Houston Marriott North: Your Dream Texas Getaway Awaits!
My Mostly Smooth, Occasionally Clunky, Totally Texas-Sized Stay at the Houston Marriott North: Y'all, I Survived! (And Maybe Loved It?)
Alright, y'all, buckle up. I just got back from a stay at the Houston Marriott North, this place promising a "Dream Texas Getaway." Dream? We'll see about that. Texas? Absolutely. Let's break it down, from the accessible ramps to the oh-so-Texas-sized portions. This ain't your stuffy travel brochure, folks. This is real life.
SEO Jargon First (Ugh, Gotta Do It):
- Keywords: Houston Marriott North review, Accessible hotel Houston, Wheelchair accessible hotel Houston, Free Wi-Fi Houston, Hotel with pool Houston, Texas hotel getaway, Spa Houston, Fitness center Houston, Restaurant Houston, Family-friendly hotel Houston, Business hotel Houston, Events Houston, [and adding in a few keywords from the main text like 'accessible,' 'breakfast buffet' 'poolside bar,' 'Texas-sized']
- Meta Description: A brutally honest review of the Houston Marriott North! Accessibility, dining, amenities, and the "Dream Texas Getaway" promise – did it deliver? My messy, hilarious, and occasionally frustrated take, straight from a real traveler.
- Metadata:
- Title:Houston Marriott North Review: The Good, The Bad, and the Texas-Sized Breakfasts!
- Description: My real-world take on the Houston Marriott North, covering accessibility, dining, amenities & whether it lives up to the "Dream Texas Getaway" promise.
- Keywords: Houston Marriott North, hotel review, Texas, accessibility, pool, spa, fitness, dining, family-friendly, business, events.
- Author: A Wandering Texan (Me!)
Now, Let’s Get Down to Business (and Maybe a Margarita):
Accessibility: Bless Their Hearts! (Mostly)
Okay, on the accessibility front, the Houston Marriott North gets… a mixed bag. The website claims to be accessible, and honestly, they try. The entrance? Mostly good, ramps were there. The elevators? Working, thankfully. The rooms themselves? Okay. I’m not gonna lie, the rooms were definitely accessible, but some of the setup felt… a little clumsy like it wasn't built with accessibility in mind, but adapted for it. Bathroom layout? Could've been better, but hey, at least there was a roll-in shower available (a huge plus). It definitely wasn't perfect, but they try. I give them a solid, "B" for effort.
Rooms: The Usual, Plus Some Quirks
My room, and I'm guessing this is generally consistent, had the usual suspects: Air conditioning (thank GOD!), Alarm clock (old-school, but hey), Coffee/tea maker (essential), Desk (appreciated), Internet access (Wi-Fi was mostly reliable, more on that later). The bed was enormous (extra long bed, yes, and so comfy!), and I spent half the night debating whether to crawl out. There was a refrigerator (bonus points!), and a mini-bar (which I avoided like the plague, I'm not made of money!). Non-smoking was a must, of course. The window that opens? A nice touch, especially for some fresh Houston air. The bathrobes were fluffy, and I basically wore them for the duration of my stay. Also, a safe box, which is appreciated. They had nice slippers too!
But here's where it got a little… odd. The placement of the plug sockets, the slightly awkward lighting… it felt like they tried to cram everything in and forgot about the guest experience a little. Also, the toiletries… nothing special, just your typical Marriott stuff. Bathrooms are clean, they were clean. I think the problem was not the hotel itself, but my high expectations.
Internet: A Love/Hate Relationship (Mostly Hate)
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Yes, I read it! I saw it! And… It worked, sometimes. Look, I'm not expecting blazing-fast fiber internet, but I needed to get some work done, and that was an uphill battle. The Internet access – LAN was an option too, but who even knows what that is anymore? I mean the internet access – wireless was there, but frequently slow. I ended up tethering my phone, which ate into my data plan. The Wi-Fi for special events was fine though.. But really, people, in 2024, get your Wi-Fi together.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food Coma, Here I Come!
Alright, y'all, let's talk about the food. This is where the Houston Marriott North really shines.
- Restaurants: They've got a few. Not Michelin-star stuff, but perfectly serviceable. I dined at the main restaurant, which had a decent menu. I had the burger, juicy.
- Breakfast [buffet]: The breakfast buffet was a highlight. Seriously, it was a beast. A glorious, carb-laden, bacon-and-sausage-filled beast. Breakfast [buffet] was definitely a must. They had everything: Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, omelets station, pastries, and enough coffee to fuel a small army. I definitely lost track of how many plates I went back for. Good job, Marriott.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: The coffee was good, strong.
