I have found so many great hotels on Tripadvisor, I wasn't too worried about their #1 pick in Houston. Let's say it was a real disappointment...

On the outside and inside, the hotel looks very posh. They used the bank motif quite well. But when I checked in, the quality started dropping. It took 7 minutes to get someone to the front desk. If I had to wait in line for 7 minutes, that's par for the course. But they couldn't find anyone to check me in. Still, not a ig deal.

But when I checked in, he smiled and mentioned "so, you booked on Expedia..." Yep, I smiled, unaware.

When I got to my room, the whole boutique vibe was out the windown. I got the smallest room I've ever seen (and that's not easy) with ugly carpet and cown (no kidding) on the wall paper.

I immediately called down to the front desk to see how I could get a grownup-sized room. This IS Houston, after all. He politely told me that the room size was a factor of the booking on Expedia, and that there was nothing I could do. Next time, he gently advised me, I should book on their web site instead. Had I only known...

The bed was fine, the TV was nice, and the bathroom was well beyond the usual. So it wasn't all bad.

The next morning, when I casually mentioned the NY size of my TX room to the bellhop, he asked if I booked online. Sure enough, another sermonette about the perils of online booking. And even the chauffeur in the London-style cab who didn't know the roads of Houston knew better than to book online.

I don't know what they have against cheap business travellers like myself. But if they don't want Expedia guests, they shouldn't offer rooms on the site. I wish I could have spent more elsewhere.

Great hotel and great experience. The personnel all seemed like they cared about providing great customer service. Some modest renovation, but not at all inconvenienced by it. nice job of keeping it out of the customer's way. I thought as an older building downtown it would be really noisy, but actually not bad at all. Room was relatively quiet- though lots going on downtown Houston!

My wife and I stayed here during the Houston Marathon.

The hotel offered a "marathon rate". We both enjoyed the room. The high ceiling, colors, comfy bed and bathroom made for a great stay.

BANK, the hotel rest., was being remodeled and the outside of the hotel is being restored, but that did not bother us.

There is a great rest across the street that we both loved and will be back to eat at: Cava Bistro. Excellent food and ambiance.

My husband and I stayed here while in town for an interview. I have to say that the room was rather nice....the bathroom had a large shower and separate jacuzzi tub (which actually sort of overlooked the bedroom if you wanted it to via a french door window contraption), and the bedroom was spacious and comfortable. We did not have any issues checking in or getting service.

We had breakfast one morning in the main dining room, and that was decent. I hate when hotels serve Diet Cokes in those miniature bottles - they always, always, always taste flat. I don't know why hotels insist on using them and also charging $3.50 for one. That really annoyed me because I am quite the cranky girl without my morning Diet Coke. Just invest in a fountain machine, Hotel Icon.

I used the gym one day, and it was pretty nice by hotel standards - not upscale (and it's a little claustrophobic since it's in the basement), but it's better than the closets, I mean gyms, at a Hampton Inn for sure. There are multiple treadmills, TVs on the machines, etc. Perfect for a business trip.

I don't love downtown Houston, but we were very satisfied with this hotel for what we needed. The service was responsive, the room was clean and comfortable, the breakfast was satisfying, and the gym was convenient. I wouldn't plan to spend a week here, but it's a nice option for a quick trip or business visit. We didn't find it loud, but we were also fairly high up.

Oh, we also enjoyed a drink in the bar before dinner one night, and that was cool as well. Good selection and service in a neat atmosphere.