St Regis Houston, TX [Master Thread]
Oct 3, 2001, 11:29 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: YVR
Programs: AA 1MM, Delta Gold, Marriott Plat, HHonors Diamond
Posts: 560
St Regis Houston, TX [Master Thread]
Hi. Just finished a stay at the St. Regis in Houston and was pleasantly surprised to find out that there was no surcharge for calling a toll free number from the room. This is such a welcome change from the majority of the Starwood properties!
Is this the same at all St. Regis? Are there any other Starwood properties with no toll free charges from the room?
Cheers!
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Check Inventory Availability without a password by fare inventory code at http://flyaow.com/class.htm
Is this the same at all St. Regis? Are there any other Starwood properties with no toll free charges from the room?
Cheers!
------------------
Check Inventory Availability without a password by fare inventory code at http://flyaow.com/class.htm
Oct 4, 2001, 2:29 am
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Texas, U.S.A.
Posts: 19,523
The cigar lounge tucked in behind the restaurant is my favorite spot in Houston to enjoy a fine cigar and a Black Russian! Absolutly perfect lighting and non-invasive ventilation. Not to mention the great service!
Plus, when I tell the valet guys I'm just popping in for a stogie and a drink, they always park my car right up front and never charge me a nickel for the valet parking!
Glad to know of a class place that won't nickel and dime you to death on the little things.
Plus, when I tell the valet guys I'm just popping in for a stogie and a drink, they always park my car right up front and never charge me a nickel for the valet parking!
Glad to know of a class place that won't nickel and dime you to death on the little things.
Dec 6, 2001, 2:05 am
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Texas, U.S.A.
Posts: 19,523
If the room is your thing, the Superior rooms at this property are nothing to write home about, IMHO. I would actually prefer the nearby Sheraton Suites if that is your only choice of room catagory and budget.
I would consider moving up if you are staying here. One stratagy might be to make a cancellable reservation, and then on the Tuesday before your arrival, hit this site:
http://promo.starwood.com/
...to see if you can find a lower "Last Minute Weekend Rate."
For example, for this upcoming weekend there are good deals on several catagories of rooms including Deluxe, Jr. Suites and Full Suites.
For example, your Superior room this coming weekend is going for $106. A Deluxe is $126. A Jr. Suite is $181. Etc.
It's a bit of a risk waiting to see what pops up that weekend though. I have no idea what their loads might be.
The public areas of this hotel are very nice, but like I said I think you'll be very non-plussed by the standard "Superior" room. One of the weakest of any St. Regis I've stayed in.
Congrats!
I would consider moving up if you are staying here. One stratagy might be to make a cancellable reservation, and then on the Tuesday before your arrival, hit this site:
http://promo.starwood.com/
...to see if you can find a lower "Last Minute Weekend Rate."
For example, for this upcoming weekend there are good deals on several catagories of rooms including Deluxe, Jr. Suites and Full Suites.
For example, your Superior room this coming weekend is going for $106. A Deluxe is $126. A Jr. Suite is $181. Etc.
It's a bit of a risk waiting to see what pops up that weekend though. I have no idea what their loads might be.
The public areas of this hotel are very nice, but like I said I think you'll be very non-plussed by the standard "Superior" room. One of the weakest of any St. Regis I've stayed in.
Congrats!
Aug 4, 2002, 7:14 pm
#4
Join Date: Dec 2001
Posts: 137
St Regis Houston
Just wanted to share my experience this weekend. Booked a Superior room 8/2 to 8/4. I was upgraded to a Junior Suite. I asked what my Platinum Amenity was and was told that the St Regis "style" was the amenity. I thought surely this woman is joking. I called the front desk later and asked for the front desk manager. The same woman, Ting, insisted she was. Okay, so I ask about my amenity. This time she claims it was sent. She puts me on hold for 10 minutes and comes back to me swearing I was sent something. Nope, I say, nothing. At this point, I'm realizing you don't get an amenity choice, which is okay. She says she will send something then. Nothing ever came. The next day I ask again, she offers a bottle of wine. I said iced tea would be fine, actually. 3 hours later a bottle of Evian, a sliced papaya, and 3 chocolate strawberries appear.
Bottom line. I loved paying $129/night to be upgraded to a Jr. Suite. That was nice and ultimately all I cared about. I thought the amenity run around was weird, but ultimately didn't care.
I've stayed at this hotel at a much higher rate when booked through American Express Centurion travel and was never upgraded (and treated poorly.) Booking through spg.com seemed to be a much better experience at a much cheaper rate.
