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Top 24 Hotels Near George R. Brown Convention Center
1001 Avenida De Las Americas Houston, TX 77010
Marriott Marquis Houston
With George R. Brown Convention Center a brief walk away, Marriott Marquis Houston guests can appreciate a vehicle-free commuteon a nice day.
Digital key support through Marriott’s Bonvoy app lets guests bypass lines, helping frequent travelers start their trip efficiently. Guest rooms offer blackout drapes, crisp linens, and premium mattresses, helping guests wake rested and ready for the day ahead. The lobby provides comfortable chairs and clustered seating, offering a clear orientation point for guests regrouping after check-in.
Concierge desks, EV charging, and on-site dining work with business centers and Wi-Fi, reducing friction for both leisure and work guests.
Hilton Americas-Houston
For guests who prefer a walk-friendly location in Houston, Hilton Americas-Houston is a brief walk from George R. Brown Convention Center, setting a relaxed pace.
In Hilton lobbies, bright chandeliers, floral displays, and polished floors produce elegant first impressions that signal dependability. Guest rooms combine Serenity Beds, blackout curtains, and climate control, ensuring restful nights and refreshed mornings reliably. Guests enjoying the lobby bar encounter cocktails, music, and relaxed seating, establishing evening rituals of social connection.
Guests enjoy fitness studios, on-site dining, pet-friendly rooms, and 24/7 markets, ensuring flexibility that reduces travel stress.
Hampton Inn Houston Downtown
The benefit of a pleasant walk to George R. Brown Convention Center renders Hampton Inn Houston Downtown into a great starting point before the main on-site experience.
Hampton Inn mornings begin with its On the House hot breakfast, providing consistency and nourishment that supports dependable guest routines. Each suite contains sofa beds, televisions, and coffee tables, supporting family flexibility with shared areas for relaxation or dining. Breakfast rooms with hot items, pastries, and coffee stations supply reliable structure, giving guests dependable clarity every morning.
On-site Pavilion Pantry markets, complimentary breakfast, Wi-Fi, fitness facilities, and meeting spaces create convenient support for guests.
Embassy Suites Houston Downtown
This useful walk to George R. Brown Convention Center from Embassy Suites Houston Downtown is a central aspect, as it facilitates a smooth and easy visit.
Embassy Suites Houston Downtown often greets arrivals with cozy lobby lounges, artisanal décor, and complimentary refreshments that feel thoughtfully curated. Rooms often provide artisanal furnishings, curated décor, and boutique bathrooms that emphasize a creative guest orientation. Amenities often include small libraries, curated cocktail bars, and artisanal cafés for a polished boutique hospitality impression.
Accommodations may present Wi-Fi, laundry service, family breakfast, and EV charging, offering flexibility across boutique visits.
Homewood Suites Houston Downtown
From Homewood Suites Houston Downtown, George R. Brown Convention Center is a comfortable walk away, a feature that frames the stay with an initial sense of ease.
At Homewood Suites Houston Downtown, arrivals may feature boutique-style reception, locally inspired design, and warm greetings from attentive staff members. Guest rooms may present eclectic interiors, premium bedding, and curated minibars that reinforce boutique individuality and style. Shared spaces may present farm-to-table restaurants, stylish lounges, and curated art displays that emphasize boutique individuality.
A visit often includes boutique breakfast, laundry facilities, Wi-Fi, and bike rentals, reflecting balance and consistent travel routines.
Four Seasons Hotel Houston
For guests in Houston, Four Seasons Hotel Houston is a pleasant stroll from George R. Brown Convention Center, a location that makes for a hassle-free start to the day.
With luggage holds positioned near reception, Four Seasons frees early arrivals to explore or meet, keeping schedules intact while rooms prepare. Each suite applies noise-reducing door seals and discreet chimes, keeping transitions soft while arrivals and departures pass fluidly. Sky terrace lounges adjacent to meeting spaces allow transitions from work to right-now leisure with ease and scenic clarity.
