Contemporary Hotel In Historic Houston Landmark
by Carl Burnham

The Magnolia Hotel building in Houston is listed with the National Register of Historic Places, and has witnessed much history within its' walls, as home to a newspaper, oil companies, and now a luxury hotel.

The lobby and open areas are designed in a warm art-deco design, with original sculptures and other artwork displayed throughout. The lobby is circular, with attractive hardwood flooring and a free-form metal staircase seen overhead on the 2nd floor.

There is lots to do in the immediate area around the Magnolia Hotel, which is within walking distance to the Theatre District, Minute Maid Park, the Downtown Aquarium, and the George R. Brown Convention Center, with free car transportation provided downtown with advance notice. Valet parking is available on-site from $24 per night, although we chose to park on the street. We found the attendants and concierge to be very responsive with offering assistance.

The Magnolia Hotel includes 314 guest rooms ranging in size from a large Ross Sterling Presidential Suite, Studio Suites, Guest Suites, and King Guest Rooms. Studio and Guest Suites range in size from 500 to 700 square feet, with King Guest Rooms averaging 400 square feet.

King-Sized Bed in Studio Suite

Our Studio Suite included a comfortable king-sized bed with plush pillows, entertainment center with 32" TV, stocked refrigerator, with a living area that includes executive desk, alarm/radio, sofa, chair, and velvet drapes, in stylish warm colors. Each window from our 14th floor suite had a unique view of downtown Houston.

Kitchen Area

At the entrance to our Suite was a kitchen with coffeemaker and coffee, countertop stove, an extra refrigerator, silverware, and dishes. A closet contained bath robes, iron, ironing board, and security safe. The wash area included an impressive granite countertop, with modern fixtures. The bathtub/shower area was roomy, with bath amenities made specially for Magnolia Hotels. Free Wi-fi Internet is available in all areas of the hotel.

Roof Top Pool and Jacuzzi

An exclusive to the hotel is a small pool and Jacuzzi situated on the roof. From the roof, you can see one-of-a-kind views of downtown Houston. We enjoyed lounging while viewing the surrounding buildings at night and relaxing in the Jacuzzi underneath the stars. A Fitness Center also on the top floor is open all hours, and includes numerous modern aerobic and weight machines.

Magnolia Hotel Library

The 2nd floor area includes several meeting rooms (with a total 6,000 square feet available on the 3rd floor), a library, billiards room, Magnolia Bar, and Magnolia Cafe area where a daily complimentary breakfast buffet is served.

Breakfast at the Magnolia Hotel

Breakfast selections include eggs, bacon, sausage, toast, bagels, granola, grits, cereals, yogurt, tea, and Starbucks coffee. Breakfast is served from 6 - 9 am weekdays, and 7 - 10 am on weekends.

Enjoy complimentary drinks from 5:30 to 6:30 pm daily, and sharpen your skills in the billiards room with big-screen TVs behind the Magnolia Bar. The bar serves a wide range of drinks, and is open from 5 till 11 pm. From 8 till 10 pm, complimentary fresh cookies and milk (available as low-fat, strawberry, or chocolate).

One of the popular packages offered is the Texas Size Love Package for $229 a couple for that special romantic getaway:

* A King Guest Room for two
* Complimentary drinks in the Magnolia Club
* A dozen large long-stemmed roses
* Champagne and chocolate covered strawberries
* Complimentary cookies and milk in the Magnolia Club
* Breakfast for two in your room

The IAH-George Bush Intercontinental Airport is just 19 miles south of the Magnolia Hotel.

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

Magnolia Hotel Map
1100 Texas St
Houston, TX, United States 77002
1-866-940-1794