A crew of workers hurriedly hammered a small stage in the lobby of the Magnolia Hotel Houston on the day we arrived. An employee explained the preparations were for the annual client appreciation party and all of the hotel guests were invited to attend the luau-themed event. Pleasantly surprised by the unexpected invitation, we headed up to our fourth-floor king guestroom to freshen up before the party.

Our room featured walls painted a green-tinted gray and rich plum-colored velvet floor-to-ceiling drapes. The contemporary surroundings had the perfect mix of warm browns in the furniture and bits of glitz, such as the picture-framed headboard. The subtle striped carpet anchored the room. The 400-square-foot space felt cozy and sophisticated. Additional amenities included a well-stocked mini-bar, in-room coffee and tea service, a safe, dual phone lines and complimentary Internet access.

The hotel’s ample fitness center is beside the rooftop pool and Jacuzzi. Guests can unwind at the Lounge, the hotel’s restaurant and bar. Every guest receives a free daily American breakfast on the second floor overlooking the tree-lined street. In the evening, guests can partake in an hour-long reception serving complimentary house wines, domestic beer and soft drinks. Before bedtime, between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m., there’s a complimentary cookie and milk buffet.

The 314-room boutique hotel is housed in the 1926 Post Dispatch building and the former corporate office of Shell Oil Co. The property received its AAA Four-Diamond Award for the fifth year in a row.

The hotel occupies a desirable downtown location close to the Toyota Center, Minute Maid Park and the theater district. The Magnolia’s free shuttle service transports guests to destinations within two miles. For symphony lovers like us, Jones Hall is a short walk. After our two-night stay, it was easy to see why the Houston Press named the Magnolia Best Boutique Hotel in Houston.

Magnolia Hotel Houston

1100 Texas Ave.
Houston, TX 77002
tel 713 221 0011