KPRC2 Features The Sam Houston Hotel in World Cup Preparation Coverage

KPRC2 featured The Sam Houston Hotel in a comprehensive report on Houston's hotel industry preparing for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Reporter Bryce Newberry highlighted how hotels across the city are making massive investments ahead of the international event, with more than 500,000 visitors expected and hotel bookings up 130% for June and July.

The Sam Houston Hotel was prominently featured as the city's oldest operating hotel that just completed an impressive 18-month renovation. The segment detailed the property's newly redesigned lobby, revamped bar, upgraded rooms, and added Texas-themed design elements—all part of the hotel's transformation to welcome international visitors during the World Cup.

The report outlined the significant impact the World Cup is having on Houston's hospitality sector, with Downtown Houston Plus estimating a total investment of $100 million in hotel upgrades and expansions. Current hotel rates have increased 300% due to World Cup demand, though tourism officials emphasized that Houston's diverse hotel market should accommodate various budgets across more than 100,000 available rooms.

Jorge Franz, Senior Vice President of Tourism and Industry Relations at Houston First, emphasized the opportunity the World Cup presents: "The World Cup provides a platform for us to show the whole world that this is a place, not only that it's a good place to live, but it's also a great place to visit."

SULLTRAIN, as the communications partner for The Sam Houston Hotel, is proud to see the property recognized as a key part of Houston's World Cup readiness. The hotel's strategic downtown location at 1117 Prairie Street positions it perfectly for visitors attending matches at NRG Park while experiencing the heart of the city.

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