Being a Houstonian that has lived here all my life, I usually don’t have much to say about the hotels here. When people come visit me, they usually stay at my house. The only experience I’ve really had with Houston hotels is when I attend functions such as a wedding, meetings, etc.
Last night I had the opportunity to stay at the Sam Houston Hotel. For those that aren’t familiar with the property, it has a great deal of history behind it. I won’t go into specifics (you can read more if you’d like), but it is supposedly downtown Houston’s only “landmark hotel”. Hearing that, you’d think that it’s a rundown structure for old people, but the lobby of the hotel actually has a contemporary design.
This design is also carried out to the rooms, which are spacious and comfortable. You get a large TV, an in-room safe that has enough room for a laptop, a big bed, a couch, and a very modern looking bathroom. The rooms were definitely not what I expected.
If you enter the lobby, make sure and check out the hologram/painting across from the big mural of the battle of San Jacinto. I didn’t notice that it wasn’t a real painting unti someone pointed it out.
Also, I had the chance to check out the bar downstairs (The Sam Bar) as well as the restaurant, 17. The Sam Bar had an intimate atmosphere, while 17’s eclectic american food was not only creative but tasty as well.
The service provided by the staff was excellent. I was greeted as soon as I opened the door to my car, and from that point on someone was assisting me until I reached my room. I left for dinner in the evening, and when I came back my bed was ready, the lighting was set, and they had put a bucket of ice and a bottled water for me next to the couch. I was very impressed.
So if you’re looking to house some guests and want to have them stay someplace nice, I’d definitely recommend the Sam Houston Hotel.
