Just wanted to post a little review of this new hotel I just tried in Houston recently, Derek.
Houston finally has a hip boutique hotel (boutique Texas style though with over 300 rooms). Think Ian Schrager and W but with a little more of a bent towards comfort. Location is great (basically across 610 from the Galleria). Staff is extremely friendly, has a restaurant/room service with very good food (it's sort of asian/latin) and both the public spaces and the rooms have a very hip modern design.

It's a sister hotel to the George in DC, which will mean something to people who frequent the capital.

I would highly recommend this hotel to anyone, especially people who want something besides the current Houston choices (over-the-top-Texas-glass-and-brass-or-dark-wood-and-hunt-prints hotel and the Marriott). Try it!

Bumping up this thread of over 3½ years ago just to echo the above and opinion that the Hotel Derek is still holding up quite nicely.

We were in one of the Executive Suites for 2 nights and really enjoyed it. Huge living room, 2 full bathrooms, very nice bed and bedroom, great floor to ceiling windows running the length of the entire Suite with great views. Corner balcony. Also a separate office area off of the living room with free wired Hi-Speed internet, and a USB printer/fax.

Restaurant is very popular. Don't come here for sun lounging around the pool however. The pool is very tiny, the deck area is tiny with only 4 lounge chairs, and it's located between the tower and high walls of the parking garage, so practically no direct sun all day. Fitness Center is pretty complete though.

Like a W Hotel with more character, friendliness, and comfort...in addition to just design and style.

Service was great for me