A Complete Guide to Staying Near MD Anderson Cancer Center

Getting the right temporary home near MD Anderson can make all the difference for patients and families. Short-term furnished rentals in the Texas Medical Center (TMC) provide fully equipped, move-in-ready apartments tailored for medical stays. Unlike regular leases, these accommodations offer flexible month-to-month or even shorter terms, so you’re never locked into a long contract if your treatment schedule changes. Houston’s Medical Accommodations, for example, specializes in temporary, fully furnished housing solutions curated for medical patients. With apartments scattered throughout the Medical Center area, they ensure patients are just minutes from their hospital appointments. Patients often find these rentals more affordable than hotels. 30+ day stays can waive hotel taxes, and they include utilities (WiFi, cable, etc.) in one flat rate.

Why Furnished Rentals Are Ideal for MD Anderson Patients

Long stays at MD Anderson call for the comforts of home. Furnished apartments give you space, privacy, and functionality that hotels rarely match. More Space & Privacy: A typical hotel room is a single space, but an apartment provides separate living, sleeping, and cooking areas. This extra room lets family members care for patients without crowding them. One can rest in a quiet bedroom while another reads or sleeps in the living room. Having multiple bedrooms and a living area normalizes life during treatment and can be a real morale booster.

Full Kitchen for Healthy Meals:

Nutrition is vital during recovery. Furnished rentals near MD Anderson include fully stocked kitchens with ovens, stoves, and full-size fridges. You can prepare special diets or comfort foods at any time, a huge advantage over expensive room service or fast food. Cooking your own meals also saves money: restaurant food for every meal adds up, whereas grocery shopping and home cooking are more affordable.

Laundry Convenience:

In-unit washers and dryers are common in Houston medical apartments. Being able to wash bedding, towels, and clothes at any hour is crucial when dealing with treatment side effects. (While hotels may offer laundry service, it’s often pricey and not as convenient as doing it yourself late at night.)

Home-Like Comfort & Routine:

An apartment truly feels like a home away from home. You’ll have a living room to relax in, maybe a balcony or patio, and space to arrange personal items. Patients often report that this familiarity of making coffee in “their” kitchen or setting up photos on a dresser provides comfort and stress relief. In contrast, a hotel’s daily housekeeping can feel intrusive, and its impersonal ambience can be unsettling during a long stay. Having a routine (waking up in your own bed, eating at your own table) can support emotional well-being.

Cost Savings:

Over multi-week stays, furnished apartments usually cost less than hotels. Extended-stay hotels may have kitchens, but they charge high nightly rates plus taxes. Furnished units, by contrast, often charge a single monthly rate that includes utilities (phone, internet, TV). Studies show corporate housing can be 10-30% cheaper than equivalent hotel suites. Plus, you avoid hotel fees for parking, Wi-Fi, and laundry. (One caveat: for very short stays under a week, a hotel might still be easier, but for anything longer, apartments save money.)

Supportive Services:

Some medical housing providers also offer patient-focused perks. For instance, certain Houston apartments run hospital shuttles for residents. If driving isn’t possible, these free or scheduled shuttles connect you to MD Anderson and other TMC hospitals. Even without a private shuttle, the area is well-served by Houston’s public transit and rideshare options: the METRORail Red Line stops in the Medical Center, and Uber/Lyft costs are low for short hops. Many housing services (like Medical Accommodations) know patient needs; they'll coordinate early move-ins for treatment schedules, offer ADA equipment on request, or supply recliners and adjustable beds for comfort.

Key Advantages of Furnished Apartments for MD Anderson Patients:

• Space & Privacy: Separate living and bedrooms for family or caregivers.

• Kitchen Access: Full kitchen enables special diets and home cooking.

• Laundry: In-unit washer/dryer means clean clothes on demand.

• Cost-Effective: Lower overall cost for multi-week stays (utilities included).

• Home Comfort: Feels like a real home, boosting morale during treatment.

