I can't say enough good things about this hotel. It was clean, my top priority. The staff were all very friendly, with the exception of one concierge who could have been more open rather than the "yes/no" answers we received. We even had to call security to open our safe, and the security guy was so incredibly nice. The pool is beautiful -- large, perfect temp, with one lane for laps. The jacuzzi next to the pool was a welcome relief after a day of walking the downtown tunnels, but there were way too many kids in it. Nonetheless, the pool/jacuzzi is on the 24th floor with an outstanding view of Houston. Upon checkin, I asked if there were any upgrades available, and she gave us a corner room with two sides of windows (rather than the typical room with windows at the end). It provided a magnificent view that we all thoroughly enjoyed. The beds......ahhhhhhh. Wonderful. Perfect pillows. Nice lighting. The room was roomy enough for all 5 of us, and when we asked for towels we were given not only extra towels but lots more shampoo, conditioner, etc., and extra coffees and more blankets. They just bent over backwards (the housekeeping dept.) to make our stay pleasant. The hotel is across the street from a nice park, and down the street is the mall, from which (on weekdays until 5 or 6pm) you can enter the downtown tunnel system and shop, eat and explore for hours and hours. The hotel shuttle took us to the rail station where we took the light rail to the museum district (a 12 min. ride) for only $1 per person. Downside of this hotel: $15 per day parking. However, it turns out that everywhere downtown is costly to park, so this wasn't out of the normal range. The hotel is next door to Toyota Center and 2 blocks from Minute Maid Park.

I stayed at the hotel while in town for a convention. The room was surprisingly large and was even very quiet for a hotel room. I experienced a few minor issues during my stay.

1. The conference Web site indicated that it was free to work out in the fitness center if you were a Hilton Honors Member. So upon check-in I was told that I did not qualify with my current Hilton Honors status. I even went back to the front desk later that day and no one seemed to care so I called the 800 number for Hilton. Unfortunately, it wasn't until I returned home from Houston that I received a call from the front desk manager. He offered a free upgrade the next time I'm in Houston. Problem is...I don't plan on going back to Houston.

2. I dined at Specer's - one of the hotel's restaurants. I ordered my steak well done (I know, I know) and part of it was practically rare so they had to recook that part. I received the side item I ordered after I ate my steak and was enjoying my complimentary dessert when it arrived. They did at least remove it from my bill and I got to take it with me. The onion soup was delicious and the side salad was tasty that came with my steak.

Incompetent management and rude staff. This place is overpriced and simply not worth it. I would rather spend my money elsewhere and actually enjoy it. A 40-dollar omelet should be a killer, right? Well, not at this hotel. I've received better service AND better food at Holiday Inn.

I attended show at the convention center and stayed here for a few nights. It's a very nice hotel. Rooms are large and modern and the staff has been well trained in all things courtesy. It just feels enormous, which it is at 1,200 rooms! Still, a solid choice in Houston.