Bottom line. I loved paying $129/night to be upgraded to a Jr. Suite. That was nice and ultimately all I cared about. I thought the amenity run around was weird, but ultimately didn't care.
I've stayed at this hotel at a much higher rate when booked through American Express Centurion travel and was never upgraded (and treated poorly.) Booking through spg.com seemed to be a much better experience at a much cheaper rate.
Aug 4, 2002, 11:01 pm
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Texas, U.S.A.
Posts: 19,523
I've stayed at this hotel many times and frankly I don't see it even being the caliber of a typical St. Regis, and am constantly surprised it's branded as such.
It's a very nice place, but nowhere near the quality of facility and service of most St. Regis', IMHO.
We actually prefer the Sheraton Suites and would stay there more often, but the St. Regis' rates are often cheaper! So we end up at the Regis! Bet that doesn't happen to folks too often in other St. Regis cities!
(Great little cigar smoking lounge though)
[This message has been edited by PremEx (edited 08-04-2002).]
It's a very nice place, but nowhere near the quality of facility and service of most St. Regis', IMHO.
We actually prefer the Sheraton Suites and would stay there more often, but the St. Regis' rates are often cheaper! So we end up at the Regis! Bet that doesn't happen to folks too often in other St. Regis cities!
(Great little cigar smoking lounge though)
[This message has been edited by PremEx (edited 08-04-2002).]
Aug 5, 2002, 12:13 am
#6
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Here and there...
Posts: 1,501
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by PremEx:
I've stayed at this hotel many times and frankly I don't see it even being the caliber of a typical St. Regis, and am constantly surprised it's branded as such.
It's a very nice place, but nowhere near the quality of facility and service of most St. Regis', IMHO.
</font>
I've stayed at this hotel many times and frankly I don't see it even being the caliber of a typical St. Regis, and am constantly surprised it's branded as such.
It's a very nice place, but nowhere near the quality of facility and service of most St. Regis', IMHO.
</font>
One thing that I miss is...white chocolate macadamian nut cookies! They sent me as platinum amenity a couple of times - they were sooo good.
Sep 16, 2002, 10:54 pm
#7
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 232
Just checked into the St. Regis Houston this evening. As a Plat, I have been upgraded to a Jr. Suite. Room is pretty nice, and bed is comfortable (although haven't slept in it yet). It isn't as nice as the only other St. Regis that I have stayed in (Los Angeles), but still much nicer than the Sheraton Suites Houston in my humble opinion. Plat amenity was 3 huge homemade cookies, a chocolate oil derrick (interesting), kiwi, and a bottle of mineral water. The only reason I would consider staying in the other Houston properties is that you can't get a 500 point plat amenity here.
Nov 25, 2002, 10:25 am
#8
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Hawaii & Texas
Programs: AA ExPlat / LT Plat / 3MM, Delta Plat, Bonvoy LT Titanium, HH Diamond
Posts: 1,109
My girlfriend and I stayed here over the weekend to go to a Dianna Krall concert.
I would put the St. Regis Houston up there with staying at the Ritz except no 5 food and beverage presentations throughout the day.
The staff was very customer service oriented from the check in staff who escorted us to the elevators to meet the bellman, the butler service for free evian water, fruit, pressing of two articles of clothes, valet parking staff, concierge who called a friend to get us the name of a place to shop.
The wait staff at the Remington Hotel and Bar within the hotel were also very gracious and helpful.
A very nice stay, if you want pampering, this is the place to stay, we will be back!
Alfred--
I would put the St. Regis Houston up there with staying at the Ritz except no 5 food and beverage presentations throughout the day.
The staff was very customer service oriented from the check in staff who escorted us to the elevators to meet the bellman, the butler service for free evian water, fruit, pressing of two articles of clothes, valet parking staff, concierge who called a friend to get us the name of a place to shop.
The wait staff at the Remington Hotel and Bar within the hotel were also very gracious and helpful.
A very nice stay, if you want pampering, this is the place to stay, we will be back!
Alfred--
Mar 6, 2003, 7:51 am
#9
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: ATL
Posts: 3,219
I recommend the St. Regis Houston. It's only a few blocks away from the Sheraton Suites, and is usually cheaper. Even with the $23 valet parking charge, our corporate rate is less than the room rate at the Sheraton Suites.
A few negatives, the St. Regis does not have high-speed net access, room service is a bit more expensive, the hotel restaurant is more expensive, and if you get a room in back, you might hear a train running at night.
I have no status with Starwood, but my colleagues are all Platinum and have received upgrades to suites. I was upgraded to the Astor level, but I think that was just a fluke occurance. I believe that it's the only 4 star hotel around there, excluding downtown properties.
