Houston hotel prices average about $136 per night in advertised public rates, with a range from about $114 in December to about $174 in March. Where you stay and whether the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is in town change the bill more than hotel class does.
Numbers below come from Engine’s hotel rate data (May 2024 to April 2026). They are the lowest public rates shown in searches, not final booked prices, so use them to compare months.
Houston Hotel Prices by Month
| Month | Average nightly rate |
|---|---|
| January | $119 |
| February | $135 |
| March | $174 |
| April | $146 |
| May | $139 |
| June | $141 |
| July | $134 |
| August | $129 |
| September | $131 |
| October | $135 |
| November | $129 |
| December | $114 |
Source: Engine hotel price data for Houston. Monthly figures pool several years.
What Affects Houston Hotel Prices
- Events: March is the priciest month, in line with the rodeo season and large conventions. Sports and convention weeks can raise rates in any month.
- Area: Downtown, Uptown/Galleria and the Medical Center see the most business demand. Hotels near the airports and along the freeways are often cheaper.
- Hotel class: Compare like with like. Our guide on whether 4-star hotels are worth it helps when deciding whether to upgrade.
- Length of stay: Long stays can be cheaper per night, see extended-stay hotel costs.
Taxes and Extra Costs on Houston Hotels
Houston’s hotel occupancy tax totals about 17% (6% state, 7% city, 2% Harris County and 2% sports authority), plus a flat $2 per room per night sports facility fee, according to hotel-tax references. Check your booking page for the exact amount.
Also check parking at downtown and Galleria hotels, and any mandatory amenity fee. Mandatory fees must be included in the displayed price under the FTC rule on short-term lodging.
How to Save on a Houston Hotel
- Travel in December, January or late summer, when averages are lowest.
- Avoid rodeo weeks in late February and March if you can.
- Book a refundable rate and recheck before the cancellation deadline.
- Compare hotels outside the core and weigh the saving against parking and driving time.
- Price a five-night stay with our 5-night hotel cost guide to plan the total.
Houston Neighborhoods by Budget
- Downtown: Walk to the convention center, stadiums and theaters. Higher rates and parking fees.
- Galleria/Uptown: Shopping and business travel, mid to high rates.
- Medical Center and NRG area: Handy for hospital visits and events; rates spike on event days.
- Near the airports: Often the lowest rates, with shuttles to terminals.
Comparing Texas cities? See Austin hotel prices and San Antonio hotel prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average hotel price in Houston?
Houston hotels average about $136 per night in advertised public rates from May 2024 to April 2026. Monthly averages run from about $114 in December to about $174 in March.
What is the cheapest month to stay in Houston?
December is the cheapest month in the data at about $114 a night, followed by January at about $119.
When are Houston hotels most expensive?
March is the most expensive month at about $174 a night on average, when rodeo season and large events increase demand.
How much tax is added to a Houston hotel room?
Houston hotel occupancy tax totals about 17%: 6% state, 7% city, 2% Harris County and 2% sports authority, plus a flat $2 per room per night fee.
Are hotels near the Houston airport cheaper?
Often they are, and many offer airport shuttles. Compare the total with parking or rideshare costs if your plans are in the city center.
