Houston rooming and boarding houses? (lease, how much, YMCA)

[Mcp99]

Hey All,
I was hoping to get feedback on decent rooming and/or boarding houses in the Houston area. I will be relocating to Houston next month and was wondering if anyone could share their recommendations and/or experiences with Houston rooming/boarding houses? Any to avoid? I am hoping that there are some good ones in the area...??

I also saw that a local monastery was renting small/large rooms. Has anyone ever temporarily lived in such circumstances and if so, could you share your experience and advice?

Thanks,
Mcp

[Mcp99]

Hi Again,

I didn't receive any replies for boarding/rooming houses, so I have another question:
Has anyone had an experience with staying at the YMCA/YWCA or International Hostel in Houston? If not, do you know of anyone that has and could share the pro's/con's with me?

I am a considerate, responsible woman in my early 40's (non-smoker, no current pets) looking to secure a very low-cost temporary furnished room while I search for employment. After obtaining a job I will then re-evaluate the commuting time and proceed accordingly.

I am keeping my fingers crossed and hope someone has suggestions. I have already looked at Craigslist.

Thanks so much,
Mcp99

[houstoner]

How much money can you spend?

Is the monastery you're talking about just east of downtown? I had a friend who stayed there some years ago while he was between houses and jobs. I don't recall what his experience there was, though.

[Mcp99]

Originally Posted by houstoner

How much money can you spend?

Is the monastery you're talking about just east of downtown? I had a friend who stayed there some years ago while he was between houses and jobs. I don't recall what his experience there was, though.

Hi,
The monastery guest room I saw advertised is on 3013 Roe drive-per the contact phone information; I am unsure if that is simply the administrative building or where the actual room is located. In addition, it states that the location is on "36/40 bus line, inside Loop".

I wanted to spend between $300-$325 per month. I need a furnished room that offers some semblance of peace and privacy. I truly hope that there is such a place out there!!

Thanks!
Mcp99

[WillysB]

Mcp, have you looked at Craigslist? I'm looking under Rooms/shared. Don't know if you want to go this way but does present an option. Just have to be cautious about who/where you get involved.

Good luck

[Mcp99]

Originally Posted by WillysB

Mcp, have you looked at Craigslist? I'm looking under Rooms/shared. Don't know if you want to go this way but does present an option. Just have to be cautious about who/where you get involved.

Good luck

Hi There,
Yes, I have looked on Craigslist. Like you said, I am cautious about having roommates...that is why I was checking into other low-cost options. It doesn't look like there are many alternatives.

Thanks for your feedback,
Mcp99

[houstoner]

I just saw that you asked about the hostel. Is that in the Museum District? I accidentally met a tourist on his way to Alaska from Australia walking down the street there once. I had no idea it was there. It's totally hidden from view by foliage! Anyway, I would recommend that option as much better as a single woman than the monastery. I looked at it on Google Street View and it looks sketchy, the price, the building, the area... But I don't know, it might be okay, I guess. I think that is the same one my friend stayed in. I know it was east of downtown. But he's a he and he's from here. I don't know that I'd recommend a single woman new to the city stay there. I really think you might be better off upping your budget a little and looking for a roommate if the hostel doesn't pan out, or better yet getting a 1BR by yourself somewhere centrally located. Many places offer a six-month lease.

[Mcp99]

Originally Posted by houstoner

I just saw that you asked about the hostel. Is that in the Museum District? I accidentally met a tourist on his way to Alaska from Australia walking down the street there once. I had no idea it was there. It was totally hidden from view by foliage! Anyway, I would recommend that option as much better as a single woman than the monastery. I looked at it on Google Street View and it looks sketchy, the price, the building, the area... But I don't know, it might be okay, I guess. I just wouldn't recommend it to a single woman new to the city. I think that is the same one my friend stayed in. I know it was east of downtown. But he's a he. I don't know that I'd recommend a single woman stay there. I really think you might be better off upping your budget a little and looking for a roommate if the hostel doesn't pan out, or better yet getting a 1BR by yourself somewhere centrally located. Many places offer a six-month lease.

Hi,
Yes, the hostel is in the museum district. I also saw the photo of the Monastery on Google and I agree that it looked kinda sketchy. I will check into more details regarding the hostel and explore getting a 1br or studio that offers a shorter lease.

A BIG thanks to you for your thoughtful reply,

Cheers,
Mcp99

[TexasDoug]

The downtown Y no longer rents rooms for visitors. That part of the old Y is now demolished.

The new Hostelling International Houston at 501 Lovett Blvd, 77006 is in Montrose for short term visitors. [EMAIL="houston@hiusa.org"]houston@hiusa.org[/EMAIL]