Fairfield Inn & Suites Houston Pasadena

I’m paying $200 a night, and the room smells like a sty. The first room had such a bad odor that I asked to move. They were sold out, but the kind gentleman at the desk still switched me to another room, and it smelled just as bad. I’ve had to sleep with the window open beside the noisy freeway just to put up with it.

The free cookie at check-in was a nice touch, and the staff were accommodating when I asked to move. The second room had fewer problems and wasn’t as musty as the first, though it still smelled stale. Maybe that’s normal here, but I’m not from the south? My first room smelled like a gym locker. The bathroom and shower doors wouldn’t close, some floor tiles were loose or broken, and the shower stayed puddled all day because it didn’t drain right. There was mildew on the ceiling, too. The bedding was too heavy, with a thick comforter. The AC blows over the beds and you need it on, so under the covers I was too hot, and without them I was too cold.

Dave at the front desk was helpful the whole time, and the cleaning staff were amazing. I was working night shift, and they let me rest. The hotel was quiet, with an ok gym. It’s in a great location, though road construction made it tricky to get onto the northbound frontage road and U-turn for the hotel. I appreciated being able to get my room cleaned every day if I’d needed it. For breakfast, I wish they had more fresh fruit, like berries, melons, or oranges, instead of just an Apple.

The views were stunning, the amenities were excellent, and the service really felt five-star. One of the best hotel stays I’ve had.