- Poolside bar: The poolside bar was a godsend, they made a mean margarita.
- Snack bar: A decent snack bar for the in-between hunger strikes.
- Room service [24-hour]: I did not utilize room service service, but I could have.
- Desserts in restaurant: OMG. The desserts. Don't get me started.
The Poolside bar had the best happy hour.
Things To Do, Ways to Relax: Spa Day, Anyone? (Maybe)
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: The pool area was great, I spent many hours there. They have a nice Pool with view.
- Fitness center: I hit the Fitness center. Had all the basics.
- Spa/sauna: The spa experience was pretty good, got a massage, I love a good spa! I wasn't big on services like Body scrub or Body wrap, it still seemed tempting, but I ended up skipping the Steamroom.
- Steamroom: The steamroom was good!
- Sauna: Good too!
- Gym/fitness: Yep, they had this.
They have a Couple's room and a Shrine if you're into that.
Cleanliness and Safety: Sanitized! (Mostly)
Cleanliness and safety are obviously major concerns these days. The Houston Marriott North did a good job. I saw staff wiping down surfaces constantly. They used Anti-viral cleaning products, had Hand sanitizer everywhere. I especially appreciated the Sanitized kitchen and tableware items and the Staff trained in safety protocol. Other services include, but are not limited to: Daily disinfection in common areas, Room sanitization opt-out available, and Rooms sanitized between stays.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things Matter
- Concierge: Helpful, friendly concierge.
- Daily housekeeping: Efficient.
- Elevator: Check.
- Laundry service: Convenient.
- Cash withdrawal: ATMs on site.
- Convenience store: Had the essentials.
- Doorman: Friendly.
- Food delivery: Easy access to food delivery services.
- Invoice provided: Standard business stuff. I did not use the Business facilities, or the Meetings services.
Value for Money: Worth It?
Look, this isn’t the Ritz. It's a Marriott, but it's a good Marriott, especially for the price. You get a solid value. The breakfast buffet alone is worth the cost of admission, but I am not made of money, and I still thought it was worth it.
The Verdict: Houston Marriott North – Ya'll Should Go! (Probably)
Would I recommend the Houston Marriott North? Yeah, probably. It’s clean, safe, and the food is great. The access is decent, so go ahead and plan your trip. The location is convenient, and the staff is friendly.
Final Thoughts:
It wasn’t the perfect getaway. There were some minor issues. But overall, I had a pleasant stay. The Dream Texas Getaway promise? Maybe not. A good, solid Houston hotel experience? Absolutely.
Hyatt Place Detroit Livonia: Your Dream Detroit Getaway Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because you're getting my Houston Marriott North itinerary. Forget those sterile, perfectly planned itineraries – this is the real, slightly-chaotic deal. Consider this a travel diary, a rambling adventure of the soul, stuffed with enough Texan humidity to make you sweat just reading it.
Houston Marriott North: The Gateway to… Well, Everything? (Maybe)
Day 1: Arrival, Texan Hospitality (and Bed Bugs? Kidding!… Hopefully)
2:00 PM: Arrived! Finally! The flight was a disaster. Delayed, turbulence that made me consider wearing a parachute, and a screaming baby who clearly regarded my ear drums with the same fondness as a mosquito views a blood donation. But hey, Houston, here I am! Checked into the Marriott. The lobby? Standard hotel lobby. Beige, vaguely depressing, but hey, AC. I'm basically already in love.
2:30 PM: Room check! Woohoo! Thankfully, no bed bugs. (I'm convinced I saw one once, years ago, and it's haunted me ever since.) The bed? Soft. The pillows? Plump. This is crucial. Crucial for the existential dread that comes with solo travel.
3:00 PM: Mandatory Hotel-Room-Check-In: Survey the landscape - closet, mini bar (likely overpriced), the view… OH MY GOD. That view… It's the parking lot. I hope there is a room switch available.
4:00 PM: Okay, finally got the room switched to the pool view. So much better. That parking lot made my heart sink. Maybe I needed that. I think I'll take a nap.
5:00 PM: Wake up! Still have a pounding headache. I think its because of the flight. Gotta shake it off. Time to figure out the nearest watering hole. This Marriott has decent food options, but I crave authenticity. Authentic Texan food. Maybe something with, like, a lot of meat and a side of existential crisis.