Premium Wi-Fi, spa access, indoor pools, event spaces, and airport transfers anchor guest routines in consistency and clarity every day.
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Houston-Downtown Convention Center by IHG
George R. Brown Convention Center is a short stroll from Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Houston-Downtown Convention Center by IHG, a feature that makes the hotel a sensible and well-placed choice.
Communal zones in Holiday Inn Express lobbies combine lounge chairs and work tables, supporting both business and leisure routines. Each guest room contains mini-fridges, coffee makers, and charging stations, keeping essentials within reach at all times. Meeting spaces arranged with breakout areas, projection screens, and flexible seating layouts give groups dependable support.
Connectivity with free Wi-Fi, pet policies, and breakfast service combines with laundry and parking, easing family and group stays.
The Westin Houston Downtown
A key feature of a stay at The Westin Houston Downtown in Houston is the easy walk to George R. Brown Convention Center, allowing the experience to feel connected yet distinct.
Upon arrival, Westin provides clear sightlines to reception desks and concierge counters, ensuring orientation is smooth and stress-free. Suites present Heavenly Bath experiences with rainfall showers, soaking tubs, and plush robes, refreshing guests with spa-like rituals. Guests in the executive lounge enjoy breakfast service, evening hors d’oeuvres, and quiet seating, supporting both comfort and productivity.
With SuperFoodsRx breakfasts, pet-friendly rooms, outdoor pools, and business hubs, travelers find convenience and flexibility daily.
Cambria Hotel Houston Downtown Convention Center
Reaching George R. Brown Convention Center from Cambria Hotel Houston Downtown Convention Center is a quick trip, a trait that contributes to a well-planned and easy stay.
Cambria Austin’s rooftop and restaurant adjacency demonstrate the brand’s lively arrival posture, encouraging conversation that softens travel fatigue. Guest rooms emphasize hardwood-look flooring, clean lines, and modern décor, projecting crisp style that supports uncluttered, calm routines. Breakfast service at Cambria Milwaukee combines buffet items, hot entrées, and fresh pastries, supplying nourishment that helps guests start strong.
Between guest laundry, indoor pool, café service, and Wi-Fi, travelers receive comfort, reset, nourishment, and digital continuity at each stay point.
Tru by Hilton Houston Downtown Convention Center
This easy commute to George R. Brown Convention Center enables Tru by Hilton Houston Downtown Convention Center to be a peaceful yet connected base before the on-site experience.
Guests arriving at Hilton encounter infused water stations, a refreshing courtesy that highlights care and consistency across locations. Suites highlight soaking tubs, soft robes, and bright lighting, creating indulgent rituals that refresh guests during every stay. At the meeting rooms, flexible layouts, ergonomic chairs, and AV setups provide spaces where events and business run seamlessly.
With meeting rooms, Wi-Fi, breakfast buffets, and valet parking, professionals find reliable amenities that keep business travel smooth.
Athens Hotel Suites
Reaching George R. Brown Convention Center from Athens Hotel Suites is a brief ride, a trait that weaves ease into the start of any day.
Athens Hotel Suites often provides an uncomplicated desk experience, on-site parking, and a compact lobby aimed at keeping wait times low. Guest rooms often include tasteful interiors, climate control, and plush bedding, creating a consistent and comfortable overnight setting. Facilities may provide modest seating zones, vending areas, and guest laundries that support both comfort and practicality in travel.
Guests may enjoy Wi-Fi, modest breakfast, vending access, and guest laundry, maintaining clear routines across budget-conscious stays.
Home2 Suites by Hilton Houston Downtown Convention Center
Reaching George R. Brown Convention Center from Home2 Suites by Hilton Houston Downtown Convention Center is a brief ride, a feature that contributes to a well-planned and easy stay.
Guests in Home2 Suites lobbies find complimentary coffee stations, consistent rituals that provide comfort and ease at arrival. Each guest room provides entertainment systems, climate control, and blackout curtains, ensuring both relaxation and nightly comfort. The business center offering computers, printers, and Wi-Fi connections helps professionals stay productive without leaving property.