Hotels vs. Furnished Rentals

It’s natural to consider hotels, but for long medical trips, furnished rentals usually win. Extended-stay hotels near MD Anderson do offer small kitchenettes and housekeeping. They’re handy for short bursts, but they can be cramped (often just studio layouts) and become very expensive week-by-week. By contrast, a corporate or medical housing apartment provides a full suite of rooms, all utilities, and no hidden fees. In fact, one provider notes furnished apartments are 10-30% cheaper than comparable hotels. For stays over a couple of weeks, most families find apartments to give them more normalcy and save money in the long run.

Airbnb/Vacation Rentals are another option, but they carry risks: variable cleanliness and reliability, extra cleaning fees, and you might still have to set up internet or water on your own. Plus, unlike medical housing services, Airbnb hosts usually don’t offer patient-focused support or cancellations for hospital timing. If you use Airbnb, read reviews carefully and confirm locations near MD Anderson.

Quick Comparison

• Furnished Apartment: Best for 30+ night stays. Pros: Kitchen, laundry, privacy, more space. Cons: Often require at least a 30-night minimum; need to drive/park if you have a car.

• Extended-Stay Hotel: Best for 1-4 week stays. Pros: Kitchenette, suite layout, predictable monthly rates. Cons: Still limited space, usually higher nightly rate, and daily housekeeping interruptions.

• Standard Hotel: Best for very short stays (a few days). Pros: No setup needed, front desk assistance. Cons: No kitchen, less space, costly over time.

Whichever you choose, plan based on the length of stay and needs. If you’ll have a caregiver, an apartment’s extra bedroom can reduce stress. Always check what’s included (utilities, Wi-Fi, parking) and whether you can extend easily if treatment changes (many medical housing companies allow extra weeks with notice).

Essential Amenities and Features

When touring options, look for these must-have features in your medical housing:

• Fully Equipped Kitchen: At minimum, a full-size refrigerator, stove/oven, microwave, and basic cookware. This lets you safely prepare meals (essential for special diets).

• In-Unit Laundry: A washer and dryer or on-site laundry saves expensive trips to laundromats or hotel service. Especially important if treatments or medications soil clothing.

• High Speed Wi-Fi & Work Space: Reliable internet and a desk/computer setup allow you to stay connected with family or continue work from home. Medical visits often come with downtime (infusions, waiting rooms), so you’ll want online entertainment or communication.

• Comfortable Furnishings: A supportive bed and bedding, reclining chairs (for resting after long days), and good lighting can improve rest and recovery. Some services even offer power-lift recliners or adjustable beds for surgery recovery.

• Private Bathroom: Ideally, one bathroom per bedroom, or at least a shower with grab bars and a low threshold if mobility is an issue. Ask if units have grab bars, a walk-in (roll-in) shower, and non-slip flooring for safety.

• Wide Doorways & Ramp: For wheelchair or walker users, doorways of at least 32 inches and step-free (no stairs) entry are critical. You may want a ground-floor unit or be sure the building has a reliable elevator and curb cuts.

• Shuttle Service: Check if the community offers free shuttles to MD Anderson or other hospitals. This perk can save on parking hassles. At a minimum, confirm easy access to METRORail (the Red Line has a Medical Center stop) or shuttle stops. Houston’s paratransit system (METROLift/curb2curb) can also provide door-to-door rides for those with certified disabilities.

• Free/Gated Parking: If you rent a car, secure parking is a plus. Many Houston complexes offer gated parking lots or garages included in your rent. Free parking means no surprise fees.

• Nearby Conveniences: A short drive (or walk) to grocery stores, pharmacies, and parks is very helpful. In the Med Center area, you’ll find several grocery and retail options (H-E-B, Kroger, Target, CVS, etc.) within a mile of many apartments. Being close to these essentials saves time and energy during your stay.

