Hilton HHonors - Reviews of 8 Houston Area Hiltons

I have stayed at a number of Houston area Hilton and Marriott Properties in the past 4 months and thought that a review of some of these properties was in order to give other FT'ers heads up on some of the properties. Hiltons
are below.

As with any post on FlyerTalk…your mileage may vary.

Hilton Houston Post Oak
Galleria Area in Houston

Pros
Located on Post Oak Blvd and about 4 blocks from Galleria Mall.

Cons
I had my worst experience in 19 years of staying at Hilton properties at this location and this property is hands down the worst run full service Hilton I have visited. Problems range from EXTREMELY HEAVY NOISE (From Jackhammers -Dynamite Explosions - Tanks etc) from 24 hour construction on Post Oak Blvd to arrogant jaded front desk staff. This property also has a lot of Somalian immigrants serving as bellhops, valet parkers etc and most of these individuals do not speak English and have no customer service skills whatsoever. PM me offline and I will give additional details about this property but as a FTer I would avoid this property completely.

Recognition of Status
Was not given any type of upgrade or recognition as a Diamond and was actually held in contempt by the staff when I nicely asked whether upgrades where available upon check in.

Other
Internet was 9.95 for 24 hours Wireless access.
Parking was 11.00 for 24 hours
Diamonds and Golds are given access to the Executive Lounge. I got out of Dodge (this property) as quickly as I could after only one night so I did not stick around for breakfast.

Hiltons Americas Houston
Downtown Houston

Pros
Located in heart of Downtown and connected to the George Brown Convention Center. Also is 2 blocks from Minute Maid Park (Home of the Houston Astros…who keep in mind where defeated by the World Champion CHICAGO WHITE SOX in the 2005 World Series) and 200 yards from Toyota Arena (Home of the Houston Rockets) This is also a newer Hilton Property and amenities at this property are top notch.

Cons
The only irritant at this property is that parking in the self park garage is a bit of a hassle due to the distance you have to walk to get from the garage to the elevators in the east tower. (where most of the hhonors rooms are)


Recognition of Status
Property has a separate hhonors desk for check in and was given upgrade and recognition as a Diamond. VERY Professional staff at this property

Other
This property has a HUGE Executive lounge and have one of the largest breakfasts selections I have seen in a North American Hilton property
Wired Internet was free on the hhonors floor in the East Tower. Self Parking was 12.00 per day.


Hilton Houston Hobby Airport
Hobby Airport Houston

Pros
Directly across from Hobby airport.

Cons
This property is definitely not a 4 star Hilton. 3 stars would be generous in this property's case. Hotel is very noisy with excessive noise from the elevators permeating into the rooms and the expected thunderous roars from aircraft taking off from Hobby. This property DOES NOT have an executive lounge and instead you are given a coupon for breakfast in the Property’s restaurant.. Unless you are dog tired and need a place to flop close by Hobby airport, I would avoid.

Recognition of Status
This property has about 16 corner suites and numerous "hhonors rooms available and without fail as a Diamond I have never received an upgrade at this property. Two nights in particular the property had about 25% occupancy and the front desk lied and said that they were full and no upgrades were available.(Verified availability of suites via website and calling into hotel after checking into room)


Other
Wireless Internet was 9.95 per day for 24 hour access. The signal is very weak though and the HIGHEST throughput of the wireless signal is 11 mbps.
Parking is free at this property

Hampton Inn Houston Hobby Airport
Hobby Airport Houston

Pros
Great location directly across from Hobby. Very clean property and many of the rooms
have microwaves and refrigerators.


Cons
Front Desk staff is inexperienced and I had problems with billing etc a couple of my visits here. Just like the Hilton Houston Hobby across the street you will be roused from your slumber (no alarm or wake up calls needed at this property) by the first takeoffs in the morning.

Recognition of Status
Even though this was a Hampton, I always got the room I requested here and the front desk although inexperienced always work to get you what you need. They truly value Hhonors members at this property.

