A Business Traveler’s Guide

Whether you are attending a conference in the “Hub City” or have a meeting scheduled with a client, Lubbock, Texas welcomes you! We know business travel can be stressful, but Visit Lubbock is here to help you plan the most efficient itinerary to get the job done while also offering an authentic West Texas experience. The only things you need to worry about are sealing the deal and where to grab a celebratory meal. 

Book the Flights

When taking the beginning steps of putting together a travel plan, it is crucial to start with booking flights. Nothing will wreak more havoc than not being able to schedule a flight that aligns with a specified departure or arrival time. Luckily, the Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport is one-stop from major airports including Dallas, Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Denver. If you are traveling from inside the Lone Star State, direct flights from Austin and Houston are also available. 

With two terminals and short security lines, travelers will be able to make their returning flight with ease. Lubbock also services major airlines including Southwest, American and United. Rental cars are also available to take you around the city. Luckily, the airport is just five minutes from downtown, making it an affordable and timely drive to catch a flight or relax after a day of traveling. If renting a car is not in the budget, consider utilizing a ride-share service like Uber or Lyft. Lubbock also boasts an average commute time of 20 minutes from any point in the city, making sure you are on time for every meeting. 

Hotel Accommodations 

Before booking your room, take a look at the meeting itinerary for a possible host hotel or block of rooms set aside for attendees. When it comes to state-of-the-art venues with luxury service, this isn’t Lubbock’s first rodeo. Home to over 6,500 hotel rooms, you are sure to find a home away from home that best suits you. From local boutique and pocket hotels to the more familiar names, business travelers are given the option between earning points at a Hilton location, or diving into Lubbock’s culture at a local hotel. Take a look below for the quick stats on a few popular stays. 

Overton Hotel and Conference Center

As Lubbock’s premier hotel and conference center, guests will find themselves fully consumed in West Texas hospitality. At $119 per night, the Overton offers a complimentary airport shuttle, premier fitness and business centers, and meeting rooms from 12 people to 1,200. This hotel is also positioned right on the edge of Texas Tech’s campus, providing guests with a complete “Hub City” experience. This hotel also houses The Pecan Grill, a hearty, decadent choice if you are looking for a great place to eat to jumpstart your morning or at the end of the day.

Cotton Court Hotel 

Opening September 25 at $99 per night, dive into the city’s agricultural culture at Lubbock’s newest boutique hotel designed to replicate a 19th-century cotton gin. The Cotton Court is a full-service hotel accommodated by indoor and outdoor event space perfect to host a small meeting as well as the Midnight Shift restaurant and bar. It is also in close proximity to shopping and entertainment for a night out after a day filled with meetings.

Pioneer Pocket Hotel 

The Pioneer Pocket Hotel is one of Lubbock’s exclusive luxury hotels offered at an affordable price – $112 per night. This pocket hotel is changing the way you stay in Lubbock as the only keyless entry accommodation in the city that does not require a front-desk check-in. Placed in the heart of downtown on Broadway and Avenue K, you will find yourself entrapped in the thick of Lubbock’s culture.

DoubleTree by Hilton

Located right off the Marsha Sharp Freeway, this recently renovated building is set to open in early 2021. The DoubleTree by Hilton will offer a restaurant and bar in the lobby, meeting space, a fitness center for those looking to maintain their workout routine and an indoor pool among other amenities offered. The average price per night at this must-stay will begin at $154 per night.

MGM Elegante

Located on Avenue Q and Glenna Goodacre, the MCM Elegante is an affordable option at just $109 per night. This hotel is centrally based between Texas Tech University and the Arts District in downtown Lubbock. Complete with recently renovated rooms and other noteworthy amenities, this is a frequent option when visiting for a conference at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center.

If you are more of an Airbnb person, don’t worry! There are a plethora of options that pay tribute to local legends, like this one!  

Dine on the Company Dime

Planning an independent food itinerary with a few must-try restaurants to take a client, network with industry partners or treat yourself to a job well done is arguably one of the most important factors when scheduling business travel. We have compiled a few favorites that foster an environment with a professional feel.

West Table

The West Table features a rotating menu consisting of the highest-quality local and global in-season ingredients and introduces a fine selection of international flavors in a familiar way. From the flavorful oysters on a half shell to a delectable selection from the Atlantic, the daily flown-in seafood brings fresh, ocean-side dining to Lubbock. Located in the Historic Pioneer Building, this upscale dining experience is the perfect way to show your appreciation to a client. 

Las Brisas

A steak lover’s dream, Las Brisas Southwest Steakhouse selects each cut of meat from the finest selection of Reserve Black Angus Beef. Menu options include the surf and turf, an elegant pairing of fresh lobster and a tender, delicious filet. Another menu staple is the raspberry filet seasoned with raspberry chipotle, crusted with pecans and garnished with jalapeno cream cheese. If your pitch doesn’t sell it for you, the steak just might! 

Burklee Hill Vineyards

Located in the Historic Kress Building, Burklee Hill Vineyards is a must-try when visiting Lubbock. This generational winery has become proficient in wine production and pairing. We would be remiss not to recommend a glass of Texas High Plains Wine while visiting the “Hub City”. As the leading producer of Texas wine grapes, this region is rich in flavor, and Burklee Hill as perfected it. While enjoying the delicate notes of citrus and pear in the bottle of pinot, we recommend pairing with a light pizzette or salad. The extensive lunch and dinner menu is as tasty as the libations. If you are looking for a more intimate meeting space, place Burklee Hill at the top of the list! 

Hub City Attractions

When the meetings come to and end, set your emails aside and treat yourself to a night on the town! Lubbock boasts a thriving nightlife with an evolving culture. Visitors can find themselves in the front row or a live performance at the Cactus Theater, marveling in the awe that is the largest public art collection in the country at Texas Tech University or familiarizing yourself with history at a local museum like The National Ranching Heritage Center. For more ideas on ways to experience the 806, click here. 

Now that you are well-equipped with the best tips of how to get around Lubbock, we hope to see you soon! 

“We are centered primarily around workforce to ensure we have a future trained workforce available for our businesses.”

John Osborne
Lubbock Economic Development Alliance