JW Marriott Houston by the Galleria

This large and upscale hotel buzzes with activity, as various groups meet in its expansive inventory of event space and leisure travelers come and go from the massive Galleria mall across the street. The lobby’s ceiling is low, but the beautiful space has a warm glow, thanks largely to light-wood paneling and marble floors and columns in pink and tan. Crimson carpeting with orange-and-gold starburst patterns covers some of the floor, and clusters of oversize leather armchairs in butterscotch, lime green, and bright red, provide additional pops of color. It's an atmosphere that carries over to the rest of the hotel, from the appealing rectangular pool to the refined guest rooms. Most guests are business travelers, though the hotel does get some leisure travelers who want access to the nearby mall.

The JW Marriott is located just off the Interstate 610 beltway and across the street from the Galleria (a four-minute walk). It's the largest mall in Texas, with dozens of shops and some 50 restaurants. Several other restaurants are a short walk or drive away, and there's a Walgreens a two-minute walk from the hotel. Traffic can be heavy in this popular area, especially during rush hour. It’s about a 25-minute drive (east) to reach downtown Houston attractions including Minute Maid Park, Toyota Center, and GRB Convention Center. Memorial Park and its golf course is a 14-minute drive, while Rice University is 12 minutes away. The University of Houston is about a 20-minute drive. The William P. Hobby Airport is about a 35-minute drive away, while the George Bush International Airport takes closer to 45 minutes to reach.

Rooms are modern yet refined in handsome hues of gray, white, and brown. Soft gray upholstery and bright-white bedding give an understated elegance. Reddish-brown wood furniture adds warmth, while granite-topped nightstands and glass-topped desks and bureaus enhance the look. Padded benches sit under the windows, and leather topped ottomans complement the sofas. Standard amenities include coffeemakers, mini-fridges,  safes, and free bottled water. Bathrooms are roomy and upscale, with distinctive gray tile floors and dark-wood vanities with white ceramic countertops. Walk-in showers incased in white tiling have clear glass doors, and rainfall shower heads. Robes, slippers, and magnifying mirrors are provided.

The upper floors have sweeping views of the Galleria or city skyline and hear less traffic noise from the busy streets. Concierge-level rooms come with free access to an exclusive lounge that features a free hot breakfast buffet, an honor bar, and afternoon hors d’oeuvres. 

The JW Marriott's amenities are geared toward business travelers and include 40,000 square feet of meeting space spread across 25 rooms. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel (though access requires signing up for the hotel's free loyalty program), and the business center has multiple computers and printers. South Coast Grill serves breakfast, as does the on-site Starbucks. Lunch and dinner are available at Destino, which features an eclectic menu focusing on organic farm-to-table cuisine. There's also a gift shop selling snacks, drinks, and sundries. There's a spacious fitness center on the fifth floor with a wide array of cardio and weight-training equipment; just next to it is a heated indoor/outdoor pool that has sweeping views. The indoor portion of the pool is a bit small, however. The hotel also offers concierge services, laundry, and dry cleaning. There's also on-site valet and self-parking, but both are a bit expensive.