Other
As at all Hilton properties OTHER than full service Hilton's. Wireless Internet
is complimentary. The signal was also quite strong here. Breakfast is standard Hampton fare and is of course complimentary


Hampton Inn Houston Clearlake - NASA Area
Webster, TX (15 miles S of Hobby Airport)

Pros
In a great location on Bay Area Blvd. Plenty of restaurants within 2 miles of
property and is in the safe Webster area. Property is also very clean.

Cons
Webster is close to the Houston Space Center . The Houston Space Center has in addition to its regular functions a large number of tourist attractions. As a result most of this properties guests are tourists. That is an issue sometimes in terms of noise and or in getting upgrades to larger rooms.

Recognition of Status
Unlike the Hampton Inn Hobby Airport I did not receive any upgrades (they have 6 larger suites at this property if I am not mistaken) at this property and the front desk staff does not give any special recognition etc for Diamonds. But the staff here is very courteous and that makes not getting upgrades not as bad.

Other
As at all Hilton properties OTHER than full service Hilton's Wireless Internet
is complimentary. This property is nice in that it offers both wired and wireless access. (For those not in the know..wired access with a laptop is preferred for the business traveler due to the higher speeds (100mbit per second) and better data security) Breakfast is standard Hampton fare and is of course complimentary


Homewood Suites Galleria
Galleria Area Houston

Pros
Brand New Property (This is also a con..see below) that is 3 blocks from Galleria Mall and tons of restaurants and shopping. High Rise property (14 floors) that is very quiet in the evening. Have a top notch business center, gym etc.

Cons: Cant be too hard on this property since it just opened but they are still ironing out the kinks. The contractor who built this property (and the Marriott Residence Inn being constructed behind this property) seems to have cut a lot of corners and as a result wireless internet is not working, water pressure is inconsistent on the higher floors etc. But again these are normal issues with an opening and I would guess that by early July 2006 they will have all issues solved. The only other aspect of this property (and to be frank you will have this in any property that has a central lobby) is that I don’t necessarily like walking through a lobby to get to the elevators to get to my room. Front Desk staff like to stare and try to figure out what type of goodies (food etc) you have in your bag when you walk by. :p


Recognition of Status
This property has been very good about either upgrading to a 2 room suite or upgrading to a larger one room suite. If you ask about upgrades when checking in they will bend over backwards to take care of you in that respect. They also truly seem to value hhonors members here so that is refreshing.

Other
As at all Hilton properties OTHER than full service Hilton's Wireless Internet
is complimentary. Parking is in a attached lot and is complimentary as well.

Homewood Suites Houston - Clear Lake
Webster, TX (15 Miles S of Hobby Airport)

Pros
In a great location on Bay Area Blvd. Plenty of restaurants within 2 miles of
property and is in the safe Webster area. Rooms are a bit larger in this property than in
the typical Homewood Suite. If you get a room facing away from Bay Area Blvd or facing the courtyard, this property is so quiet you can hear a pen drop. :p

Cons
Rooms facing Bay Area Blvd can be a bit noisy. Also this is a very popular hotel for employees and or contractors at the nearby Houston Space Center and as a result during weekdays it is always full. You have to book about a week in advance to get in at this property


Recognition of Status
No upgrades at this property. I was even told one week when I checked in that over 25 diamonds per night stay at this property (which is probably true...due to the Houston Space Center ) and as a result don’t expect upgrades etc buddy. I have been at many fully service properties that do not get 25 diamonds in a week so keep that in mind when staying here.

I like the doubletree guest suites. Very nice property, no begging for upgrades needed - everyone gets a suite.

Doubletree Guest Suites Houston By the Galleria (5353 Westheimer Road) -- Houston's only all-suite, full-service, luxury hotel. AAA 3 diamonds, HH category 4.

I used to stay at the Hilton Westchase (9999 Westheimer Road) all the time. It was ok but the humidity in houston always fogged up the floor-to-ceiling glass and made the place look sort of shabby. Lots of nice restaurants close to this property - be sure to try the persian place which is a 2 minute walk away, also the brazillian places.

