Magnolia Hotel Houston, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel

I was in town on business and had a spacious corner suite with windows and city views all around, nice decor, and comfortable bedding. The service was friendly and attentive from the start. The hotel has a lot of potential, but the room called “newly renovated” badly needed repairs, paint, and cleaning. The bathroom and kitchen were short on lighting and amenities too. Edited: None of my photos showing ceiling mold, bubbling paint, stains, separating seams, and dirty walls were posted. That makes me wonder how much else is missing from other reviews.

We got married at this magical hotel, and came back for a few nights to enjoy time together before the Valentine rush. The location and views were amazing, and the restaurant was fantastic. The women who checked us in were wonderful. But the TV didn't work at all. Netflix just kept spinning when we tried to binge-watch, and when my wife told the front desk, they only said the manager wasn't in. They didn't even ask what the problem was. Check-out staff were disappointing too. Those two reception issues, along with the TV, almost ruined what had otherwise been a great experience.

I came back after an event for my husband's birthday because I'd stayed here before without any complaints. This time was nothing like my stay in July, and sadly I don't think I'll return, even though I love the building's history. We arrived around 8. The room phone didn't work when I tried to order room service, and when we finally got food, my sandwich bread was soggy as mush. I ate some of my husband's food instead. The TV was also cutting in and out like an old antenna, but I was too tired to ask to switch rooms, so I went to sleep. In the morning, the rooftop pool area still wasn't open an hour and a half after it was supposed to be. We wanted to go up for the city view, but left instead of staying for breakfast.

Everyone was great, from the welcome desk to The Dispatch restaurant. The shuttle made a real difference since we were in town for a convention. Special thanks to Marcayla A. at The Dispatch for making sure our mornings got off to a good start. The hotel is a tribute property, so the interiors are a little “aged,” but still classy as always.