First impression: The check-in
When first entering Hotel Derek the lobby was nice. There were people around, but not really crowded as reviews I had read made it out to be. We where taken to check in by a friend here, and we found that they do not have a visitor parking section at all, they too would need to valet park ($20/day). Not that I like the $20 a day for hotel guests, specially as we have spent so much on a room already, but why would I expect someone else to pay $20 to come visit me? So she parked in the parking lot across the street while we checked in.
As we checked in, they were nice enough, however, the guy behind the counter said our reservations for a room with two beds was not available. We explained to him we had called two weeks prior and they had said it would not be a problem. He got on the phone and quickly got things settled and got us a room with two double beds.
First impression: The room
After checking in we walked up to look at the room real quick. It appeared nice and clean, and a view of downtown Houston. With a bit of a closer look we noticed a price list for the items in the fridge, which all seemed high priced, again specially after cost of room. Example of prices would be $6.00 for a 1 litter bottle of Fiji water, or $3.00 for a bottle of Orange Juice.
As we where leaving we asked if they had a room with a view of the Galleria instead, and the guy behind the counter at that time said that they should have one available tomorrow (day 2)
Overall impression:
My overall impression in short, if I could afford it when I go again, I’d stay there again. Everyone I talked to from valet to behind the counter, and concierge was helpful and nice. The lobby did get crowded several times during the stay, but it didn’t bother me, was event type things. I think one was a wedding theme event by the looks of it.
The first night our reservations got messed up, but quickly fixed, the next day they did managed to get us a room with a view on the Galleria as we asked the first night. Did not order room service or really take advantage of things as I was rarely there anyway.
Location:
2525 West Loop South ยท Houston, Texas 77027
Right off I-610
- About one block from the Galleria.
- Directly across the street was a nice Italian restaurant: Grotto
Owned by:
Managed by: Shaw Edwards
General Manager: Hans Shmit
Size: 314 rooms
Pet Policy:
For an extra $50 per stay (not per night), a person can bring their pets, long as they are under 50lbs.
Language:
Hotel Derek can translate several languages, including, but not limited to Spanish, German, Russian, Arabic.
Lobby area:
I don’t know what the scent was, but I liked it. I forgot to ask what scent it was when I was there.
Bathroom:
It was clean, big enough sink, I liked the glass counters as well. The shower was great, high power, and adjustable as well. The main thing about the bathroom was the door. It’s one of those sliding doors, you slide it closed and there’s like half an inch gap between it and the wall. Also no lock on the door.
It may have been the biggest negative thing I found about the room though.
Connectivity:
The internet connection is good so far, a steady 48.0mbps connection speed. They did not mention the user/pass was on the card-key case so I called to get the information. It was not a problem.
Cleanliness:
So far I have not found anything wrong with the cleanliness of the room, or the hotel for the most part. The only thing (so far) was a plastic glass with something in it by our door when we returned.
Amenities:
outdoor pool
24/7 fitness center
Spa treatment suite
Complimentary overnight shoe shine
In-house clothes pressing
Valet and guest laundry
Twice-daily maid service
Concierge services
Pet-friendly accommodations
Note: Valet is the only parking option. Not only for hotel guests, but for those who visit them as well.
Pool:
I didn’t really use the pool, a friend and I attempted, but it was way to cold. I would think a hotel like Hotel Derek would have a heated pool.
Fitness center:
Cleaning service:
We did not use this service. We have had things stolen before, and did not take the chance this time. We kept the sleeping sign on the door when we left, and took it off when we got in.
However, I did see carts up and down the hall in the mornings for room cleaning, and they clean the rooms twice a day.
Food and restaurants:
Tried the restaurant in the hotel, and it was good. Was the only ones in there at the time, but appeared to be plenty of seating in case it got busy.
Conference facilities:
Hotel Derek has several facilities for business meetings. During my stay I also seen some meetings going on in the lobby, maybe they liked the atmosphere?
Length of stay: Five Nights
Date of review: April 2009
Would you stay there again?
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