Hotels in Odessa

Odessa: Permian Basin Gateway in West Texas

Odessa, Texas sits in the heart of the Permian Basin, one of the most productive oil fields in North America. The city of roughly 115,000 residents lies along I-20 in Ector County, about 20 miles west of Midland and 300 miles east of El Paso. Odessa's economy tracks global energy markets closely — the city expanded rapidly during mid-20th-century oil booms and remains a working hub for petrochemical industry workers, engineers, and contractors. The University of Texas of the Permian Basin anchors a growing academic presence, while the Globe of the Great Southwest — a replica of Shakespeare's original London theatre built in 1966 — draws literary and cultural visitors year-round.

Where to Stay and Getting Around

Hotels concentrate along Business Loop 20 and near the Odessa-Midland International Airport (MAF), shared with neighboring Midland and served by American, United, and Southwest. Most properties are mid-range chains catering to energy-sector workers on extended stays. The Permian Basin Petroleum Museum, located 15 miles east in Midland, is a popular half-day excursion from Odessa hotels.

Practical Tips

• Climate: West Texas heat peaks above 100°F (38°C) from June through August; pack accordingly.
• Transport: A rental car is essential — no meaningful public transit connects hotels to attractions.
• Timing: Rooms fill fast during major drilling contract cycles and the Friday Night Lights high school football season (August–December).