This hotel was obviously not originally constructed as a Residence Inn, but presumably converted from a previous life as apartments. The layout is unlike any Residence Inn I've stayed before, with most of the suites on the second, third, and fourth levels around the perimeter of the property over covered parking on the ground level, with a separate centrally-located building with more typical rooms, including the office, pool, exercise room, laundry room, and gatehouse/lobby (where breakfast is served).

PROS:
- Great location, less than a block from the Galleria Mall, so it's an easy walk to numerous dining and shopping spots, and ice skating if you are so inclined. I had a great seafood meal one night there at the Kona Grill, and a good Mexican meal for lunch another day at Ninfa's in the food court.
- Complete kitchen with full-size refrigerator with ice maker, dishwasher, sink, 2-burner stove, and microwave.
- Wall-mounted easy-to-use thermostat to control the central heat/AC unit. Much quieter than some hotels with a noisy window-style unit right next to the bed.
- Wonderful complimentary full breakfast (like all Residence Inns) with many selections that change from day-to-day to suit most anyone.

CONS:
- Suites with exterior doors opening to a balcony (typical for older hotels), however for enhanced security, a room key card is required to access the stairs or elevator to the upper rooms level.
- Odd suite layout with narrow living area adjacent to kitchen area in rear, with small sofa (convertible into a double bed) and side chair, and no room for a coffee table (nor is one included).
- Tiny dining table with room for two at most
- Work desk with hard-wired Internet connection is in the separate bedroom (apparently because of inadequate space in the living area), instead of being more conveniently located in the living area.
- No conventional oven in kitchen for pizza or more serious cooking

Overall, quite pleased with the accomodations, especially as a solo traveler, but if I had not stayed at many other Residence Inns before, I may have gotten the mistaken impression that this is the typical Residence Inn layout. And since the suite I was assigned is smaller than the typical one-bedroom suite at other Residence Inns, it really is adequate for no more than two adults, or two adults with a couple of small children.

Really liked our stay. Friendly and helpful staff (THEY looked up information up on Internet instead of just directing me to their business center computer. GREAT breakfast and location. The 1 bedroom suite with King bed was HUGE (this location looks like it used to be apartments)

Only nitpicks: no elevator to our room on 2nd story. (Elevator IS in the other taller buildings. We preferred our location though, and they did have 1st story rooms in our building).

Fitness center (which I only looked in window) seemed to have nice equipment (treadmill, elliptical, stair master, NO bike. Also has some type of universal weight machine.) We did not go into pool/hot tub area. I think (but not sure) they have some agreement with the Gold's gym 3/4 mi away.

Bathroom is a little small for 2 people, but fine for 1. (ie. vanity is only one sink without much counter space)

I stayed here on a mixed business and pleasure trip. The location is ideal for the Galleria and indeed the city. The accomdation was excellent. Like a studio flat, kitchen facilities and comfy sofa give a home away from home feel. High speed internet access was easy with my creaky old laptop and the service from staff fantastic. They're happy to help night and day and make taxi arrangements etc without hassle.

They have a grocery shopping service as well as an order in service which is reasonable in price for downtown Houston. Lots of parking and secure access (you need your room card to access your floor) add to the feeling of security. Friendly efficient chambermaid service as well with someone asking later that day if everything is ok.

I loved the Residence Inn, and I am not easily pleased when jet lagged. Will definately be staying there when I return.

On a frivolous note, I agree with a previous review, they have cleanest stairwell I have ever ever come across.

This hotel is extremely well-kept, clean, and with a courteous and helpful staff. Located a half-block from the Galleria and close to incredible shopping and bustle, but amazingly quiet and comfortable. Queen suite is a true suite. Only stayed overnight, but would be a great long-term stay site, with ample size and well-stocked with conveniences.