Four Seasons Hotel Houston

Stayed here twice, and kept thinking that perhaps there was something wrong with me, but no, it's just a soulless hotel. They don't do anything wrong, but they don't do anything right either. The hotel is deserted during the day, except for the business lunch crowd in the restaurant. Therefore, they do maintenance, painting, repairs, and cleaning in the rooms all day long, without regard to the noise and odors that this creates. There is no green space around this hotel. The waiters in the restaurants are cold, haughty, and impersonal to the point of conveying disdain for the clients (unless you are a "regular" from some of the surrounding law firms and companies who bring their clients to lunch). The service is typically slow. At night, the bar areas appear to be full of unhappy people. This is NOT the Austin, Texas Four Seasons, which is consistently a delight in every way. This Four Seasons will give you what is expected, but without much grace, charm, or genuine care. It's saving grace is a lobby that lifts the spirits, with some comfortable seating.

Directions: East side of downtown Houston.

My husband and I have a tradition of staying New Years Eve at a hotel or B&B here in town. NYE 2004 found us at the Four Seasons with this package that we bought with the local radio station. There was a party at the Meridian included in the set price. The Meridian party was a total bleech.. overflowing toilets.. bars that offered two choices of drinks.. (anything you want as long as its vodka or redbull).. crappy music. Ick. Do.Not.Recommend.

But the Four Seasons was pretty much top notch. Despite the crowds, check in was uber fast and uber courteous. The rooms were spacious and the beds bouncy. The toiletries from.. I'm drawing a blank.. (its a pricey French Provencial company.. they have little stores at the Galleria...something du Province.. i think)..were impressive.

My only complaint was that there was a 2 hour wait for room service. Which kind of defeats the purpose, I think.

Upon arrival, the concierge had arranged my favorite beverage to be chilled and a tray of chocolates waiting for me in my room. Throughout my stay the service was top notch.

Unique Quality: My room had a patio right outside the pool. It was wonderful to sit outside and have a drink and just relax.