Marriott Marquis Houston

Housed in a gleaming glass tower adjacent to the Convention Center in downtown Houston, the Marriott Marquis clearly caters to the business crowd but with a touch of style. The interior design conveys an upscale feel, with dark-wood paneling, area rugs over polished marble-like floors, and glass and golden accents on light fixtures. Large, plush seating offers ample space for mingling and holding casual meetings, and myriad lamps with warm light add a homey, inviting touch to the otherwise business-oriented common spaces. The property opened in late 2016 and still feels fresh and contemporary, and its restaurants and bars are popular among visitors and locals alike. The vibe is busy but not hectic or chaotic, and most guests report receiving excellent service at front desk and elsewhere in the hotel. There are plenty of business hotels in the area, but the Marriott has a slight edge over its competitors, with reasonable rates and up-to-date amenities and rooms. Those seeking something more classic may want to consider the Four Seasons Hotel Houston, which is just a few blocks away, but rates there are higher, and the pool is less impressive. Leisure travelers wanting to stay near shopping and dining in Uptown Houston may prefer the stylish Hotel Indigo Houston at the Galleria, which is more affordable than the Marriott.  

The Marriott Marquis Houston is located right in the heart of downtown Houston, within walking distance of attractions, shopping, and dining. The property is directly connected to the George R. Brown Convention Center and across the street from Discovery Green, a 12-acre urban park home to dozens of events year-round. The area is busy during the day and into the night, with many hotels, shops, and restaurants within a few blocks of the hotel, and plenty of corporate offices around. Minute Maid Park, home to the Houston Astros, is just a five-minute walk away, as is the Toyota Center. This location is also convenient for those wanting to park the car and use public transport to explore the city, as the hotel is right next to the Convention District MetroRail station. Uptown Houston and the Galleria mall are about a 15- to 20-minute drive away, while the George Bush Intercontinental Airport can be reached by car in about 25 minutes.

The Marriott Marquis Houston has a total of 1,000 rooms, including a wide variety of guest rooms and suites. Decor is contemporary and upscale -- albeit chain-like -- across the board, consisting of clean-lined wooden furniture, midnight-blue carpets with brown patterns, dark accent walls, and padded headboards in neutral hues. Big white desks with ergonomic chairs offer plenty of space for getting some work done, and all rooms have at least one easy chair for relaxing. All units come with either a king bed or two queens topped with crisp-white duvets and several pillows, plus closets with enough space to store clothes and small suitcases. Windows are big in all rooms, and most offer expansive city, Minute Maid Park, or pool views. All rooms are air-conditioned and feature a great range of amenities, including empty mini-fridges (minibars are not available in any category), coffeemakers, and 55-inch flat-screen TVs with premium movie channels. Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, but it is an extra charge. Some suites have kitchenettes and dining areas. Bathrooms are simple yet elegant, featuring off-white wallpaper with delicate patterns, big white sinks over wooden vanities, and large backlit mirrors. Most units have shower/tub combos, but some suites have separate walk-in rain showers and deep soaking tubs -- some placed by floor-to-ceiling windows offering great views.  

The Marriott Marquis Houston offers a wonderful array of amenities. Occupying a large area on the sixth floor, the 24-hour fitness center is a major highlight here, with tons of cardio and strength-training machines, personal trainers, and free group classes. Private sessions are available for a fee. The 5,000-square-foot spa has a swish vibe and offers dozens of treatments, including some for couples, as well as salon services. There are also two outdoor pools, including an infinity-edge one and a huge lazy river shaped like the state of Texas. Both are heated and feature plenty of loungers and cabanas, as well as drink and food service. Several restaurants are on-site, all popular among locals, ranging from casual eateries with bar food to gourmet options. The main restaurant, Walker Street Kitchen, serves up a varied breakfast buffet for a fee along with an international farm-to-table menu for lunch and a great Saturday brunch. Cueva offers Mediterranean tapas paired with great wines, while Xochi -- helmed by award-winning chef Hugo Ortega -- serves well-regarded Mexican cuisine. Biggio’s is the hotel’s sports bar, complete with two 30-foot screens and a solid menu with bar fare, beer, and cocktails. The High Dive is located by the rooftop pool and is a good spot for a relaxed meal with a view. Starbucks coffee drinks are available at the Texas T coffee shop, and room service is available 24/7. As a business hotel, the Marriott Marquis features extensive event space, including 52 meeting rooms, the largest of which can host up to 4,300 guests. There is also an executive lounge offering free breakfast, snacks, and beverages to suite guests. Valet and self-parking are available on-site for a daily fee.