Checklist for Patient-Friendly Apartments:

• Full kitchen & refrigerator

• Washer/dryer in-unit

• High-speed internet access

• Single-level unit or elevator access

• Wheelchair-friendly (32″+ doorways, ramps)

• ADA bathroom features (grab bars, walk-in shower)

• Shuttle to hospitals or METRORail stop

• Secure parking included

• Furnished and move-in ready

Nonprofit and Hospital-Provided Lodging Options

Beyond commercial rentals, there are charitable housing resources near MD Anderson:

American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge (Houston):

This free facility gives cancer patients and one caregiver a private room and shared kitchen/living space. Amenities include community kitchens, free laundry, and transportation services to appointments. It operates as a “home-away-from-home” for eligible patients (must be in active treatment). Availability is limited, and demand is high, but it’s a tremendous support if you qualify.

Hospitality Apartments:

Run by a church volunteer ministry, this offers rent-free short-term housing (usually up to 12 weeks) for patients treated in the Texas Medical Center. It’s within a few miles of MD Anderson, and furnished apartments are provided free for the stay. Patients must be referred through a case manager or social worker.

Rotary House International:

This is an on-campus hotel run by MD Anderson for its patients. It’s adjacent to the hospital and offers affordable lodging specifically for MD Anderson patients. Rooms are like hotel rooms with kitchenettes and a clinic presence. Note: reservations go through MD Anderson’s social services or patient housing office, and it often fills up quickly.

Ronald McDonald House (Houston):

For families of pediatric cancer patients, RMH provides near-free lodging steps from Children’s Memorial Hermann (and a shuttle to MD Anderson’s pediatric clinic).

Other Organizations:

Sometimes hospitals have limited guest housing or negotiated rates at nearby hotels for patients. Always ask MD Anderson’s case manager about any “reduced-rate” hotels or temporary housing funds. These nonprofit options often have strict eligibility (cancer diagnosis, Houston County residency, etc.) and long waitlists, so they’re usually a supplemental option.

Ask your care team about referrals to these programs. Even if you use a furnished apartment for most of your stay, hospitals can sometimes arrange a few free nights at Hope Lodge or Rotary House for particularly tough treatment days.

Navigating Transportation

Getting to appointments smoothly is key. If you have a car, make sure your apartment includes free parking. Parking at the hospital itself can be pricey and time-consuming; many Med Center apartments include gated parking spots at no extra charge. If you don’t drive, note that most patient-focused apartments are near METRORail or bus lines. The Houston METRORail Red Line runs directly through the Medical Center, connecting to downtown and other transit lines. METRO buses are fully ADA-accessible (ramps/lifts, priority seating, tie-downs for wheelchairs). For those who qualify, METRO Lift paratransit offers door-to-door van service with wheelchair lifts. Lastly, many complexes advertise free shuttle vans that run on a schedule to MD Anderson and Texas Children’s. When booking, ask if a hospital shuttle stops at your location; it can be a lifesaver for early or late treatments.

Emotional Preparation and Packing Tips

Traveling for cancer treatment is emotionally and physically challenging. Plan for comfort. Pack loose, comfortable clothing: button-down shirts (for easy IV/port access), elastic-waist pants, pajamas, and a robe. Your own slippers or shoes and personal blankets can help you feel at home. Don’t forget basic toiletries (toothbrush, deodorant, skin lotion, etc.) even though the apartment is furnished, personal care items are all up to you. MD Anderson specifically lists clothes, underwear, pajamas, and slippers among hospital-pack essentials.

Bring entertainment and connection: a tablet or laptop for streaming movies, phone chargers, extra batteries, books, or a deck of cards. Hospitals often get chilly, so pack warm socks or a cardigan. Snacks and a water bottle are handy infusion centers that may offer limited drinks, so having your favorites can ease hunger. For emotional support, consider items like family photos, a journal, or comforting music. If you have a certified support animal, confirm pet-friendly housing; many Houston providers (including Medical Accommodations) will help accommodate emotional support pets upon request. Also, prepare mentally: treatment travel can be stressful, so build in breaks to explore (if possible) nearby parks or attractions to recharge.

