JW Marriott Houston Downtown Reveals Landmark Expansion Ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup
by Laura Ratliff
Photo: JW Marriott Houston
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to bring a global spotlight to Houston, the JW Marriott Houston Downtown is undergoing a significant expansion and renovation to meet heightened demand. Located at 806 Main Street, the project will incorporate the adjacent Battelstein’s Building—once a prominent department store—into an expanded version of the hotel, reopening in early 2026.
The integration will bring the total key count to 384 rooms, including 89 suites, making it the largest collection of luxury accommodations in the city’s historic core. Originally opened in 1924 and expanded to 10 stories by 1950 under architect Joseph Finger, the Battelstein’s Building will connect with the 22-story Samuel F. Carter Building, home to the JW Marriott Houston Downtown since 2014.
The updated hotel will add 10,000 square feet of meeting and event space—bringing the total to approximately 23,500—and a redesigned ground-floor restaurant and lounge, plus a rooftop bar, pool, and restaurant with skyline views. These additions join the hotel’s existing spa, fitness center, and executive club lounge.
“This initiative represents an exciting evolution for the JW Marriott Houston Downtown,” said Jelle Vandenbroucke, the hotel’s general manager. “We are not just adding rooms—we are redefining the guest experience by creating a hospitality destination that captures the energy, diversity and sophistication of Houston.”
“The addition of the rooftop pool and restaurant not only provides a high-end amenity and attraction for our guests, but also becomes a chic destination for locals,” Misty King, the director of sales and marketing, added.
The redesign is led by Houston-based Rottet Studio, whose recent work includes Viking Cruises’ Aton and The Crescent Hotel in Fort Worth, while Cole Martinez Curtis & Associates will oversee updates to the main building. Arch-Con Corporation serves as general contractor.
Once completed, the refreshed JW Marriott Houston Downtown will blend natural materials, modern finishes, and historic architecture, positioning the property as a flagship destination with direct access to Houston’s business, cultural, and entertainment hubs.