The Dt Guest Suites are great -- and the room service is top-notch. Now for the DT-IAH, I'm still waiting for the renovation to finish...and for the front door blockage to disappear!

Don't forget the Hilton on the University of Houston campus (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=565620). It's a gem!

I've always stayed at the Hilton Houston Plaza at the Texas Medical Center and right next to Rice University. I've usually been upgraded to a nice suite as a diamond. All in all, my experience has been that it's a very good hotel and not too far from Rice Village.

I'm in the Galleria Homewood Suites right now, moving to the UH Hilton tomorrow. I'm using a Point Stretcher Award and got a one bedroom suite. Front desk was very nice upon check-in, and the room looks very well done. Options at the pantry are slim. I was recognized as Gold at check in as well.

I agree with OP's comment about walking through the lobby, and I don't like the parking garage. Too many posts to make me nervous while parking my rental barge. :p

My last HS stay was several years ago in Scottsdale, and that one had really turned me off. I'd consider this one if I needed a long term stay.

Not that I would be using it, but the pool is not open yet. The fitness area is typical hotel, which means it's a few cardio machines in a closet. :td:

I like the doubletree guest suites. Very nice property, no begging for upgrades needed - everyone gets a suite.

Doubletree Guest Suites Houston By the Galleria (5353 Westheimer Road) -- Houston's only all-suite, full-service, luxury hotel. AAA 3 diamonds, HH category 4...

I've heard good things about this property. I used to stay at the Hilton Post Oak (formerly Crowne Plaza, then Doubletree and now Hilton), but have recently switched to the Embassy Suites nearby on Sage. I thought I'd give the Doubletree Guest Suites a try on an upcoming trip. I'll be travelling with two adult family members. Is the 2-queen-bed suite big enough to accommodate three adults? If anyone knows, appreciate any advice. Thanks.

HUGE room with full size kitchen, ideal for longterm family stay. Now I know where to stay in Houston when travelling with family members. Good property.

HUGE room with full size kitchen, ideal for longterm family stay. Now I know where to stay in Houston when travelling with family members. Good property.

You might know where to stay, but the rest of us just have to guess!

This week I stayed first at Doubletree Hotel Houston International Airport (IAH). No surprises, fairly nice, free parking, complimentary shuttle to the terminal if required. My special room request was honoured without any hesitation. 7/10.

I also stayed this week at my regular Doubletree Guest Suites Houston Galleria. I don't have status yet, but I am a regular there and (without asking) was moved to one of the HHOnors floor which is slightly nicer. The Doubletree Guest Suites Houston Galleria used to be a little bit run-down, but 1 or 2 years ago they refitted, re-painted, deep cleaned and fixed most things, so it is now a good, clean place to stay. If only they would turn off the piped music in the corridors on the guest floors... It is 3 minute walk to the Galleria. Breakfast can get crowded (the room is small), so if there are no seats ask them to open the double-doors on the left into the banquet suite, and there are loads of extra breakfast tables there too (I think they keep the door closed, so they don't have to clean up!) 8/10.

You might know where to stay, but the rest of us just have to guess!

Sorry. I meant the Doubletree Guest Suites Houston by the Galleria. We also stayed at the Doubletree Houston Intercontinental Airport the night before our early morning flight the next day. Both are good.

Problems range from EXTREMELY HEAVY NOISE (From Jackhammers -Dynamite Explosions - Tanks etc) from 24 hour construction on Post Oak Blvd to arrogant jaded front desk staff.

Are you sure you're not confusing this with the Hilton Baghdad?

I've always stayed at the Hilton Houston Plaza at the Texas Medical Center and right next to Rice University. I've usually been upgraded to a nice suite as a diamond. All in all, my experience has been that it's a very good hotel and not too far from Rice Village.

