I recently had a last minute work trip to Houston, which is perhaps the only sort of trip one takes to Houston in the summer, as it's not a popular leisure destination in August given the typical summer climate there. Nonetheless, hotel rates varied fairly widely, with the St. Regis (which is located in the…
Continue reading: Review: St. Regis Houston
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Next time you are in Houston, try the Hotel Granduca. Located in same area as St. Regis. Meets all 3 of your criteria and much cheaper.
I've stayed here a few times and always loved the unique texas theme to the rooms. The pictures don't really show just how lone star state it is. I do remember being there in august and see quite a few middle aged men at the pool sipping cocktails with 20 year old women. It was very entertaining.
Nick,
For context, you really need to let us know what you paid so we can decide the value of your stay, no?
Should have written down the cab number. If they're independently owned you could probably complain to the city. Otherwise if it's a large company complain to them. The city if they refuse to respond.
The 4 Seasons in Houston is just OK but downtown. St. Regis is a hidden gem but one of the priciest in Houston, and the bar is a sh*t-show meat market.
Cabs down here in Houston suck period. The St Regis often has $200-$300 per night rates on the weekends.
During the week it's usually jacked up to take advantage of the high end business crowd that is expensing the cost.
Cab drivers like that are the reason ppl switch to Uber. There's accountability.
Assuming you have the time, you should consider a meetup for local followers when you make quick stops. Did you visit the Centurion in Houston? I went for first time last week and found it unfortunate there's not a single window in sight.
Meets all 3 of your criteria and much cheaper.
Looking at some random dates it seems like it's about $30/night cheaper. I wouldn't call that "much cheaper."
There is Uber in Houston (although there is talk of them pulling out like they did in Austin). I take Uber all of the time in Houston and it would have been a better option in this case. It's usually $25 from IAH to downtown in Uber. Cabs are much more costly than that and the service sucks!
Acqua Panna is not sparkling, it's the still version of San Pellegrino (that is surely sparkling)
@DaveK: I'm not sure the Granduca would fit all my criteria. The property looks like a Staybridge Suites decorated like an Olive Garden. I know the service, amenities, etc. are all supposed to be top notch there, but the hotel itself screams tacky new money to me, like the guest wing of Theresa Giudice's foreclosed-upon McMansion.
@Stvr: I can expense Uber, for sure. I didn't know what the Uber pickup situation was at IAH when I landed and frankly valued speed/convenience (i.e. walking to the curb and hailing a waiting car) over Uber's value. On my return trip, I took a taxi because I needed to leave the hotel at 6:00 a.m. and having a car waiting for me on demand (which Uber doesn't do) was critical for me timing-wise.
Will these people Ever get over coming to Houston as a visit to another planet .. Texan animal prints Margaritas etc.. Oh my theres Uber.. Tastefully disquised as covered wagon. Really
FYI, the meter vs. flat rate thing is a common problem in Houston, from both airports. I usually just drive down if I have business there, but one time I had no choice but to fly. Cab driver from HOU tried to charge me the meter fare, even though it was hire than the flat rate to downtown. It was only a couple of bucks more, but I refused to pay on principle. I, too, got a tongue lashing.
I know you didn't have time this time, but if you're ever back in town, Houston is one place you only want to eat in a hotel restaurant as a last resort! The city has one of the best food scenes in the country. There's great local restaurants of all varieties all over the metro area.
Nick - +1 on Granduca. I stayed there a couple years ago and it actually is quite nice. The pictures online don't don't justice. It is surely a near-luxury property however, and meets the 3 criteria. (Coming from a St Regis & Ritz-Carlton fan.)
Thanks for the warning about the hotel using too much perfume in the lobby; will be sure to avoid.
Thanks for the warning about taxi fares. Just one more reason why the next time you're assigned to travel to Houston, you shouldn't. Personally, having lived there for two years, I'd much prefer a month's assignment to Phnom Penh, Fallujah or Karachi over a couple days in Houston.