Partner Reviews: Alden Houston
Nice boutique hotel
While on business I recently stayed at the Alden. I got pretty much what I expected. The room was small but comfortable and functional. The hotel is in a great location of many restarants and bars. They provided shuttle service to and from the convention center. This was very convienant and the driver was extremely friendly. The reason that I will go back to this hotel was the staff. From check in, to vale, to the bartenders I was greated by extremely friendly and attentive staff members. They couldn't have made my stay more enjoyable.
Not worth the visit
I've stayed at the hotel a few times. The place was nicer when it first opened. One visit was horrible from a bad package deal (what was promised was not delivered). The rooms are OK but not great. The front desk tends to pretend you are not there until you actually ask (beg) for help, then they still just wander off and 'forget' that they were checking you in the hotel. That has happened for all three visits. The highlight was the Whiskey Bar that is no longer in the hotel. The new bar is in the lobby, way over priced, and the light through the bar top is irritating. The bar chairs are horrible looking and who ever decorated the place must have lost a bet to add the seating. The restaurant did have a very good head chef that left for another restaurant, and took the fantastic lamb dishes with him. There are much better places downtown and this place is really a near last choice when staying downtown.
Not impressed
I had the displeasure of going there for a seminar for a few days and was not very impressed. To start with, the parking is Valet only. I know it's downtown, but for seminars where people come and go and need to get things out of their car it would be nice to have a designated area. Second, the seminar room we had was actually a covered balcony with vinyl walls and ceiling. I guess that's ok for a wedding or a party but I could not hear the speaker over the loud downtown noise - whether it was a train going by, cars honking, or jack hammers. Third, the WIFI in this place was miserable. I would get a connection for a few seconds and then lose it. This was not a one time incident either, in all 3 days I was there I had to put up with the wifi. The food was ok, but this place wasa just not up to par for a serious seminar.
not worth the money or time it takes to be served
4 of us ate there last week & we all chose the chefs menu with wine pairing ($134 / person). the food was uninspiring & overall we felt we did not receive the food value for the cost. for example, the beef strip steak was stringy. the split pea soup had an unknown crunchy thing in it. for the cheese course, it took over 25 minutes to bring out the cheese & it was just a hunk of blue cheese with 2 pieces of bread. our waiter said dessert was going to be a choice off the dessert menu & then it was time to serve dessert, the waiter said there was only one choice & it was some icky coconut soup. we complained & got a 2nd choice of a chocolate cake - my cake was dry. we eat out ALOT & this meal did not justify the cost & probably should not be on the menu - the chef did not exceed or show his skills much (if at all). would not recommend.
We Didn't Stay
I am giving the Alden Houston a rating of Average because we didn't actually stay there . . . we were turned off before we got inside. The Alden is located in a part of Downtown Houston that is heavily populated by homeless people, and in the blocks immediately surrounding the hotel there are no less than 4 or 5 bail bond locations. Upon pulling up to the curb outside the Alden at approximately 2:30PM on a Saturday afternoon, and waiting inside our vehicle for the valet, a homeless woman walked up to our car and started beating on it and shouting jibberish. When the valet came out she left us alone, but we were left rather shaken. Concerned at this point not only about our personal safety but also about our vehicle's safety, we inquired as to where our vehicle would be parked. We were informed that it would be parked in an "unpatrolled but well-lit" open lot behind the building. No, thank you! I called inside from my cell phone and spoke to the manager, who informed me there was no other parking option. It was at this point that I asked for a refund, even though I had missed the 24 hour required notice. He could have argued with me, but he did not. I was granted a full refund.
Not thrilled
My husband took me here for my birthday. The valet service was terrible - they don't know how to open doors for ladies. The valet stood on the sidewalk, stared at me through the window, and waited for me to open the door. Very odd. The front desk service wasn't memorable, and the service in the restaurant was terrible, too. Although the food in 17 is very good, the waiter had no tact and did not check on us, refill our drinks, etc. Overall, the price isn't worth what you get. I will never stay here again, even if it is a preferred hotel. My preference for preferred hotels is the Hotel Derek by the Galleria.
low down dirty shame
I have stayed there several times so I have basis for comparison. It is probably because the staff has turned over 300% in the last 3 years. Their recruiters/human resources people need to be replaced, not their staff. I had to request LOTION. What hotel does not supply lotion? I was staying multiple nights and asked for enough to hold me over. I got one. I am in the business, those bottles cost less than .25 cents when purchased in bulk. The room was not clean, hair in the tub every day. Bathroom was horrible. I aksed the Housekeeper in the hall to show me what she cleaned with. OH MY GOD...they dilute it to cut costs!!! She actually told me that. My room was never vaccumed, not for three days. I even dropped thread on the carpet to make sure. It is probably still there. All-in-all, it was disgusting. I checked out early and moved to a REAL hotel. Don't waste your time or money.
Sweet Retreat
I recently stayed at the hotel over the weekend. I was just wanting to take some time away from the same old routine and a friend mentioned that I should have a weekend downtown and stay at the Alden. When I arrived I was simply shocked. Do not judge a book by its cover, I was truely impressed. EVERY agent was extremely helpful and friendly, not snooty or rude. The hotel had that new modern look, the beds were completely wonderful I almost didn't wake up. Oh and you definitely need to check out 17 the resturant there. The waiter suggested that I try the short ribs.... the BEST ever. Just Check it out!