Packing Checklist (Examples):

• Clothing: Button-down tops, sweatpants/leggings, pajamas (with button closures).

• Toiletries: Soap, shampoo, lotion (cancer treatment can dry skin), toothbrush/toothpaste, etc.

• Comfort items: Favorite pillow or blanket, eye mask, noise-canceling headphones.

• Electronics: Phone/tablet with charger, laptop (if needed), headphones, power bank.

• Documents: Identification, insurance cards, doctor’s notes or referral letters.

• Medications: All regular prescriptions (in original bottles).

• Extras: Book or e-reader, snacks, water bottle, loose change for vending machines.

Being emotionally ready means acknowledging that stress is normal. Communicate with loved ones about your schedule and needs. Ask hospitals about counseling or support groups for caregivers and patients. Many people find comfort in talking through anxieties with others in similar situations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where should I stay when going to MD Anderson?

A: The best lodging depends on your stay length. For extended treatment periods (a month or more), a short-term furnished apartment near the Texas Medical Center is usually ideal. These apartments have kitchens, laundry, and multiple rooms, offering home comforts. For shorter visits (under a week), a patient-friendly hotel or extended-stay hotel close to campus might be acceptable. In all cases, look within 1-3 miles of MD Anderson Houston’s Medical Center area to minimize commute time. Services like Medical Accommodations can match you with specific patient-oriented apartments in MD Anderson’s vicinity.

Q: Are there apartments specifically for cancer patients?

A: Not officially “cancer-only,” but many complexes market themselves as “Medical Center apartments.” Companies focusing on patient housing (like Medical Accommodations or Luxurway) partner with apartment communities near MD Anderson. These rentals are open to anyone, but they understand medical needs and often waive short-term lease requirements. Just be sure to mention you’re a patient when booking; the housing agent can then ensure your unit has the requested features (e.g. ground floor, medical equipment, etc.).

Q: How do apartment rates compare to hotels?

A: For stays over a couple of weeks, apartments are generally more cost-effective. Hotels may charge daily rates plus sales taxes, whereas furnished apartments typically have a single monthly rate that includes taxes and utilities. Many apartment providers report overall savings of 10-30% for long stays. Of course, this depends on current hotel rates and apartment availability, but it’s common to pay significantly less per night in an apartment for a multi-week stay.

Q: What is Hope Lodge and can I stay there?

A: The American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge Houston is a free lodging facility for cancer patients and one caregiver during treatment. It’s located in the TMC area and offers private bedrooms and communal kitchens. To stay there, you generally need a referral from your doctor or case manager and a confirmed treatment schedule. Because it’s free, demand is very high you might be placed on a waitlist. If you qualify, Hope Lodge is a wonderful resource, but most patients also secure private housing because Hope Lodge can’t accommodate everyone.

Q: Are there shuttles to MD Anderson from housing?

A: Some apartments and hotels offer private shuttles on fixed schedules between their properties and the Medical Center. For example, one Houston apartment complex provides a free shuttle for residents going to TMC. If you plan to rely on transit, look for options near a METRORail Red Line stop or bus routes. Alternatively, Uber and Lyft are inexpensive for short rides in this area. MD Anderson also has shuttles connecting its various buildings, so once you’re at campus, moving between facilities is easy.

Q: What do I do if a rental I booked isn’t accessible enough?

A: First, communicate immediately with the provider about your needs. Under disability law, they should work with you. If your concerns aren’t addressed, you have rights under the Fair Housing Act (see below). You could request on-the-spot modifications (e.g. installation of grab bars) or ask to switch to a more suitable unit. If nothing changes, you can contact authorities. Houston residents can report housing discrimination to HUD’s Fair Housing office at 800-669-9777, or file a complaint online. Local organizations like the Houston Center for Independent Living can also advise on fair housing or adaptive housing resources.