We are Americans who live overseas and travel very frequently for both work and vacations. (about 60 nights a year between vacations and work spent in hotels). We generally stay at Starwood and Hilton properties but chose this hotel based on is proximity to MD Anderson and the size of the 2 bedroom suites.
Pros: Very friendly staff- the couple who run the restaurant are welcoming, cheerful and kind. The breakfast was hot and simple- bacon, eggs, variety of bread and fruit, cereal etc. When the toaster didn't work, one of the waiters cheerfully toasted my english muffin in the oven. The restaurant staff were gems and during this stressful visit to MD Anderson it was wonderful to be greeted so warmly each morning! The front desk staff were also helpful and kind. The location is excellent for the Texas Medical Center area and Rice Univ. We stayed in a 2 bedroom suite, and my in-laws stayed in the one bedroom suite. The 2 bedroom suite is quite large and has a decent sized living room and dining room table. The kitchen has a full sized refrigerator (very convenient!), a dishwasher, a microwave and 4 burners, dishes etc. (but no oven). There was a washer/dryer room that was also convenient to have for a long term stay. Room service was very reasonably priced and convenient for the family members of the patient!
Cons: SMOKEY! The entire hotel is non smoking but the elevators, the hallway to our rooms, and rooms smell like smoke (my eyes burned a bit in our room). We would have happily asked for a room change but we checked in quite late and were consumed with hospital visits immediately. When I did laundry on another floor the hallway did not smell like smoke so perhaps our floor (5th) was a smoking floor at one time... just a guess on my part though. Guests are allowed to smoke just outside the hotel entrance so the lobby smells of smoke.
Room furnishings and carpet are worn and tired looking- very much in need of updating. The rooms were clean but I did feel the need to wear slippers or socks when walking on the carpet-- just old and somewhat dingy.
The one bedroom suite did not have a "living room" area... just beds, a desk, a small refrigerator and microwave.
There are grocery stores and fast food restaurants in the area but a short drive away.
If the furnishings were updated and an area provided for the smokers that was away from the lobby, I would have given this hotel 4 stars.
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