Accommodations

For a small city, Beaumont [1] is surprisingly lacking in recommendable rooms at affordable rates (even the Super 8 charges nearly $100 nightly). Also perplexing is the lack of historic downtown boutique hotels or even chains within walking distance of the city’s many museums and cultural attractions. Regardless, one of the better deals in town is La Quinta Midtown (220 I-10 North, 409/838-9991, www.lq.com [2], $69 d), located about five minutes from the city center on busy I-10. La Quinta offers a free continental breakfast, free Internet access, and an outdoor pool. The best bang for the buck is Holiday Inn Beaumont-Plaza (3950 I-10 South, 800/465-4329, www.ichotelsgroup.com [3], $98 d). An enormous three-story cascading waterfall greets guests as they enter the spacious garden atrium, and the recently renovated rooms provide clean and comfortable accommodations (not to be confused with Holiday Inn Midtown). The Plaza location features free Wi-Fi service, an indoor pool and whirlpool, full fitness center, and free meals for kids 12 and under.

Moving into the triple-digit price category, a popular and reliable option is Sleep Inn & Suites (2030 N. 11th St., 409/892-6700, www.choicehotels.com [4], $101 d), featuring free wireless Internet access, a free deluxe continental breakfast, fitness center, and an outdoor pool. Representing the upper tier of Beaumont [1]’s lodging options is the regional chain MCM Elegante (2355 I-10 South, 409/842-3600, www.mcmelegante.com [5], $139 d). The hotel features a tropical outdoor pool, a fancy fitness center, free Wi-Fi access, refrigerators, and microwaves.