Hotel Derek, Houston, Texas

Trendy Hotel Derek, Defining Houston Style
by Carl Burnham

Situated a short walk from the massive Galleria shopping mall and Uptown Houston on Westheimer next to the West Loop on 610 South, the Hotel Derek recently completed a $2.5 million makeover.

Complementing the new Hotel Derek additions are
37-inch flat screen HD TVs with interactive cable, fast Wi-Fi, executive desks, and lamp fixtures. Noted Hans Schmitt, General Manager for Hotel Derek, "Discerning guests want an extension of their own home when they travel. That is precisely what our new rooms provide."

As I strolled through the main lobby area I was impressed with the soft lighting, plush library feel surroundings, paintings, and original Houston photographs by Arthur Meyerson. The 15 story Hotel Derek has had a penchant for style since opening in 2002, and is pet friendly.

With the new remodel, the Hotel Derek continues to redefine trendy and stylish in Houston hotels. With custom new designs, each of the 314 rooms now have
a decidedly homey feel. The remodeling includes new drapes, custom duvets, branded decorative pillows, new carpeting, warm wall colors, and wall artwork by San Francisco artist Caroyl La Barge within each of the guest rooms.

The 314 guest rooms range in size from 350 square feet to 500 square feet, with the top floor Executive Suites an expansive 1,200 square feet. All guest rooms include floor-to-ceiling windows, fast wireless Internet with dataport, dual-line cordless phones with voicemail (plus complimentary local and 1-800 calls), 37-inch flat screen HD TV, executive glass desk, large in-room safe, iron with ironing board, MP3/ipod/CD player audio alarm, oversized bathrooms, and balcony views.

Our Presidential Suite (the Big Texas Room) on the 15th floor came complete with large bedroom, bathroom with double rain showers and bidet, MP3/ipod/CD player audio alarm, 37-inch flat screen HD TV, mini-bar, hairdryer, coffee maker with coffee, plush king-size bed and bathrobes.

This suite joins with the Big Texas Room, a 1,200 square foot dining and living room area perfect for business, parties, or social gatherings. The ample suite includes a wet bar, refrigerator, skylight, large sofa and lounge chairs, 52-inch flat screen HD TV (with Nintendo), combo fax/copier/printer and full size bathroom. View our video above for more images.

Unique glass sculptures and vases give a special character to the living space with floor-to-ceiling windows for one-of-a-kind views of Houston's downtown skyline. Enjoy a refreshing breeze and scenic views from a private corner balcony.

Women traveling will want to check out the Hotel Derek's Lady Pink Rooms. Be prepared to be pampered with soft linens, a signature Lady Pink Martini, and bath amenities, with 10% of Lady Pink Room proceeds going to the Houston Chapter of the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

For an extra charge of adrenaline, go on a complimentary drive to the nearby Galleria or within 3 miles in the Hotel Derek's stretch-SUV, the "Derek Mobile." For business meetings, Hotel Derek offers over 10,000 square feet of meeting space, plus top tier valet parking and concierge services. Free Wi-fi Internet is available in all areas of the hotel.

Get in top form in the fitness center (24/7), then relax with a spa treatment or soak in the outdoor pool as you listen to the cascading waterfall.

The George Bush Intercontinental Airport is 25 miles northeast and the Hobby Airport is 17 miles southeast of the Hotel Derek.

We would like to thank Debra Ford and the Hotel Derek staff for their hospitality and for assisting with our feature.

Hotel Derek Map
2525 West Loop South
Houston, Texas 77027
1-866-940-1794