^^ Ditto on the Hilton next to TMC. Its a rather nice facility...although one trip I was "upgraded" to a suite, and the next trip I was in a standard room, and the rooms were exactly the same. I think the facility might be all suites now?

Hi - just remembered that I also stayed in the HILTON HOUSTON NORTH last November (that's in the Greenspoint area).

I recall that it was OK, but a bit under-whelming. Rooms were OK, but not particularly clean and beginning to get tired. Breakfast is in the vast atrium area and rather noisy. The Starbucks in reception was better than the breakfast...

I recall the hotel was generally noisy (guest noise), so that may mean I was just unlucky with the other people who happened to be there or that they have general poor sound-proofing and need to put quieter carpet in the corridors, thicker doors, etc.

The complimentary airport shuttle bus was cr*ppy too. I booked a run from hotel to airport for 1400, and it didn't show up until 1415. Staff were un-concerned that I could miss a flight, etc. Again - just my experience, can't say if that is a general problem. 5/10

Stayed there a week ago (as well as a year ago). Ir remains in good condition. Upgraded to Honors floor but same furniture, etc., but with a robe. Executive Lounge is very nice--usual continental breakfast but very attentive staff and the evening has a very helpful bartender. They kept the food out an extra hour last Sunday night because of the number of people checking in that evening. Lounge staff really seems to care about taking care of guests and the hotel rooms show no sign of wear.

The Hampton Inn Houston - The Woodlands is by far the worst Hampton I've EVER stayed in. It is obviously a re-branded hotel that was originally probably a Quality Inn but got too shabby for Quality (!). I see they are remodeling the lobby, but the rooms are the awful part. I'm sure everybody knows what I mean when I say an old, dark, quality inn room with insufficient lighting, mildew stained fixtures, worn & hard mattress, and the cookie cutter quality inn nightstands, dresser, and round table. Electrical outlets are all hidden behind major furniture. The exterior corridors are right against the parking lot and the sound insulation in the room is awful. I actually saw Choice Hotels logos still on some furniture in the lobby. There was a brand new choice property next door. I suspect the choice property built new and moved, and Hampton for who knows what reason took up the old property. I actually checked out two days early and moved to a Comfort Inn up by Conroe that was WORLDS better.

I wrote to the diamond email address after the stay to give them my impressions and said that I would recommend they drop this hotel's franchise since the entire site is not up to the quality standards of a typical Hampton Inn. I got an email from the hotel's manager saying that if I'd "mentioned something during the stay" then maybe she could help me out with the hampton guarantee but she can't give any money back now. I responded that I didn't write to Hilton to get any money back - I wrote to them to let them know this site shouldn't be a Hampton, because there is nothing about the experience that a few coats of paint or a remodeled lobby will fix.

On another note,

I stayed at the Hilton Americas Houston last week and was very pleased. The location is quite convenient to the convention center. I skipped renting a car and paying for parking since the cab fare to Hobby is only $25 each way. The room on the HHonors level was plenty comfortable and the breakfast selection in the lounge was great. I'd definitely go back.

I've had good, but not anything to write home about, stays at the Doubletree up by IAH.

One thing to ask for with the Hilton Downtown is a city facing room.

The views of the Houston skyline are excellent, especially if you're in one of the high floors.

No it has to be Hilton Westchase for me - decent hotel, convenient location, nice lounge and walking distance frfom a half decent pub!

The Hampton Inn Houston - The Woodlands is by far the worst Hampton I've EVER stayed in. Ah yes, I've driven by that Hampton when staying at the nearby Homewood. I haven't stayed there, but your description is exactly what I imagined it would be like.

DT Galleria is excellent and my company has RIDICULOUS low rates with them. something like 1/3rd of rack rate if i remember correctly

Are you sure you're not confusing this with the Hilton Baghdad?

I've stayed at the Hilton Post Oak a few times in recent months and my experience has always been outstanding. Great, friendly front desk staff, haven't had any excessive noise issues, and no issues with parking (I don't use valets if I don't have to).