6:00 PM: Found a place called "The Salt Lick BBQ". It's supposed to be legendary. Called an Uber. Already sweating a little in anticipation of brisket… and the bill.
7:00 PM: THE SALT LICK. Alright, you want to talk about a food experience? This place isn't just a restaurant; it's a happening. The aroma of smoked meat… It hit me like a wave. I ordered everything – brisket, ribs, sausage, the works. Ate it with my hands, like a proper Texan. The brisket? Melt-in-your-mouth gloriousness. The sausage? Spicy, smoky perfection. Ate until I could barely waddle.
9:00 PM: Uber back to the hotel. Food coma level: Expert. Stumbled into bed feeling like a very satisfied, meaty walrus.
Day 2: Culture, Questionable Decisions, and a Deep Dive into… Laundry?
8:00 AM: Woke up feeling bloated, but happy. Okay, time for some "intellectual stimulation" as I like to call it. Hit the hotel gym. Treadmill. Just a little light cardio. Gotta burn off those caloric sins from last night.
9:00 AM: Breakfast: Overpriced continental buffet. Sigh. The coffee was lukewarm, the pastries were… well, hotel pastries. Ate a sad croissant, and plotted how to sneak a proper espresso into the hotel tomorrow.
10:00 AM: Thinking about visiting the Space Center Houston. Space! It's so… spacey. But it could also be a total tourist trap. I'm torn. Still deciding.
11:00 AM: Laundry! The most glamorous activity, I know. But hey, gotta do what you gotta do. The hotel laundry room wasn't a disaster – no overflowing machines or creepy encounters with other guests. This is a win.
12:00 PM: Lunch. Decided against going out to eat. In-room dining. Ordered a burger. It was… a burger. Nothing to write home about.
1:00 PM: Decision: Space Center Houston. Damn the torpedoes, it's time to get my astronaut on! Uber time.
2:00 PM: Space Center Houston. So… many people. So… many exhibits. Rode the tram… It was pretty cool. The rockets are massive. It’s truly ridiculous, in a good way. The highlight? The astronaut training simulator! I stumbled around, bumping into walls, and feeling like a complete klutz. But still had an amazing time.
5:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Tired. Starving. That astronaut training really took it out of me!
6:00 PM: Dinner. I wandered, aimlessly, around the hotel. Found a local diner not too far from the hotel. Ordered a burger. Ate it. It was… good. I think. The only thing that mattered at this point was the company.
7:00 PM: Thought about hitting a hotel bar. Then thought about the price of a drink. Decided to watch a movie, in my room.
10:00 PM: Bed. Sleep. Repeat.
Day 3: The Farewell (and the Lingering Regret)
8:00 AM: Wake up. Last day. Bleak. I hate goodbyes!
9:00 AM: Breakfast. Same overpriced buffet. Same lukewarm coffee. Sigh.
10:00 AM: Packing. Packing is the absolute worst. I'm terrible at it. I always overpack. I'm pretty sure I brought five pairs of shoes.
11:00 AM: Check-out! Smooth. Efficient. They even asked if anything was wrong. No, everything was fine, I said. I left a decent tip to the cleaning staff. They deserve it after the way I’ve treated this room.
12:00 PM: Uber to the airport. The same airport, the same awful, crushing feeling. But hey, at least I'm not on that plane with the screaming baby this time.
1:00 PM: The Houston Marriott North. It wasn't perfect. It wasn't glamorous. It was just a hotel. But it was my hotel. And for a few fleeting days, it was my starting point, my sanctuary, my messy, imperfect home base. And hey, the parking lot wasn't that bad in the end. Okay, maybe it was. But I'll be back. Eventually. Maybe.
Okay, spill the beans! Is Houston Marriott North REALLY worth the hype? (Or is it just another hotel?)
Alright, alright, let's be real for a second. "Hype" is a strong word, and let's be honest, I've stayed in some hotels that made me question my life choices (looking at you, leaky-ceiling motel in Oklahoma!). Houston Marriott North? It's... solid. Not earth-shattering, mind you. Don't expect fireworks on arrival. But, and this is a big BUT, it's a reliably decent place to crash, especially after a long day of Texan adventures. Think of it as a good friend – always there for you, never flashy, but always reliable. My personal experience… well, let’s just say I once tried to order room service at 3 AM (don't ask), and even THEN, a very polite voice answered the phone. Now THAT'S commitment.
