So, you’ve got a 6:00 AM flight out of IAH. Or maybe you're landing at midnight and the thought of a forty-minute Uber to Downtown Houston makes you want to cry. You're looking at the Sheraton North Houston at George Bush Intercontinental, and you're wondering: is this actually the move?
Honestly, it’s complicated.
The hotel sits at 15700 John F. Kennedy Boulevard. It’s been there since 1982, and if you’ve spent any time in Marriott properties, you know exactly what that means. It’s reliable. It’s familiar. But it definitely carries the weight of those decades. It’s a ten-story concrete block that has seen thousands of tired business travelers pass through its glass-enclosed lobby. Some people love it for the nostalgia and the solid construction; others think the wallpaper has seen better days.
The Logistics: Shuttle, Parking, and The "IAH Dance"
Let’s get the most important part out of the way. You are likely staying at the Sheraton North Houston at George Bush Intercontinental because it’s 2.8 miles from the terminals.
The shuttle is free. That’s the big win. It runs every 30 minutes from about 4:30 AM to 11:00 PM. If you land at 11:30 PM, you’re calling an Uber or a taxi, which will run you about $25 for a five-minute drive. Kinda annoying, but that’s the reality of airport logistics in a city as spread out as Houston.
For the drivers out there:
- Self-parking is usually around $8 a night.
- They have "Park and Fly" packages which can be a lifesaver compared to the terminal garages.
- The lot is 2.5 miles from the airport, making it one of the closer off-site options.
The "IAH Dance" is real. If you’re at the airport waiting for the pickup, you’ve gotta find the specific "Hotel Shuttle" zones at Terminals A, B, or C. If you’re at Terminal E? You’re walking to Terminal C or calling the hotel directly at (281) 442-5100 to see where the driver is hiding.
What’s Actually Inside?
When you walk in, the lobby is surprisingly nice. It was renovated around 2015, and they went for this "comfortable den" vibe. Think dark woods, warm lighting, and plenty of places to sit with a laptop.
There’s a Starbucks "Grab and Go" station. It’s not a full-scale cafe, but it gets the job done when you need caffeine before the sun is up. For actual food, you’ve got Drifters Bistro. It’s classic American. Burgers, wings, salads. Nothing that’s going to win a Michelin star, but when you’ve been on a plane for six hours, a hot club sandwich and a cold Shiner Bock feel like a religious experience.
The Room Situation
There are 419 rooms here. They use the Sheraton Signature Sleep Experience beds—basically the "Sweet Sleeper" beds. Most people agree the beds are the best part of the stay. They’re plush. They’re heavy.
But here’s the nuance: the rooms are a bit of a time capsule.
You’ll find 37-inch LCD TVs, which felt huge in 2012 but feel a bit small now. The bathrooms usually have the shower/tub combo with rainfall showerheads. It’s clean, usually, but you might see some wear and tear on the fixtures. Some guests have reported that the AC units—critical in the Houston humidity—can be a bit loud. If you’re a light sleeper, bring earplugs.
The "Club Level" Perk
If you’re a Marriott Bonvoy member or you feel like splurging an extra $40, the Club Level is actually worth it here.
The Club Lounge offers a hot breakfast and evening hors d'oeuvres. It’s a quiet space to work that isn't your bedroom. Just be aware that the lounge upkeep can be hit-or-miss depending on the day's staffing levels. On a good day, it’s a sanctuary. On a bad day, you’re hunting for a clean spoon.
Business and Events
This isn't just a place to sleep. It’s a massive convention hub. They have over 30,000 square feet of meeting space.
- The Grand Ballroom can hold 1,000 people.
- There are 26 different meeting rooms.
- They host everything from corporate training to local weddings.
If you're attending a conference here, you're in luck because you don't have to leave the building. If you're not attending the conference, try to book a room away from the elevators. Large groups can get rowdy in the hallways.
The Reality Check: Who Is This For?
If you want a modern, boutique experience with a rooftop bar and artisan cocktails, this isn't it. Go to the Westin or a spot in the Heights.
The Sheraton North Houston at George Bush Intercontinental is for the person who needs a pillow near a runway. It’s for the business traveler with a 24-hour layover who needs a gym and a desk. It’s for the family that doesn't want to pay $300 a night for the Marriott that’s literally inside the airport terminal.
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Is it dated? A little.
Is the staff friendly? Generally, yes—people rave about the multilingual front desk team.
Is it convenient? Absolutely.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
- Request a Fountain View: If you’re facing the interior/fountain area, it’s usually quieter than the rooms facing JFK Boulevard.
- Check the Shuttle Times: Don't just walk outside. Confirm with the front desk that the driver is on rotation.
- BYO Microwave: Most standard rooms don't have them. If you're planning on heating up leftovers, ask if they have any "microwave-inclusive" rooms available at check-in.
- Join Bonvoy: Even the lowest tier can sometimes snag you a late checkout, which is huge when your flight is delayed.
When you're ready to book, compare the "Stay and Fly" rates directly on the Marriott website versus third-party sites; sometimes the hotel's direct packages include breakfast or parking that saves you $50 overall. Check the current terminal construction at IAH before you leave, as it can add 15 minutes to your shuttle ride regardless of how close the hotel is.