Where to Stay in The Woodlands… Tips for Visiting the Embassy Suites at Hughes Landing!

I had been to The Woodlands many times, but it was not until I stayed at the Embassy Suites at Hughes Landing that I really began to love it. Located on the lake, connected to miles of trails, within a walk or short drive to many restaurants, shops, parks and pools is the Embassy Suites.

The Embassy Suite invited us out for a few days, so we made the short drive from Houston to The Woodlands. Once we exited the highway, we were reminded of how The Woodlands got it's name. Many of the buildings are hidden by dense trees, so we followed the map to Hughes Landing. And when we arrived, I saw why so many people want to stay or live in The Woodlands.

Embassy Suites The Woodlands Hughes Landing

Kayaks passed by frequently, runners braved the heat to run through the trails, the restaurants buzzed with activity and shoppers ran in and out of air conditioned stores. The Embassy Suites is right in the middle of this activity, with a sleek modern design, staff that is welcoming to business travelers and families, and a rooftop pool with a view of all the Hughes Landing activity.

In addition to the great location, all the rooms are suites, there is a breakfast buffet in the morning and light dinner and drinks each weekday evening. This means families have a little room to spread out, that there is a small kitchenette for preparing snacks and at least one and a half meals is included in the price of the room.

Embassy Suites The Woodlands Building from Water

After we had swam in the pool, ate at the social hour, visited the Whole Foods next door, flipped through the million kids channels on the in-room televisions... and then eaten a huge breakfast, we headed out into The Woodlands.

First we went to Northshore Park, connected by the lakeside trail, less than a mile from the hotel. Then we ventured out further to more parks and some very cool pools. The biggest was Rob Fleming Pool, with beach entry, slides and lazy river! (For the public pool, there is an admission fee but you do not need to be a resident to visit.)

Rob Fleming Park Pool Water Dumping at Beach Entry

Rob Fleming Pool in The WoodlandsFour parks and two pools later, we were back at The Embassy Suites rooftop pool, enjoying the view and deciding where to walk for dinner. All in all, it was a good day in The Woodlands.

If you are looking for a hotel in The Woodlands, or have guests that are coming to stay, here are some tips for the Embassy Suites:

Over 15 years of business travel, I've stayed in quite a few Embassy Suites. This one was by far the most modern and the nicest. (It's also brand new!)
The price of the room includes a big breakfast and light weekday dinner. I thought it was pretty reasonable for the amenities and for the location... but I'll let you decide!
Parking is free in the garage behind the hotel. I also saw a regular police patrol (on horseback!) going by the hotel and parking lot.
The breakfast buffet is big! The selection is huge and you can order omelettes, French toast, pancakes and more (and it's all included with the price of the room).
Each room has a little kitchenette... and their is a Whole Foods right next door. We bought fruits and veggies for snacks... to be a little more healthy and save some money on restaurants.
The social hours are held each weekday night and include free drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and light food. One night it was steak kabobs, chips, veggies and hummus. The next it was chips, queso, veggies and hummus. Both nights, the food just kept on coming out and I don't think anyone left hungry.
The hotel has a mix of business travelers and families. Mid-week, there were a lot of laptops in the lobby. Closer to the weekend, strollers were taking up the lounge area.
The rooftop pool is not on the very top... but on the 3rd floor. (Which probably makes it less scary.) The pool is pretty small... but it was never crowded... and the view of the lake and Hughes Landing is beautiful!
The Embassy Suites is located within a short walk of the hotel is Lakes Edge Boat House. Here you can rent single and tandem kayaks by the hour. Kids 9 and under can ride tandem and older kids can take their own, with supervision. We did not have chance to try these out... but my oldest son is now insisting on a trip back!