Amenities include pet-friendly spaces, 24/7 markets, business services, and Wi-Fi, helping travel feel convenient and stress-free.
Le Meridien Houston Downtown
George R. Brown Convention Center is a short hop from Le Meridien Houston Downtown, a feature that allows for a smooth and integrated daily plan.
Guests entering Le Méridien encounter clear signage, concierge desks, and modular seating, details that simplify orientation and comfort. Guest rooms present plush mattresses, climate control, and blackout curtains, ensuring restful nights and reliable comfort. Guests at the outdoor pool encounter shaded cabanas, loungers, and towel service, amenities that create reliable spaces for leisure.
Guests benefit from breakfast buffets, fitness studios, pet-friendly policies, and cultural lounges, keeping travel stress-free daily.
Aloft Houston Downtown
For a trip to Houston, Aloft Houston Downtown's location a short ride from George R. Brown Convention Center is an essential part of its convenience.
Lobby lounges at Aloft feature pool tables, vibrant seating, and music cues, creating interactive zones that invite social energy on arrival. Guest rooms feature ergonomic seating, bright task lighting, and free Wi-Fi, allowing professionals to remain efficient during business trips. Re:charge gyms include cardio machines, free weights, and bright lighting, helping wellness-focused guests maintain exercise routines on the road.
Complimentary Wi-Fi, Re:charge cardio gear, self-parking, and 24/7 Market access provide reliable convenience that supports dependable comfort.
Hyatt Place Houston Downtown
At Hyatt Place Houston Downtown, being a brief ride from George R. Brown Convention Center means a speedy commute, enhancing the visit.
When weather shifts, Hyatt keeps umbrellas, mats, and entry runners ready, maintaining safe footing as teams move bags from curb to desk. Guest rooms, with soft rugs, local art, and warm woods, deliver distinctive identity while preserving calm, uncluttered layouts overall. The bar pairs cocktails, regional beers, and small plates, converting evenings into relaxed social pauses after packed itineraries.
With EV charging where offered, valet parking, Wi-Fi, and breakfast buffets, itineraries link mobility, connection, and morning clarity.
The Laura Hotel Houston Downtown, Autograph Collection
A key logistical advantage of The Laura Hotel Houston Downtown, Autograph Collection in Houston is the quick ride to George R. Brown Convention Center, leaving more time for preparation or relaxation.
Autograph Collection greets loyalty travelers with recognition at reception, a gesture that reinforces consistency and attentiveness. Guest rooms feature premium bedding, blackout curtains, and climate control, ensuring restful nights and refreshed mornings reliably. The fitness studio offering bikes, resistance equipment, and mats ensures travelers sustain wellness balance across all visits.
Guests benefit from rooftop terraces, breakfast spreads, cocktail bars, and Wi-Fi, experiencing convenience with cultural connection.
Rusk House Serviced Apartments
The hotel's location is optimized for a quick commute, with George R. Brown Convention Center a quick trip away, ensuring guests can maximize their time.
Arrivals at Rusk House Serviced Apartments may include modest lobbies, package areas, and keypad entry that emphasize practical support for visitors. Each apartment often includes in-unit laundry, Wi-Fi, and seating zones, reinforcing practical convenience for everyday guest routines. Amenities may feature outdoor courtyards, fitness centers, and rooftop seating, creating reliable balance across residential routines.
A stay may include Wi-Fi, multiple bedrooms, kitchens, and gyms, sustaining reliable daily balance for extended apartment-style guests.
Club Quarters Hotel Downtown Houston
The benefit of a quick ride to George R. Brown Convention Center renders Club Quarters Hotel Downtown Houston into a great starting point before the rest of the stay unfolds.
