coming in 2027

Houston hotel undergoing big transformation with Margaritaville themes

Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Nassau Bay rendering

A rendering previews the Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Nassau Bay.

Courtesy of Compass by Margartiaville

One of the Clear Lake area’s signature hotels is undergoing a massive transformation. When it opens in late 2027, Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Nassau Bay will bring a boutique-style experience to Houston’s Bay Area.

Located in the former Hilton Houston NASA Clear Lake (3000 E NASA Parkway), the Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Nassau Bay will feature a comprehensive set of upgrades. Plans call for four Margaritaville-themed restaurants, a lazy river, conference and meeting spaces, and “fully reimagined guestrooms,” according to press materials. Once complete, the 229-room property will also offer marina access, boat parking, and a store.

“We are excited to introduce Compass Hotel Nassau Bay and bring this new destination to the Clear Lake community, just minutes from NASA/Space Center Houston,” Nassau Bay Resorts LLC CEO Kam Miramadi said in a statement. “We look forward to transforming this property into a welcoming hotel and recreational experience that reflects the character of the surrounding area while providing guests with a comfortable place to stay and explore. Bringing the Compass by Margaritaville brand to the region will offer a new hospitality option for visitors, business travelers, conferences, boaters, and locals alike.”

Nassau Bay Resorts LLC acquired the property in 2025. In June, it filed a notice with the Texas Workforce Commission that it would lay off all of its employees on July 31 to facilitate the renovations.

Margaritaville is also working on a $250 million, 334-room property on Galveston Island. In 2022, it opened the Camp Margaritaville RV Resort Crystal Beach.

hotels

The New Beaver in Town

Buc-ee's is ready to debut its new San Marcos travel center

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The new travel center on I-35 will open August 12. (Pictured: A Buc-ee's location in Katy)

Road trips through San Marcos will be changing a lot for some snack-obsessed drivers. The iconic roadside gas station and store Buc-ee's will open its new San Marcos travel center on Wednesday, August 12.

The 74,000-square-foot travel center is located at 3245 N. IH 35 — technically in San Marcos, but right on the edge of Kyle. The public can stop by starting at 6 am, and a ribbon cutting with San Marcos Mayor Jane Hughson and County Judge Ruben Becerra marks the occasion at 10 am.

Like other Buc-ee's locations, this one will sell Texas barbecue, kolaches, fudge, fresh pastries, and packaged snacks like the famous Beaver Nuggets, made from puffed cornmeal. There are also 128 fueling positions, and the business will employ more than 200 workers with above-minimum starting pay, benefits, and paid vacation, a press release says.

"The Buc-ee's mantra is 'exceed expectations,' and this San Marcos location is a special step for us in that regard. The San Marcos store will help us provide the ultimate Buc-ee's experience to all I-35 travelers, north and southbound!" said Stan Beard of Buc-ee's.

Buc-ee's, which started in the Houston-area town of Lake Jackson in 1982, is a Texas icon. It has a total of 57 stores in 13 states including Texas.

The San Marcos opening is a bright spot in Buc-ee's current media coverage, which is currently fixated on a lawsuit. Buc-ee's has sued an Ohio mini-mart for an alleged trademark infringement. The spat even caught the attention of comedian and talk show host John Oliver, who discussed it in two episodes of Last Week Tonight With John Oliver that aired July 26 and August 9. Oliver's remarks focused on the store logos, but an official Buc-ee's statement takes issue instead with an Ohio Trade Name Registration.

buc-ee's openings road trip