We had a very good experience at the Magnolia Hotel. We were only there for one night, and wished we could stay longer. We got it at a great rate - only $99 from their website.

The lobby was very soothing as we came in from the hot Houston almost-summer (100 degrees already, in May). They were playing some New Age jazz, which was very relaxing. There is an awesome wavy metal stairway from the second to third floors (visible from the first floor lobby), with interesting circular skylights above. The lobby is circular-shaped, and the walls are covered with big leather pads. There is a gas fire going at one end, with modern funky furniture in the center.

Our room was incredible! Very roomy, with a huge bathroom. The bed linens and furniture were modern and sleek - not your run-of-the-mill hotel floral bedspread and dresser. The bathroom had granite countertops set on top of a dresser-style cabinet. The bathtub was huge, with an outward-curved shower curtain which made the shower area seem larger. They offered plenty of big, fluffy towels, and there were two robes available for use. There was a granite-topped dry bar with a mini fridge and snacks, as well as an in-room safe.

Our room faced the windows of another very tall building, so if you care about what you see out your window, be sure to request a room that has a view.

We were not there during the happy hour (4-7pm on weekends), but we did make it for milk and cookies (9-10pm). They had a buffet set up on the second floor, with 5 or 6 kinds of big cookies, milk, coffee, and several types of tea. This was set up at the back of the bar, so people could order cocktails as well. There was a live band playing, so we got to eat milk and cookies and listen to great live music. The tables and chairs were eclectic and contemporary, including several sets of "love seats" where the two seating areas face opposite directions and have a small table attached on the outside of each side (to hold drinks... or cookies!).

The next morning, we went down for the complimentary continental breakfast (7-10am on weekends) on the second floor. It was actually quite good for a continental breakfast: muffins, breakfast breads, danishes, beautiful fresh fruit, cereals, a big bowl of granola, and yogurt, plus juices, coffee, and teas. They had a hot breakfast for $10 with custom omelettes and other warm items. We wandered around the second and third floors. The second floor has the "Magnolia Club" - where they have the bar and do happy hour, milk and cookies, and breakfast. To the side, they also have the Library - a large room filled with all kinds of books, sofas, chairs, and a conference table. The third floor is where they have their ballrooms and conference rooms.

There was gorgeous art on all the walls of the hotel - in the lobby, on the second and third floors, and also on the floors where the rooms were. Each art piece was identified with the artist's name, the name of the work, and the media.

On the top floor (23rd) is a workout room and the rooftop pool. The pool was smaller than it looks in the photos on their web site, but our daughter didn't care - she just loved splashing around and playing. They had classical music piped in, and the views were stunning.

The location was very convenient - right in the heart of downtown. We were able to park on the street for free - we found a metered spot (no meter fee on Saturday nights and Sundays) less than a block away.

We really loved this hotel and we will definitely stay here the next time we come back to Houston.