Location, Location, Location! What's the deal with its location – is it actually convenient or a total pain?
Okay, location – the make-or-break factor, right? Houston's sprawling, y'all, so getting around is a beast. The Marriott North? It's *relatively* convenient. Emphasis on *relatively*. It's good if you're in town for, say, a conference at the nearby convention center. It's also decent for hitting up some of the northern attractions. But, and here's the rub, if you're trying to get downtown during rush hour... Godspeed. Prepare for the parking lot shuffle on the highway, and be prepared to yell at the GPS at least twice. I once spent an hour and a half trying to get a taco downtown from the hotel. Totally worth it, though. (The tacos were incredible). So, plan accordingly. Uber/Lyft are your friends, especially if you’re not a fan of the Houston traffic rodeo.
Room Service - Heaven or Hell? You know, the important stuff.
Oh, room service! The siren song of the weary traveler. I have to say, it's... hit or miss. Sometimes, the burger is glorious. Sometimes, it's... a burger. Let's just leave it at that. The wait times can vary wildly. I once ordered a late-night pizza and waited an hour and a half. I almost started to fantasize about the delivery guy being a knight in shining armor. On the bright side, the presentation is usually pretty classy! Seriously, my biggest recommendation, if you're going for late-night room service? Order a little earlier than you think you should. And maybe snack up on the way in from your adventures.
The Pool! Is the pool a relaxing oasis, or a chlorine-soaked battleground?
The pool... alright, the pool. It's a pool. It exists. It's usually clean. I've definitely seen worse (and better). It's not a resort-style pool, mind you. More of a "rectangle with water in it" kind of situation. During peak hours, it can get a little crowded with families. Kids splashing, parents chatting, the usual pool pandemonium. I went once, after a particularly brutal meeting – I was so stressed and just wanted to float. Turns out, that was also when a swim team was practicing. Let's just say it wasn't the zen experience I was hoping for. My takeaway? Go early, go late, or go armed with noise-canceling headphones and a strong will to relax.
Breakfast at the Hotel: Worth Waking Up For? Or Just Grab Some Fast Food?
Ah, breakfast. The most important meal... or is it just another morning chore before you can get out there? The buffet at the Marriott North is.... well, it's a breakfast buffet. You have your usual suspects: scrambled eggs that may or may not look exactly like scrambled eggs, bacon that might be crispy or might be limp, and a selection of pastries. They serve coffee. And it’s hot. Personally, I'm not a huge buffet person. I get overwhelmed by the options and end up piling my plate with things I wouldn't normally eat. That being said, it is convenient! If you're the kind of person who loves a continental breakfast, go for it! Otherwise, scope out a local diner or coffee shop. You'll probably have a more memorable experience. Plus, you'll eat better for it. My favorite so far? The little biscuits with the honey butter…pure heaven.
The Gym! Does it actually have decent equipment? Or just a treadmill that's seen better days?
The gym... okay, let's be honest, I'm not exactly a fitness guru. But, even *I* can tell if a gym is decent or just an afterthought. The Marriott North's gym? It's... functional. It has treadmills, ellipticals, some weights. It's not the fanciest gym I've ever seen, but it's usually clean, and the equipment works. I've never had to wait for a treadmill. Which is a huge plus! My one experience? I tried to lift some weights after a particularly stressful day, but I got distracted by a TV showing reruns of "Law & Order". Don't judge! Sometimes all you need is a good show to unwind.
Parking: Easy Peasy or a Parking Lot Nightmare?
Parking... this is *always* a legitimate concern! No one wants to fight for a parking spot after a long day. I'd say the Marriott North has decent parking. It's not free, so be prepared to pay a daily fee. There's usually plenty of space, which is a huge relief. I once got stuck circling a parking lot for 20 minutes somewhere else, so, yeah, parking is an underrated luxury!
Staff - Are they friendly and helpful, or just going through the motions?
The staff... bless their hearts. Hotel staff can make or break your stay, right? And the folks at Houston Marriott North? I'd say they're generally pretty good. Friendly, helpful, and they seem to genuinely want to make your stay pleasant. They always greet you with a smile. I remember one specific instance... I had a logistical disaster (I'd booked the wrong dates, don't ask), and the front desk staff were unbelievably accommodating. They went above and beyond to sort everything out without making me feel like a complete idiot (which, admittedly, I was). That kind of service makes a real difference.
Overall: Would you recommend Houston Marriott North? Give it toSleep Stop Guide
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