[This message has been edited by Tummy (edited 03-06-2003).]
A few negatives, the St. Regis does not have high-speed net access, room service is a bit more expensive, the hotel restaurant is more expensive, and if you get a room in back, you might hear a train running at night.
I have no status with Starwood, but my colleagues are all Platinum and have received upgrades to suites. I was upgraded to the Astor level, but I think that was just a fluke occurance. I believe that it's the only 4 star hotel around there, excluding downtown properties.
[This message has been edited by Tummy (edited 03-06-2003).]
Mar 6, 2003, 1:17 pm
#10
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: NYC and TUL, AA plat., SPG GLD.
Posts: 57
I love staying at the St. Regis in Houston. I think the rooms are big and are very comfortable especially the beds. The staff is always consistant and they always address with a greeting and my name. Also, the St. Regis is secluded from the galleria so it is quiet but you are also very close to everything there. If you want great italian food go to Carabbas on Kirby you won't be disapointed.
Mar 28, 2005, 7:36 am
#13
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: new york, ny, usa
Posts: 13,536
Trip Report: St. Regis Houston
checked in the late PM. platinum status was recognized....maybe because i handed her my SPG card with the credit card and drivers license. i had gotten out of the habit of showing my platinum card but after very poor recognition in 2005, i am going to start using it again.
i was not assigned a suite. i told the front desk agent that i was batting zero for 2005 in suite upgrades. i also told her that i was going to log onto spg.com and if i found suites available, i was going to log a complaint with customer care. miraculously, a suite appeared.
the amenity was a gargantuan room service tray filled with hugh cookies, chocolate bars (shaped like the state of TX (yuck...although it made me feel like i was biting off W's head which felt nice)), choc covered strawberriers, etc. it was really over the top. someone had to fetch it from the standard room i was assigned and bring it to my new room.
my room, 410, must be facing train tracks. if you are a light sleeper, request a room on the other side of the building. i was told there are two suites per floor on either end. the suite was a nice size with 1.5 bathrooms. when you walk in, there is a coat closet in the foyer. oddly, this closet was completely empty. nary a hanger or laundry bag or anything. completely empty. (i half expected to see a bible in every nook and cranny of my room having never been to houston before.) moreover, the closet in my bedroom was also almost completely empty....maybe two pant and two shirt hangers, no laundry bags or anything else. if i was with anyone, i wouldn't have enough hangers.
the bed was magnificent. i could have died on the thing. the large bathroom had a tub with jets and a separate shower stall. the shower nosel was one of the most un-Heavenly things i have ever used. to call it old fashioned would have been an understatement. about half of the little holes were clogged so the water pressure was lousy and the water sprayed in about one thousand directions.
the bedroom was very spacious with ample power outlets. same for the living room. there was a bar with a sink. hmmm...what else?
the gym was decent with cardio machines and free weights. each locker room had a steam room. the gym/steam room were 24 hours. after hours, room keys work for access. i love that and, for the life of me, don't understand why hotels close their gyms. why not allow guests to use them 24 hours with room key access? security can come around periodically to check up.
didn't order room service so no comments there. didn't eat at the hotel at all, in fact. i wanted to grab a drink in the nice bar but didn't have the chance. the average age of the hotel guests that i observed was about 100, so this isn't the hippest of places.
the hotel is located near the Galleria mall. this is an amazing shopping mall if you want everything in one place. there was the range of stores from gucci and YSL to hollister, puma and abercrombie. truly impressive. the best part, there was a chick fila in the food court. yummm....
finally, there is a truly impressive amount of construction around the hotel and the galleria. it almost rivals the "Big Dig" (exaggeration noted). it took me as long to find the hotel from the galleria area as to get from the airport to the galleria which was incredibly frustrating. if you get off the main highway at the wrong exit, you are scre*ed, to put it bluntly. call the hotel and get the directions for that day. also, with the construction, street signs are missing. given that this is a tourist area, it can be wildly frustrating. i observed a bevy of starwood properties in the area, including at least one westin and one sheraton suites.
overall, a nice property and a nice stay. oh....front desk staff was extremely friendly and helpful!!!! KUDOS.
i was not assigned a suite. i told the front desk agent that i was batting zero for 2005 in suite upgrades. i also told her that i was going to log onto spg.com and if i found suites available, i was going to log a complaint with customer care. miraculously, a suite appeared.
the amenity was a gargantuan room service tray filled with hugh cookies, chocolate bars (shaped like the state of TX (yuck...although it made me feel like i was biting off W's head which felt nice)), choc covered strawberriers, etc. it was really over the top. someone had to fetch it from the standard room i was assigned and bring it to my new room.
