garkster

Reporting from two recent stays at the IAH Houston Airport Marriott...
1) No desk, although they do have a height-adjustable table (oblong shape -- looks a bit like what you see in hospitals) which I was able to turn into a platform for my laptop, but of course the nearest outlet was in a lamp on one of the nighttables so had to sit sort of catty-corner.
2) Same re: phone, but probably not high-volume usage these days.
3) The IAH rooms do have a closet by the entry-way.
4) Luggage platform is built into the furniture unit, obviously not movable but does work okay for a rollaboard, and frees up floor space.
5) Doors at this property are solid.

BUT -- they mounted their 47" LG flatscreens on a fixed mount centered opposite the bed -- yes, no swivel at all -- and the seating area is at the other end of the room, so the viewing angle if you're not laying in bed is about 45 degrees at best, and 60 or more at worst (depending on furniture and where you are seated). So, eating and watching TV is pretty much out the window. This IMHO is sheer idiocy, as opposed to the desk bit, which is a milder form.

Also, minor ding for not putting any bars or rings to hang towels other than a single rod in the shower. There's plenty of room on the walls perpendicular to the vanity, and because of the high sliding glass doors to the shower you can't use a curtain rod as a substitute. So, how many people are going to hang their towels for reuse to justify the money Marriott has spent on those signs?

I did notice that they're also trying to reduce the demand for housekeeping by bribing guests with 500 pts/nt if they put a hang-tag on the door declining service. They've also cut the bath amenities a bit, and reduced the towels from 3 sets to 2.

Bottom line, have stayed at this property quite a bit, but am going to consider other options when I need an overnight at IAH.