The Lancaster Hotel

Bed sagged, upholstery stained and tired, cigarette burn on rug, dinky 19 inch tv. Worth skipping if you can afford cab fare to anywhere else.

On the plus side --no bugs, clean baths and very pleasant staff -- the doorman is an ex-NY Jet ;-)

Unique Quality: Tiny lobby, 2 foot tall bedposts hidden in shadows for your toe-stubbing pleasure.

Directions: Symphony hall across the street, but don't let that sway you unless you hate walking and spent all your cabfare funding on great seats.

If you are looking for a quaint, well-appointed hotel in downtown Houston, the Lancaster should definately be at the top of your list. We stayed here one weekend night to be in close proximity of our plans in the Theater District that evening. Location is definately great for this hotel if you have any plans downtown. It is only a couple of blocks from the metro rail, and the hotel provides shuttle service all around the downtown area if you don't feel like walking, or if the weather is bad.
The hotel atmosphere is nothing like I am used to in a thriving metropolis such as Houston. As you walk in off the busy city streets, I found it very refreshing to be staying in such a quiet, low-key place. This most assuredly is not a busy, 1,000+ room hotel with people walking around everywhere! The hotel decor is wonderful. With it's dark-stained furniture, oil paintings along the walls, plush sofas & chairs, and hardwood floors, the lobby almost makes you feel as if you were in a hotel in the middle of England, rather than one in Texas!
The room, while a little on the small side, went right along with the style and theme of the hotel, with dark-stained furniture and oil paintings. The bed was extremely comfortable, and there was also a nice sitting chair in the room. The t.v. had cable & pay-per-view movies available, and there was a vcr and cd player with a few cds to play as well. There is also free highspeed internet in the room if needed. The bathroom was very clean, had a huge mirror & marble countertop, and amenities such as bathrobes, slippers, and a hairdryer.
Although we didn't interact with them too much, as were away from the hotel for most of our stay, every staff member was very welcoming and always had a smile on thier face. And I understand there is a good restaurant within the hotel, but we did not dine there, as there are many great restaurants within walking distance. The rate was a little high for my standards, but when you stay here you are paying for the location and the high quality. Great hotel!

Unique Quality: I thoroughly enjoyed the quiet, low-key ambiance of this place. Not easy to find in Houston. It's excellent location downtown is also a plus!

Directions: Located downtown near the Theater District, at the corner of Texas Ave. and Louisiana St.