Eh
I have stayed at the Alden before and have usually enjoyed it. However every time I call the prices continue to increase, and its not THAT good. Every time we go it seems like something is missing. No more turn down service, no more lotion, no more water. Soon it will be just a bed and a tv. 17 is amazing but not worth staying at the hotel for. My husband and I used to do a package that included the hotel stay and dinner and we enjoyed it. Now I would just rather go to dinner at 17 and then sleep at home. The restaurant needs to leave and go somewere else. It seems that the hotel has done nothing but go downhill. When I went to get information for my niece's wedding, I was first transferred to every single imaginable person in that hotel before I finally got someone who could assist me. She was great but once I was ready to send in my deposit she wasn't there any more. Then I got a girl that told me she had a meeting and did not have time to speak with me. I finally got her to call me back and got some additional information. A couple of months later she's gone too. Does anyone actually work there?
Not worth the money
I made my reservation through the hotel's website. When I arrived, they had my reservation as sharing a room with someone I have never even heard of. The view of downtown would have been nice--if the rooftop ventilation unit outside our room hadn't been right in front of the windows. The room doors slam shut, so you can always tell when other guests are going in/out. Before I arrived, I asked a question through the "Contact" feature on their website, but they never bothered getting back to me. Not a good value.
great gem
Had a wonderful stay recently at the Sam.The staff were attentive,the rooms clean and smarlty decorated,and the location suited us perfectly.Minutes from the sports arenas AND the downtown bars and restaurants,esp on Main street.Theatre district close by as well.Would def stay here again.The bar and restaurant served up nice drinks and food. Thanks.
Sam I Am!!!
We spent a long baseball weekend at the Sam Houston Hotel. The hotel and staff gave us a tremendous hotel experience. All employees in the hotel, bar and restaurant introduced themselves to us and each employee was committed to meeting and exceeding our expectations. In addition to the staff, the room was phenomenal, the restaurant was exceptional and the bar was filled with new friends and great memories. I highly recommend the Sam Houston Hotel!!!
I've never slept better!
Having stayed at some of the most prominent hotels and resorts around the world, I am hooked on Sam Houston hotel for any future Houston trips! Their staff is experienced and eager to accommodate your needs all the way through. The sleeping rooms are tastefully decorated. With supreme quality linen on a mattress that is to die for (I wanted to find out where they had purchased those from!) - Ive never slept better! The Veranda on the roof top was the perfect space to gather our field people for our annual kick off party and the hotel assisted me in every aspect of the meeting planning. The central location was really key to us as well. With their signature restaurant and trendy Sam [Bar] conveniently located in the hotel made it so easy to keep our group together. This is a place that has come to stay!
I'm in love!!!
I have fallen in love! Its hot, its trendy and truly amazing! If nothing else, the beds and their cozy comforters will make you want to come back! The way that they have tried to bring the old history of General Sam Houston into the hotel through the spectacular mural covering the entire wall in the lobby area and also by the art in the rooms I found put an interesting twist to this unconventional boutique hotel. The staff is well polished and very helpful regardless of circumstances. They made me feel at home right away. I left Sam Houston Hotel, knowing that I will be my obvious choice whenever I have a reason to come back to Houston and I would highly recommend it to anyone!
Great Escape
My first stay at the hotel was with my husband for New Year's Eve. It was FANTASTIC. We were treated like royalty as soon as we drove up. The staff was very catering to our needs. The location of the hotel is walking distance to the great nightlife on Main Street. We had dinner at "17", the hotel restaurant. Very luxurious!!! The food was wonderful, especially the dessert. The second time was with my daughter. We had to be at a cheer competition early in the morning and parking was limited. It was very convenient to stay at the hotel and the driver dropped us at the front door. The staff was very very doting on my daughter and her friend. They felt very special. If you are looking for a place to take the stress off your hands, definately stay at The Sam Houston Hotel.
A Wonderful Hotel Experience
I was so impressed with the Sam Houston Hotel. It reminded me of being in a cool hotel in New York. I found the service to be very personal equal parts friendly and professional. My room was great hip decor, gorgeous bathroom, cozy bed, DVD player I felt like I was on vacation, even though I was only in Houston for a couple of days for a conference. I would definitely recommend staying there, and Ill stay there next time I go to Houston.
Service
Beautiful hotel and very friendly staff. Two suggestions, the valet took too long and no one helped with our luggage. Also, though there is a mini bar, most hotels provide a bottle of water for their guests.
Style over Substance
Let me count the ways: 1. The noise from parties on the Veranda into your room is conducive to neither work nor sleep. It may make for a nice party site, but doesn't do much for their room paying clientelle. 2. Large wooden venetian blinds that allow WAY too much light into the room both during the night and especially from the morning sun. 3. Desk/TV/minibar hutch that doesn't give you much work room flexibility and doesn't afford you the opportunity to see the TV if you are at the desk. 4. No easy place to eat your room service meals due to form over function room design. If you want a hotel that caters to the business crowd's needs, stay at the Four Seasons. If you want to be trendy and possibly up much of the night from light and noise, stay at the Sam.
Downtowns New Luxurious Hotel
I was in Downtown Houston for business and was glad to see a new face, when it came to luxurious hotels. I have always stayed at the Four Seasons but thought I would try something new, and closer to the court house. I did not just get something close to the court house; I got a great view of it as well. The Concierge staff was outstanding and very knowledgeable. Having the Riviera Grill in the hotel did not hurt at all; it is one of my favorites restaurants in town. I was very pleased with the hotel and will be returning next time I visit the Houston area, I cant wait to see Steve and J.R. and the rest of the staff again. My only problem is that there is way to much brown in the hotel, I felt that I should have been given chocolates when I arrived.
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Beds are comfortable. Most of the staff are really nice. Modern in apperance -
Staying here tonight? Be sure to head outside to see the giant, 3D red ants that are about to invade Houston. #BlackFlag -
A little inflexible - b sure to cancel early if u have to cancel -
Stone's throw from stadium. And great rooms!
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On it staff!
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