Club Quarters Hotel Downtown Houston may present a grand reception area with elegant design touches, professional staff, and complimentary lobby coffee or tea service. Guest rooms may include upscale interiors, plush linens, and bathrooms with luxury-style finishes designed for refined relaxation. Facilities may include cocktail bars, upscale dining, and wellness areas designed to reflect a polished and refined guest orientation.
A stay may feature elegant lounges, wellness services, cocktail bars, and Wi-Fi, blending polished comfort with lifestyle flexibility.
AC Hotel by Marriott Houston Downtown
This simple trip to George R. Brown Convention Center from AC Hotel by Marriott Houston Downtown lets guests to feel oriented and comfortable in the Houston area.
Evenings at AC Hotels often center around the AC Lounge, where small plates and drinks create reliable opportunities for relaxed social connection. Each guest room contains flat-screen TVs, connectivity panels, and Wi-Fi, allowing leisure and business travelers seamless entertainment access. Lobby lounges combine curated artwork, neutral décor, and modern seating clusters, creating dependable orientation points for new arrivals.
Travelers benefit from AC Kitchen pastries, AC Lounge wine service, Wi-Fi access, and business centers, helping routines feel dependable daily.
The Sam Houston Curio Collection by Hilton
The quick trip from The Sam Houston Curio Collection by Hilton to George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston ensures guests can enjoy local convenience before the hotel experience.
When stepping into Curio, flexible seating and infused water stations help guests regroup easily, signaling comfort and thoughtful service. Every guest room includes ergonomic desks, upholstered chairs, and climate control, supporting both productivity and personal comfort. Meeting spaces feature breakout areas, catering setups, and AV support, delivering flexible solutions for groups of all sizes.
Dining venues, internet service, fitness centers, parking options, and business lounges keep daily travel practical and straightforward.
Magnolia Hotel Houston a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
From Magnolia Hotel Houston a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, George R. Brown Convention Center is a brief ride away, a feature that makes for an uncomplicated and well-placed stay.
Guests at Tribute Portfolio encounter lobby coffee service and infused water, small rituals that highlight care and dependable comfort. Every suite offers marble vanities, soaking tubs, and curated lighting, providing spa-like relaxation and consistent daily refreshment. The pool deck with shaded loungers, towel service, and casual seating provides dependable spaces for families to recharge together.
Amenities include breakfast spreads, rooftop bars, business hubs, and spas, ensuring wellness, convenience, and productivity daily.
JW Marriott Houston Downtown
The hotel's spot a quick trip from George R. Brown Convention Center gives JW Marriott Houston Downtown guests a direct way to manage their daily schedule.
Lobby markets placed beside reception make essentials available immediately, reducing travel stress and providing useful on-the-go items. Every guest room contains ergonomic chairs, ample desk space, and multiple outlets, creating a setup that supports focused work. The bar and lounge area includes table service and signature drinks, allowing travelers to unwind and enjoy social time within the hotel.
Breakfast buffets, flexible event rooms, and reliable Wi-Fi connect with fitness centers and parking, making trips smooth and practical.
Courtyard by Marriott Houston Downtown / Convention Center
Because Courtyard by Marriott Houston Downtown / Convention Center is walkable for some from George R. Brown Convention Center, guests can opt on the travel method that best suits their needs.
Upon arrival, Courtyard presents its 24/7 Market adjacent to reception, offering immediate access to essentials and reducing stress. Suites feature sofa beds, dining counters, and hardwood details, giving guests layouts that balance family use with comfort. In the lobby lounge, modular seating, casual lighting, and community tables create consistent areas for social energy and relaxation.
Complimentary Wi-Fi, indoor pools, The Bistro dining, and valet parking combine to give guests dependable comfort and balanced routines.
Residence Inn by Marriott Houston Downtown / Convention Center
When visiting George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, the commute from Residence Inn by Marriott Houston Downtown / Convention Center is a short hop, allowing for either a quick transit or a longer walk.
