Come summertime, there’s no better way to beat the heat than floating on a body of water with a cold drink in hand. While lazy rivers are not so easy to come by in Houston, you can now swim over to the Marriot Marquis in Downtown, Houston, and float along the legendary Texas border.
It’s getting hotter, Houston. You could visit your parents house in the suburbs, or take a dip in your apartment complex’s pool, but why not think bigger? Why not think lazier? Pack the car, or the Uber, and float down to the Marriot Marquis, home to a Texas-sized, six-story-high lazy river in Downtown, Houston.
Be apprised: this pool is not ordinarily open to the public. In order to take a ride on this river, you need a wristband. Hotel residents get one after booking a room, a minor $200-300 expenditure in the summer. Or if you have some in your back pocket, use your Marriot points — in this case, 35,000 of them.
If you’ve got neither, there are three ways to access this lazy Lone Star river:
Buy a Day Pass. For $50, a day pass gives you access to the lazy river, the heated infinity pool, hot tub, poolside food and drink service, towel service as well as the fitness center.
Buy a spa pass. For $75, you get all amenities included in the Day Pass as well as access to the steam room, men’s and women’s relaxation lounge, and the lockers and showers.
Spend at least 50 minutes treating yourself to one of the Spa amenities at Pure Spa located inside the hotel. The price varies depending on which service (body treatment, facial, massage, etc.) you choose. The cheapest option would be to get a Ladies Haircut for $65, or (for men and women) a Shellac Manicure for $70. Booking an appointment with the spa, and treating yourself to one of the aforementioned services for at least an hour, will get you a wristband. That wristband grants you access to the lazy river at the Parkview Terrace on the sixth floor.
The hotel offers a number of other passes, but the prices will probably put you off. Instead, go easy and simple with one of the listed passes and spend a day soaking in the Texas sun!