DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Suites Houston by the Galleria

The staff were welcoming throughout our stay, from the front desk to the bar, and the neighborhood was pleasant and convenient. My cousin and I were especially grateful when they upgraded us to a full queen suite so I could keep the ice cream I was flying back to Chicago with in a freezer. It was such a thoughtful gesture. The rooms, bathroom, and kitchen were clean and comfortable, though they could use a more modern update. Parking felt pricey for what it was, and I wish it had been included. Breakfast could also offer more non-pork choices, such as turkey bacon or turkey or beef sausage links or patties. We really enjoyed the visit and would consider coming back.

Ginita at the front desk made my birthday stay feel special, even surprising me with an upgrade. She was warm, professional, and made me feel valued. The hotel was clean and comfortable, with a great spot near the Galleria. I also loved getting the famous warm DoubleTree cookies at check-in. Such a small thing, but it made me feel welcome. Thanks to Ginita and DoubleTree for a lovely stay. I’ll be back.

The lobby looks nice, but the rest of the experience was a letdown. The pool was dirty with lime, the chairs were broken, and there were no towels. My room’s rugs were stained. For a place advertised as a 4-star hotel, I expected much better. I didn’t even make it to the galleria because I was so fed up, and by then it was too late to cancel. The common areas aside from the lobby didn’t make up for it either. This is an extended-stay place, basically a mini apartment, and we had groceries, luggage, and a little kid with us. The valet staff were kind of rude when they told us we couldn’t stop out front to unload. They also said my truck wouldn’t fit in the garage and sent me to the employee lot at the far end of the block. It was dark and felt sketchy, yet cost the same as the gated self-parking in the garage. Later I saw taller trucks with raised suspension and Jeeps parked inside. Guest greeters were busy talking among themselves instead of welcoming some of us. The fridge never got cold, so my food spoiled. The microwave and dishwasher were difficult to close, though both worked. The rate seemed to reflect the location, not the service or amenities. It felt like any highway hotel with a balcony. I’m a Hilton Honors member and was very disappointed.

I was there for a workshop 2/21-2/22. The front desk and other staff were friendly, and my room was comfortable and clean. During the conference, though, the AC in the meeting room stopped working, so it got warm and made it hard for us bodyworkers to learn the manual therapy techniques. The coffee could use an upgrade too. I also got an expensive surprise at the bar. I ordered an espresso martini, and the bartender switched my vodka to Kettle One without asking. That pushed the drink from $19 to $23, before my $4 tip.