I stayed at the Marriott Medical Center during a very worrisome surgery performed on my father. For this reason, location was paramount, price secondary. On that score this hotel is an A-plus. Houston in August is very hot, but I was able to use the walkways to get to MD Anderson for his cancer surgery and my many return visits. That was priceless. So location is the big draw at this high-rise, older Marriott. Walking distance to Methodist, Texas Children's, MD Anderson

The staff was friendly (I'd rate it above average), and many areas of the hotel (lobby, etc.) are nicely renovated. Again, I think the main audience for this hotel is someone staying while visiting a sick relative, and to that extent, the hotel delivers.

I also liked my wired internet connection. The health center was a B; it gets crowded later in the morning. I always wish the chains would devote more space to exercise facility -- this one has about three treadmills -- I'd double that if I was manager for a day.

The downsides: 1) wake-up calls used that automated voice system when you are dialed, but they were routinely 20 minutes late. Very odd and unusual; Marriott -- reset the computer-dialer! By day 3, I started taking room service to act as a backup wakeup call.

2) Thin walls. One night was the Democratic national convention. Guest next door might have been hard of hearing, but his TV bled right through the walls. Bring ear protection.

3) Towels. You must ask for more towels at this property. You are only dealt two towels; the housekeeping folks were good about this.

Final tip: You can save money in a multi-day stay by parking overnight at one of the hospitals. MD Anderson's garage is $12/day. I think Marriott is something like $27.95 valet parking overnight. Again, you just have to be willing to walk -- but that is the virtue of this hotel. Valet parking is essential at the hotel.

Sure, it is "just" another Marriott. I spend way too much time in Marriotts!

But, they try a little harder here. They have recently finished renovating their lobby and it looks very open and modern. There is now a Starbucks to one side. There are nice touches like aromatic lotions, and water containing fruits by the elevator. They have been kind about providing access to the concierge level (I am a silver member and this is not an expected part of my Marriott privileges.) They have a fairly nice workout room. Chocolates are provided with turndown service.

Overall, a very pleasant stay in the Medical Center area.

First thing is that this Marriott is confused with another that has "Residence Inn" in its title. One of the pictures at this site shows the hotel with a large reflecting pond near it. This is not that one. This hotel is surrounded by hospitals and is opposite the tram.

I stayed two nights for a consult at MD Anderson. My friend from Dallas had stayed there before and had a good experience so she booked it for us. '

All the people who worked there were extremely polite and friendly. When we asked for real cream for our room coffee, it appeared at our door within 2 minutes. Same for a hair dryer. There is a Starbucks in the hotel lobby and then another just outside the hotel that has better baked goods.

The hotel lobby has potpourri all over the place so it smells relaxing and refreshing. Every afternoon they make this fresh fruit punch over ice and leave it out for guests. It's marvelous.

If you come by car, leave the car in the garage and use their free shuttle service. The shuttle will take you to "the Village" where there is every kind of restaurant and good shopping. It makes for a nice gettaway from the hospital scene.

The beds were yummy and the rooms quiet. I didn't hear my neighbor's TV blaring, phone conversations or bathroom sounds like I often do in other hotels.

Highly recommended. When you come from out-of-state for a serious medical consult, the last thing you need are rude hotel staff or hassles. The Marriot Medical Center understand this.

I stayed here in June 2008 while on business with Texas Children's Hospital. The location is supremely convenient to the Medical Center - I only had to walk a block to get to TCH - and a tram line passes directly in front of the hotel.

The lobby of the hotel is surprisingly spartan and clinical looking, which made me a bit nervous at first, but the floors and my room were both great. The bed was very comfortable, the AC worked great, room service and operator were friendly and prompt. Prices were on par with other Marriotts I've stayed at over the years.

The only real issue I had with the room (pretty minor) was that internet was available via ethernet cable at the desk -- wireless would have been preferable so I could sit anywhere in my room while working on my laptop. In general, though, this was a pretty minor issue.

Note that the hotel is quite far from GHW Bush Airport, so if you're flying in, expect the cab ride to cost on the order of $55-60.