FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - The Sam Houston, Curio Collection by Hilton {US-TX}
Old Jun 23, 2015 | 4:28 pm
  #1  
dmodemd
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Kirkland, WA
Programs: AS 75K,UA Gold 1.6MM, Hilton Dia, Marriott LT Plat, Hyatt Glb, Natl Exec, Hertz 5*
Posts: 3,657
Arrow The Sam Houston, Curio Collection by Hilton {US-TX}

I don't see any reviews yet for this new joiner to Hilton, so I will start:

I only checked in last night but my experience has been lackluster...

I came in around 9pm. Cars were parked all along the front curb so my cab had to double park. No valet or doorman to be seen. I did see one midday who opened the door for me when not out parking or retrieving a car.

On arrival to the front desk I was asked my name which I gave. I was then handed my room keys, having checked in on-line, and not a word was uttered by the desk agent. So, I started the conversation, "Greetings, this is my first time staying at this property, can you tell me about the amenities available to Diamond members?". That got her started on the rundown but she had to check on her computer to get the full list of general property amenities. She did mention that it is their policy to upgrade Diamonds to suites but that there were none available during my stay. I did check online and see that none were available to purchase all week. I am not sure if my early check in online, or my late arrival prevented any operational upgrades due to sell out.

I was told about the continental breakfast as part of my Diamond amenities and was shown two small side tables in the lobby that would have breakfast in the morning (turns out for ALL customers). I was also told about an amenity waiting in my room.

I arrived at my room and it was quite small. It was a basic King room. My biggest concern was the door to the hallway was pretty close to the bed, so hall noise may be a problem. I did hear city noise pretty easily through the windows.

Bathroom was decent although a lot of water leaks through the shower door onto the floor and the basin style sink was quite annoying. No way to hold the water, so annoying for shaving, have to keep the water running.

The amenity was a little basket of two water bottles and a bag of chips and bag of popcorn. I was told I was entitled to more water upon request.

I turned on the AC on high for the night in order to drown out any noise. I didn't encounter any adjacent room noise (yet) but I did notice city noise which woke me at 6:30am. The air from the A/C would blow right on me no matter where I was on the bed so I am going to have to find alternatives for noise reduction. A suite would be a big help here in keeping the hallway door in a separate room.

The lobby and restaurant looked nice but I haven't explored yet, nor have I explored the fitness center but photos show it has one elliptical and a couple treadmills, so seems small.

The breakfast consisted of the two small side tables. There was extremely watery oatmeal, pre-packaged cereal bowls (of children's cereals), fresh fruit, and bagels/muffins/etc... Definately continental only. You have to sit in the lobby to eat. Seemed more in line with a Days Inn level of breakfast.

Overall, I would consider most Hampton Inns to be superior to this property. Certainly not much for Diamonds aside for the potential suite upgrade.

I was able to find an opening at the JW Marriott for my last night at a good corporate rate cheaper than this property, so will try and make up for the week on that night.
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