Like staying in a hospital...
Written: Jul 25 '03 (Updated Jul 25 '03)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Close proximity to downtown, Marriott hotels are generally consistent.
Cons: Sterile environment, like staying in a hospital (even has the smell).
The Bottom Line: Great if you're there for health/business reasons, but not for pleasure. An overall acceptable, but not great, hotel.
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| sybermoonlight's Full Review: Marriott Houston Medical Center |
This hotel is located adjacent to one of the finest medical facilities in the world, both a pro and a con. If you're there to have surgery, you'll enjoy specialized services delivered to patients as there is a hospital-oriented concierge at the registration desk.. If you're there for business, you'll hate the hospital smell, sterile atmosphere, and lack of good restaurants/shopping.
I was treated well at check in, the staff are friendly, quick and attentive.
The rooms are clean and adequate, but nothing special in terms of the Marriott brand. The double room I received had standard features: two double beds, a dresser, bedstead with lamp, and a desk with an ethernet connection that seems to be standard in Marriott rooms these days. The bathroom was large enough for two and very clean. There were adequate fluffy thick towels.
The bed linens were clean and acceptable, but not luxurious (this hotel hasn't had the soft goods upgrades of many other Marriott hotels, apparently). The room had a coffee pot, hair dryer, etc., and a newspaper was delivered in the morning. One unpleasant aspect of the room was that though it was very clean, it had a strong institutional smell that reminded me of having surgery. I can't speak for anyone else, but I don't particularly enjoy the thought or smell of surgery.
There was no view. There were no real restaurants within walking distance. I walked 3 blocks in the morning to get a cup of coffee at Starbucks. I didn't eat at the restaurant or order room service as I arrived late and left early, but it was an acceptable business hotel. The hotel itself is about 15 minutes from the downtown area by cab.
Overall, this hotel epitomizes Marriott consistency. It isn't exceptional, but it was acceptable in virtually every regard. It didn't make me gleeful as some of the more luxurious Marriott hotels are known to do, but it didn't disappoint, either, in regards to delivering a clean, quiet and acceptable room.
The hotel itself is exceptionally quiet and clean. I wouldn't consider this hotel for pleasure, it's not located near any major "fun zones" (downtown or the Galleria). A better choice for fun or business is the JW Marriott at the Galleria or the new Courtyard in downtown Houston.
But, the hotel is an acceptable stay for business travelers or family members of those receiving medical treatment at the hospital. I noted that the staff bent over backwards with some fellow travelers who were clearly there for medical reasons. And, for those of us who just need a clean room, a fast internet connection, and a speedy checkout to make it to the next business meeting, it met the bill.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
sybermoonlight
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Location: Florida, USA
Reviews written: 17
Trusted by: 0 members
About Me:
Jaded business traveler who spends far too much time in hotel rooms.
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