The St. Regis Houston

While this fine hotel lost its views and elbow room as unrestricted building sprung up all about it, it remains a lady. Fabulous breakfast in a lovely room, especially if you can be seated against a window. Legendary flower arrangements. Quirky, happy, smart service providers. For maximum quiet in your room, insist on the east side. (At least bring up the subject). Room service is excellent. Some rooms are a bit dark and small, but others are roomier and have better electric lighting. In the evenings, you might see movie stars - I did! And the bar tenders have been top rate for decades. This hotel changed names and owners and went through some rocky times, but it remains a gracious, luxurious place to stay in Houston. Also, being inside the inner loop (610) avoids much traffic congestion if the bulk of your activities are downtown, Greenway Plaza, the Medical Center, Rice University, and the like.

Unique Quality: Languid Southern feel to the building and the staff.

Directions: Just inside Loop 610 (inner loop), near the Galleria and River Oaks