Located in downtown Houston, the Magnolia Hotel is a rare gem at a great price. Included in my rate was a large buffet breakfast, happy hour with complimentary cocktails, and from 8-10 pm, they offer cookies and milk (though I opted for hot chocolate). The best cookies are definitely the cranberry and white chocolate.

The rooms are decorated nicely with contemporary furnishings. There is also a writing desk (though I never did figure out how to turn it on), a large flat screen TV, complimentary coffee/tea in the room, minibar (at your typically ridiculous prices), and large bathrooms with granite countertops (and low quality hair dryers). The tubs are large and have plenty of water pressure.

The hotel also offers a complimentary shuttle service to anywhere downtown, which takes away the pain of finding and payong for a taxi.

Room service is pretty minimal in terms of offerings since there is no full service restaurant on the premises, so you will do better to check with the front desk for a list of area restaurants. Many are within a short walking distance from the hotel, and if you do what I did and go a little too far, just call the hotel valet and a driver will be dispatched to pick you up.

October 5th was the anniversary of the first night we met. We went out on our first "blind" date. We wanted to visit some of the venues we visited that night, so this was the perfect location. Everything was nearby and it was so nice to be able to sight see during the day and visit the local pubs and restaurants at night. We loved it and hope we can make this a yearly thing. Carl & Iris

This was our first stay at the Magnolia, in Houston's historic district, but it will certainly not be our last. There is a reason, well, many reasons actually, why this hotel won the Ultimate Boutique Hotel award.

From the moment we arrived, we were impressed with this property. The doormen, the front desk personnel, evey staffer we encountered was friendly and helpful.

We shared our standard room with another couple and found the room very comfortable. A large desk, free Internet, very comfortable queen beds, a well-stocked bathroom with a huge oversized tub, and a host of complimentary items (see below) made our stay perfect.

Besides free Internet, we had a fabulous free breakfast. Not your usual continental fare, but a full breakfast with hot foods, yogurt, fruit, breads and pastries, juices, and all the fixins'.

At night, we were treated to free wine and beer (2 drinks apiece) and free milk and cookies (delicious).

Up on the 23rd floor, the rooftop pool, gym, and hot tub are very inviting; small, but adequate. And there is a great view of Houston from this floor.

On the 2nd floor, where the breakfast is served, there is a real honest-to-goodness library.

The Magnolia also provides a free shuttle to anywhere in the downtown area.

The price was unbelievable for all this value, and impeccable service.

In addition, the hotel is only a couple of minutes from Main Street and the MetroRail, and some awesome nightclubs like the Red Cat Jazz Cafe.

Would we stay there again? In a heartbeat.

Really beautiful rooms. Very comfortable, stylish, great service. Nice breakfast. Cookie buffet and happy hour a very pleasant and welcome treat!

Rooftop pool and jacuzzi gave great views of downtown. Didn't use the workout facilities, but walked through. Very nice, clean, good variety of equipment in excellent condition.

Will definately stay here again.