The DoubleTree Hotel & Suites in Houston, Texas, is part concept hotel, part apartment building – with the newly renovated Houston location serving its guests every bit the comfortable experience they would expect from a Hilton hotel, with just that little bit extra you wouldn’t expect. I was greeted with a fast check in, complete with a warm choc chip cookie – something signature for the DoubleTree brand internationally.
I was lucky enough to stay in one of the hotel’s large suites, which is basically a one bedroom apartment – the sort of size that would cost you an arm and a leg in Australia (or anywhere for that matter). A kitchen with all the facilities (full sized fridge, microwave et al.) is included in the suite, plus a couch, TV (two of them to be exact – 32 inch in the living room space and 37 inch in the bedroom), dining table and full work desk facilities in the bedroom (with excellent wi-fi to boot).
I could imagine people staying here for extended periods of time due to work, and feeling very comfortable here indeed. The King bed – with its 400 thread count sheets – was as inviting as it looks in the photo, as were the pillows. And the Air Conditioning was perfect – which is important in a city that gets as hot as Houston.
Also worth noting for a city like Houston is that fact that everyone drives (you don’t want to be relying on public transport if you come here – I can’t speak for the fact there even is public transport to be honest), so the hotel’s large car park accommodates the city’s car dependence, and valet parking is available for $30 (or you can self park for $24). Both the parking and the location of the hotel itself is good, situated on a major road (5353 Westheimer Road to be precise) – but you wouldn’t go so far as to call Houston a “scenic” city – so you don’t have to worry so much about the view. I was on the fourth floor and had a view of the park outside.
While the view may not be anything to get excited about, the location certainly is. Among many other restaurants within easy reach, you’ll find a steakhouse next door if you need a good meal, or you can eat on site at the McKinley’s Bar and Grille, which serves a stand out hot and/or cold buffet breakfast starting from $12.95. And if you’re wondering why the hotel has “Galleria” in the name, that’s because you’re located just one block from the Galleria Mall, featuring over 400 shopping and dining outlets.
All rooms are non-smoking and getting to the hotel from Houston’s airports will take you roughly 30 (Hobby) or 45 (George Bush Intercontinental) minutes. Oh – and with a check out time of 12pm, the ability to stay with your pet, conference facilities and plenty more – this festival seems to have flexibility for the needs or just about any traveller.
To book a night and for more details about the hotel head to their official website.
Photos, unless listed, by the author. This article was written with Larry Heath. All prices were correct at the time of printing and are in US Dollars.
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