Grab-and-go counters positioned inside Residence Inn lobbies simplify arrival by offering convenient refreshments that reduce travel stress. Each suite provides sofa beds, televisions, and lounge chairs, creating flexible living spaces where families can relax comfortably together. Breakfast areas with hot buffets, fresh fruit stations, and community seating help guests begin mornings smoothly with both variety and clarity.
Breakfast buffets, indoor pools, complimentary internet, self-parking, and fitness areas create convenience that keeps travel efficient.
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George R. Brown Convention Center Guides & Resources
George R. Brown Convention Center - Overview
The mecca of Houston venues is undoubtedly George R. Brown Convention Center (GRB). This expansive convention center can accommodate a wide range of events simultaneously thanks to its massive size and diverse f...
George R. Brown Convention Center - Dining
It’s not all barbeque and smoked meats in Houston. The city’s culinary scene is actually one of the most diverse in the country. Immigrants from all over the world have settled in Houston; over the decades, the food scene transformed into quite the melting pot. There’s a reason it’s known as the culinary capita...
George R. Brown Convention Center - Experiences
Houston is one of the largest cities in America, both in population and size; it’s also one of the most diverse, consisting dense populations of many ethnicities from all over the world. Because of these traits, Houston is an electrifyingly exciting city. The phrase “there’s something for everyone” perfectly ap...
City Guides in Texas - Things To Do With Your Team
Dallas - Things to do with your Team
Dallas is the third largest city in Texas and is home to a variety of activities that will make for a fun trip for your team. Adventures awaits here, from water parks and thrill rides to historic areas offering fascinating stories, hands-on activities, and tons of opportunities to explore. Here are ...
Lubbock - Things to do with your Team
Nicknamed “Hub City,” Lubbock is the crossroads for culture and entertainment in West Texas. Today, more than 295,999 people call Lubbock home; a far cry from the 50 citizens who originally inhabited the city when it was first founded. Although Lubbock is now a bustling center of activity in th ...
Laredo - Things to do with your Team
While Laredo might not have the name recognition of major Texas cities like Houston and Dallas, there’s plenty of fun places to visit while in this unique city. Laredo brings together the best of Mexican and American culture all in one great place. Once the capital of the Republic of the Rio Grand ...
Fort Worth - Things to do with your Team
The Texas city of Fort Worth was originally established in the 1800s as an Army outpost overlooking the Trinity River. Nowadays, Fort Worth proudly continues to embrace its storied Western heritage. There, you and your team will find many attractions that are entirely unique to the Fort Worth area, ...
Corpus Christi - Things to do with your Team
Corpus Christi is a beautiful city, brimming with things to do for your team. Its nickname, “Sparkling City by the Sea” paints a serene picture in your head. Take a second to stop and take in the beauty around you while visiting or better yet, bring a camera so you can cherish the memory for ...
Waco - Things to do with your Team
The home of Baylor University and lot of other exciting things to do, your team will have a good time visiting Waco. The city has many activities for your team to choose from when they have some downtime from a tournament. Because Waco has a lot of unique things to do, it might be hard to decide ...
El Paso - Things to do with your Team
Situated along the Rio Grande River, El Paso, Texas, is a really unique place for your team to visit. The city has been voted the safest large city in the United States from 2010 to 2014. Better yet, it has been in the top three since 1997. If your team has a tournament in El Paso, make sure to b ...
Dallas-Ft. Worth - Things to do with your Team
Dallas is the third-largest city in Texas and with Ft. Worth, is home to a variety of activities that will make for a fun trip for your team. Adventures awaits here, from water parks and thrill rides to historic areas offering fascinating stories, hands-on activities, and tons of opportunities to ex ...
San Antonio - Things to do with your Team
If you're taking your team to San Antonio, the teambuilding opportunities are endless! As one of the most populous cities in the state of Texas, San Antonio brims with attractions that are popular with the local crowd and tourists alike. Established three centuries ago in 1718, San Antonio boasts ...
