I stayed at the Magnolia for two nights during a weekend conference at the University of Houston, just south of downtown. This is third time I've stayed at the hotel in the last four years. I love it. It's in the middle of a surprisingly vibrant downtown scene, within easy walking to restaurants, Minute Maid Park, light rail, and the downtown government and business complexes. The hotel itself is relatively inexpensive ($120 a night). But it has a luxurious, stylish, and historical feel to the rooms and common spaces. Even though there are numerous restaurants suitable for all tastes just outside the front doors, you may never want to leave the second-floor Magnolia Club, which has a great bar menu (best calamari I've ever tasted). The club has live jazz on some nights and free "cookies and milk" on all nights. It also a free pool room tucked away in a corner. Great for business or a weekend getaway.

Not a bad place to stay. The rooms were big, bathroom big, but showing its age. There was a refrigerator in the room, but stock with mini bar supplies at high prices. This hotels tries to be a high end hotel, but falls short. The exercise room was a good size, but the pool area was small, but it did have a nice view. Parking for hotel $20 per night. They do offer a free happy hour from 5:30 to 6:30, you can get 2 drinks, either beer or wine. Free breakfast in the morning and offer cookies before bed time. Overall not a bad stay, some noise can be heard if on the lower floors.

I visited this hotel for an overnight weekend away with two girlfriends. We visit Houston a few times a year to shop and go out, but typically stay at the JW Marriott on Westheimer. We decided to mix it up and try something different, so we chose the Magnolia Hotel. Upon arriving, we attempted to park in the parking garage mentioned in one of the other reviews. However, it was very narrow, looked a bit scary for two 20 something women to be walking around in at night, and there were also no in and out privileges. So, we circled the block several times due to the streets being one way and finally settled in with the hotel valet. They were very courteous and we got checked in with them with no problems (although I still hate the thought of paying $24.00 a day to park at a hotel). The personnel at the front desk was very friendly and made a point to tell us about the hotel amenities before we were escorted to our room with our bags.
The hotel decor is very modern, nice, but a bit dark and not really my style. We stayed in Room 1312, which had a great view of the city. Other than police and ambulance sirens going on all night, it was very quiet. The best part of the room without a doubt was the bathroom. The tub is a huge garden tub and gives the feel of a very luxurious hotel. The bedding was o.k. in my opinion, not super luxurious by my standards, and the room was also a bit humid during our stay. We visited the fitness center and the pool area, which I thought was pretty small for the size of the hotel. The pool area was literally only big enough for 1 small family to use at one time. We did not actually utilize the pool during our visit.
Another perk of the hotel is that they serve a complimentary hot breakfast. The breakfast was delicious, and there was plenty of food and seating when we arrived at about 8:30. This type of breakfast usually costs my friends and I about $20.00 each at other hotels that we usually stay at, so we were thrilled with our $60.00 savings by enjoying the breakfast at this hotel.
I enjoyed the hotel, but will not likely stay here again unless I have specific business downtown. I don't really enjoy the hustle and bustle of the traffic and people in this area. But, we are thinking of staying again when we go to an Astros game later this summer. It would be the perfect location for something like that, but not really ideal for a quiet girls weekend.

Decent for a business trip but wouldn’t pay for it myself. Clean and modern but the common areas (lobby and bar/breakfast area) were dark and unwelcoming. As were the people at the front desk...unfriendly, gruff and unwelcoming. The Concierge was a delight and VERY VERY helpful with directions and suggestion.

The room was a little cramped, although my co-worker had a room with a bit more room. The bathroom was clean and modern although the water pressure was TERRIBLE!

Comfy king size bed and very clean room and hallways. Air Conditioning was also great. Those with children beware….like most hotel TV’s this one defaults to the Pay Per View Channel. It was a :15 sec loop about their movies and :30 sec about “making it a steamy night.” AKWARD!!!

The Fitness Center was adequate for free weights and cardio. But the weight machines needed tightening (the pulls were stretched out.) The pool (SMALL) was nice but not as glamorious as the website portrays.

The Free Continental Breakfast left much to be desired for. Seating was very limited b/c it’s really the hotels lounge/bar area. If you don’t get a table or space at the bar it’s difficult to eat at just a chair. Coffee was Starbucks and very good! Basic cold cereals and generic muffins. The eggs were incredibly watery... a powdered mix, not fresh eggs. Bagels...well, I am a NY'er so I won't even go there.

Parking was the biggest rip off at $24 + tax and then tips as you drop off and pick up. Normally wasn’t a big deal getting the car at “off hours” but the Sunday morning rush took me a half hour to get my car as I raced to the airport.

Basically, it’s a boutique hotel, reasonable for the price but if you’re looking for adequate amenities or minor pampering this sure isn’t southern hospitality!