my room, 410, must be facing train tracks. if you are a light sleeper, request a room on the other side of the building. i was told there are two suites per floor on either end. the suite was a nice size with 1.5 bathrooms. when you walk in, there is a coat closet in the foyer. oddly, this closet was completely empty. nary a hanger or laundry bag or anything. completely empty. (i half expected to see a bible in every nook and cranny of my room having never been to houston before.) moreover, the closet in my bedroom was also almost completely empty....maybe two pant and two shirt hangers, no laundry bags or anything else. if i was with anyone, i wouldn't have enough hangers.
the bed was magnificent. i could have died on the thing. the large bathroom had a tub with jets and a separate shower stall. the shower nosel was one of the most un-Heavenly things i have ever used. to call it old fashioned would have been an understatement. about half of the little holes were clogged so the water pressure was lousy and the water sprayed in about one thousand directions.
the bedroom was very spacious with ample power outlets. same for the living room. there was a bar with a sink. hmmm...what else?
the gym was decent with cardio machines and free weights. each locker room had a steam room. the gym/steam room were 24 hours. after hours, room keys work for access. i love that and, for the life of me, don't understand why hotels close their gyms. why not allow guests to use them 24 hours with room key access? security can come around periodically to check up.
didn't order room service so no comments there. didn't eat at the hotel at all, in fact. i wanted to grab a drink in the nice bar but didn't have the chance. the average age of the hotel guests that i observed was about 100, so this isn't the hippest of places.
the hotel is located near the Galleria mall. this is an amazing shopping mall if you want everything in one place. there was the range of stores from gucci and YSL to hollister, puma and abercrombie. truly impressive. the best part, there was a chick fila in the food court. yummm....
finally, there is a truly impressive amount of construction around the hotel and the galleria. it almost rivals the "Big Dig" (exaggeration noted). it took me as long to find the hotel from the galleria area as to get from the airport to the galleria which was incredibly frustrating. if you get off the main highway at the wrong exit, you are scre*ed, to put it bluntly. call the hotel and get the directions for that day. also, with the construction, street signs are missing. given that this is a tourist area, it can be wildly frustrating. i observed a bevy of starwood properties in the area, including at least one westin and one sheraton suites.
overall, a nice property and a nice stay. oh....front desk staff was extremely friendly and helpful!!!! KUDOS.
Last edited by fly co to see the yanks; Mar 28, 2005 at 7:41 am
Mar 28, 2005, 7:59 am
#14
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: From: PWM
Programs: United GS, Fairmont Platinum,SPG LTPlat, Hilton Diamond, MarriottGold..like the rest of the world
Posts: 4,401
Good, solid review. THANKS!
This review, however, points out the continued pattern of hotels having Suite availability and **NOT** making them available unless asked pointedly. That is NOT the way it is supposed to work, folks. Having to corner someone at the front desk and make a little noise is not something I want to do after being in the air or on the road all day long. When I arrive for the evening, I am usually wiped out and starved. I want no surprises. Having to arm wrestle for the room that *wood has promised me is not cool.
This review, however, points out the continued pattern of hotels having Suite availability and **NOT** making them available unless asked pointedly. That is NOT the way it is supposed to work, folks. Having to corner someone at the front desk and make a little noise is not something I want to do after being in the air or on the road all day long. When I arrive for the evening, I am usually wiped out and starved. I want no surprises. Having to arm wrestle for the room that *wood has promised me is not cool.
Mar 28, 2005, 8:36 am
#15
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: new york, ny, usa
Posts: 13,536
Originally Posted by sbtinme
Good, solid review. THANKS!
This review, however, points out the continued pattern of hotels having Suite availability and **NOT** making them available unless asked pointedly. That is NOT the way it is supposed to work, folks. Having to corner someone at the front desk and make a little noise is not something I want to do after being in the air or on the road all day long. When I arrive for the evening, I am usually wiped out and starved. I want no surprises. Having to arm wrestle for the room that *wood has promised me is not cool.
This review, however, points out the continued pattern of hotels having Suite availability and **NOT** making them available unless asked pointedly. That is NOT the way it is supposed to work, folks. Having to corner someone at the front desk and make a little noise is not something I want to do after being in the air or on the road all day long. When I arrive for the evening, I am usually wiped out and starved. I want no surprises. Having to arm wrestle for the room that *wood has promised me is not cool.
not sure if it is coincidence or what, but i will not hesitate to contact customer care. i am not looking for points. i am looking for hotels to get in trouble for ignoring the rules.