Houston - Things to do with your Team
Nicknamed the Space City, Houston is the home of NASA's Johnson Space Center, and it's a major port, which means you can see ginormous ships of all kinds at the Port of Houston. If you're looking for some one-of-a-kind adventures or activities that encourage team building, Houston has plenty of opti ...
Austin - Things to do with your Team
Austin is the capital of Texas, a jewel of a city that has a thriving arts scene, a rich cultural history, and amazing food. If you're traveling there with your team, there's a whole lot you can do during your downtime. When it comes down to team-building activities, Austin has plenty to enjoy. He ...
Sports Complex Guides in Texas - Things To Do With Your Team
Craig Ranch - Things To Do With Your Team
Craig Ranch, located in McKinney, Texas, caters to both professional and recreational sports. This park is separated into sections by sport. The Ballfields at Craig Ranch host a 60,000-square-foot “training academy” and a pro-shop. Desiring to promote a family-friendly image, guests will be tre ...
Rockwood Baseball Fields - Things To Do With Your Team
The Rockwood Baseball Fields in Fort Worth, Texas are a great place to play a game of baseball. From Major League-sized dugouts to row after row of bleachers, a state-of-the-art scoreboard, well-maintained grass in both the infield and outfield, and more, the Rockwood Baseball Fields have got all of ...
Cedar Hill Recreation Center - Things To Do With Your Team
Cedar Hill’s motto, “Where opportunities grow naturally” is a comforting slogan for anyone planning to visit. This mantra is largely attributed to the abundance of nature settings in and near the Cedar Hill area. However, your team has a wealth of other awesome attractions in Cedar Hill to loo ...
Legends Sports Complex - Things To Do With Your Team
Legends Sports Complex announced Oct. 3, 2017 its location at 602 Pruitt Road, The Woodlands, will close after 10 years due to damage the facility sustained from Hurricane Harvey. You're looking forward to your big trip to The Woodlands, Texas for all those athletic events your kids will be partici ...
Convention Center Guides in Texas - Things To Do With Your Team
Waco Convention Center - Things To Do With Your Team
With a nickname like “Heart of Texas” you’d expect to have high expectations for your trip to Waco. Setting high expectations for anything can lead to disappointment at times. Your trip to Waco will be anything but though. When your team has a tournament at the Waco Convention Center, they’l ...
Lubbock Memorial Civic Center - Things To Do With Your Team
The Lubbock Memorial Civic Center, located in the City of Lubbock, Texas, is a multipurpose convention center that hosts a variety of events. If one of the events taking place at the civic center is your team’s next sporting event, be prepared for an enjoyable team travel experience. From your tim ...
Galveston Island Convention Center - Things To Do With Your Team
Located on magnificent Seawall Boulevard in Galveston, Texas, the Galveston Island Convention Center at The San Luis Resort offers an ideal combination of a well-equipped facility and relaxing seaside surroundings. Although you and your team are likely visiting the Galveston Island Convention Cent ...
Fort Worth Convention Center - Things To Do With Your Team
The Fort Worth Convention Center, along with the historic city of Fort Worth, Texas, in which it’s located, make for a great team travel experience. Although it was opened half a century ago in 1968, the Fort Worth Convention Center doesn’t show its age one bit. That’s because it underwent mul ...
Arlington Convention Center - Things To Do With Your Team
Sandwiched between two of Texas’ major cities, Dallas and Fort Worth, Arlington provides more than enough activities for your team that they won’t have to venture far from the Arlington Convention Center. The Arlington Convention Center's amenities include dining options, free Wi-Fi, roughly 50 ...
American Bank Center - Things To Do With Your Team
Set alongside Corpus Christi Bay, the American Bank Center doesn’t just offer pristine views of the gulf and beach. It’s also an exquisite convention center, capable of hosting all sorts of events and tournaments. Lucky for you, the city has many amusing attractions nearby to take advantage of w ...
Austin Convention Center - Things To Do With Your Team
The vibe in Austin is definitely unique. The city is really big into the live music scene. You will most likely hear some while you're walking around. The area around the Austin Convention Center is a popular section of the city for tourists and locals because of the assortment of activities availab ...
Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center - Things To Do With Your Team
Named for the late Henry Barbosa Gonzalez, a U.S. congressman from San Antonio, the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center serves as the central component of San Antonio's renowned convention industry. From its premier location in the heart of historic downtown San Antonio on the banks of the city's wo ...
George R. Brown Convention Center - Things To Do With Your Team
Located smack dab in the middle of Houston's entertainment, dining, and arts district, the George R. Brown Convention Center is an ideal convention center to have a tournament at. There are a lot of welcomed amenities that your team can take advantage of, including five restaurants, complimentary Wi ...
Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center - Things To Do With Your Team
The Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center is located in the heart of Dallas. This is very advantageous for you and your team if you have a tournament there. The two million square foot convention center has a lot of amenities itself like three ballrooms, a theater, four restaurants, and more. Howev ...
About George R. Brown Convention Center
The George R. Brown Convention Center, opened on September 26, 1987, is located on the east side of Downtown Houston, Texas. The center was named for the prominent Houstonian George R. Brown, an entrepreneur, civic leader, and philanthropist. George Brown’s Texas Eastern Corporation donated six of the 11 blocks required to build the convention center. The center is owned by the City of Houston and managed by the Houston First Corporation. The facility was completed with a price tag of $104.9 million, requiring 30 months and more than 1,200 workers. The 100-foot high red-white-and-blue building replaced the obsolete Albert Thomas Convention Center, which was later redeveloped into the Bayou Place entertainment complex in the downtown Houston Theater District. It is the first convention center in the world to have a permanent Bitcoin ATM. The convention center is served by METRORail light rail service at Convention District station. The center sits where the Pillot House, a house owned by the family of one of the founders of the Henke & Pillot supermarket chain, used to be, the Pillot House was moved to Sam Houston Park in 1965. The first convention held in the George R. Brown Convention Center began on October 11, 1987, for the American Society of Travel Agents. A renovation project began on July 28, 2001 to expand the convention center and build an adjacent 1,200-room convention headquarters hotel at a cost of $165 million and requiring 27 months of construction. The adjacent hotel is the Hilton Americas-Houston, which is connected to the convention center via two skywalks. The project expanded the center from 1,150,000 square feet to 1,800,000 square feet. Three exhibit halls were added to increase exhibition space from 451,500 square feet to 853,500 square feet and sixty-two meeting rooms were added for a total of 105. Completion of the project concluded in November 2003, a few months before Super Bowl XXXVIII. There is also a 3,600-seat General Assembly Theater which can be used for concerts, Broadway shows, conferences, meetings and other events, while Exhibit Hall B3 can be converted into a 6,500-seat indoor arena for concerts and sports using telescopic seating. At the same time, METRORail was completed on schedule (connecting downtown to the Houston Museum District, Texas Medical Center, and Reliant Park), and what is deemed a revived downtown Houston has opened doors to future conventions (in 2004 and 2008, the Texas Democratic Convention was held at the GRB). The International Quilt Festival and International Quilt Market annually draws about 50,000 visitors. In 2008, the 12-acre Discovery Green park was completed across the street and the three-block Houston Pavilions (a retail and entertainment complex, anchored by House of Blues) opened four blocks away. A new 700-car parking garage was built under Discovery Green to replace two surface lots removed to make way for the park. The convention center is flanked by Toyota Center (home of the Houston Rockets) and Minute Maid Park (home of the Houston Astros). With the new improvements, the George R. Brown Convention Center is one of the 10 largest in the nation. After Hurricane Katrina, approximately 7,000 people went to the convention center, due to the Astrodome being at its full capacity. In 2009, a televised audition of the show America's Got Talent was filmed at the convention center. Many graduations from local high schools and colleges are held at the convention, as well as Houston's largest pop-culture event Comicpalooza draws a massive crowd every year and continues to increase as the convention becomes more popular.

