jobs program and one that sharply contrasted his vision for the economy with that of Hillary Clinton. “Today we begin to make things right,” President Trump said Friday morning shortly after the State Department granted the pipeline giant TransCanada a permit for Keystone construction, a reversal of Obama administration policy. The pipeline would link oil producers in Canada and North Dakota with refiners and export terminals on the Gulf Coast. It has long been an object of contention, with environmentalists saying it would contribute to climate change and the project’s proponents — Republicans, some labor unions and the oil industry — contending that it would help guarantee national energy security for decades to come. When President Barack Obama rejected the project in late 2015, he said it would undermine American leadership in curbing reliance on carbon fuels. … [Read more...] about U.S., in Reversal, Issues Permit for Keystone Oil Pipeline
With Jose Altuve sidelined, who should take the Astros’ leadoff spot?
The Houston Astros received a notable blow to their World Series defense Saturday night during the World Baseball Classic . Jose Altuve was struck in the hand by a pitch during a quarterfinal contest for Team Venezuela , forcing him to exit the game. One day later, Houston’s fears regarding Altuve’s injury were confirmed: he will undergo surgery on a fractured right thumb in the coming days, per an Astros’ statement, with no timetable for his return. Twitter — MLBONFOX Twitter Twitter — criswell_sports Twitter Altuve is reportedly expected to be out for at least two months, leaving a noted hole atop manager Dusty Baker’s lineup until early June at the presumed earliest. The absence cannot be understated. Houston’s second baseman is among the most dangerous leadoff hitters of his era. Altuve is a career .304 hitter in the leadoff spot, with his 30 home runs ranking No. 18 all-time among leadoff men. He’s quick to swing on a game’s first pitch, … [Read more...] about With Jose Altuve sidelined, who should take the Astros’ leadoff spot?
Kiszla vs. Gabriel: Should Broncos trade receivers Courtland Sutton or Jerry Jeudy?
Kiz : Ground and pound? The Broncos added so much muscle during free agency I wonder if maybe new coach Sean Payton is going to go back to the future and operate his offense out of the single wing formation, with quarterback Russel Wilson imitating Sammy Baugh. OK, I kid. But with this apparent new emphasis on the run, does it make sense for Denver to trade Courtland Sutton or Jerry Jeudy? Gabriel : Other teams around the NFL have been asking the Broncos the same question. Don’t you think you could offload one of your receivers to us for a nice, low price? Denver’s quartet of Sutton, Jeudy, Tim Patrick and KJ Hamler hasn’t been on the field much together because of injuries. Patrick missed all of last year, Hamler’s played 10 games in the past two seasons, Sutton missed virtually all of 2020 and Jeudy’s had minor issues here and there. So it stands to reason Denver might be interested in finding some fresh blood. Kiz : It’s not his fault Sutton got bit hard by the injury bug. … [Read more...] about Kiszla vs. Gabriel: Should Broncos trade receivers Courtland Sutton or Jerry Jeudy?