Hotel Review

The Four Seasons brand often carries the weight of excellence and its stellar reputation for service often precedes the stay. I’m happy to report that the Four Seasons Hotel in Houston is no different. I checked in after a long Hospitality Law Conference and was looking forward to a tranquil retreat and some proper ME-time with room service and in-room lounging. And that’s just what I got.

Tucked away in the thriving business district, the Four Seasons Houston Hotel features 404 well-appointed guest rooms and suites that reflect the urban elegance and laidback Southern charm of the city. Its location in bustling downtown in close proximity to loads of trendy cafes and artsy coffeehouses makes it a prime home away from home.

PROS

-The pre-arrival correspondence via email was great and appreciated.

-Both check-in and check-out were a breeze. I’m not a happy camper if I have to wait to check-in/check-out.

-The social media team is absolutely fantastic and did a great job before, during, and after my stay! Excellent example of how to use social media to humanize hotel brands.

-Thank you for a highly personalized and thoughtful welcome amenity — the note, the display, the drink, the customized itinerary…all of it was fabulous!

-Water is complimentary — can’t believe some hotels don’t get something as simple as this.

-The location is perfect — nestled in the very heart of Downtown, next to tons of restaurants, bars, parks, etc.

-The room was very spacious and comfortable — I wouldn’t expect any less from a luxury hotel in Texas. The FS Executive Suite is 606 square feet.

-My room looked out into the other buildings in Downtown, so I caught a cool reflection of the glistening sunset through the glass panels.

-The lovely curtains weren’t solely for show and managed to perfectly block out the morning sunlight, making it easier for me to sleep in — a MUST on vacation.

-The service was wonderful — attentive, hospitable, and warm. From the front desk to the housekeeping staff to the concierge, the service was fantastic.

-Loved the understated color palette and exquisite furnishings.

-The bedding was as luxurious as can be, with a surfeit of fluffy pillows and the cloud-like down comforter.

-The spa and fitness facility is going through a multi-million dollar renovation and is expected to be the premier wellness destination in Houston.

-There was a NORMAL hair dryer that was actually functional.

-The toiletries were L’Occitane — always a pleasure!

-WiFi is complimentary — yes!

-Room service was very quick and efficient. I also love that it’s 24 hours.

-Lots of outlets near the bed — perfect for digital travelers.

-There’s a house car for guest use.

-There’s lots of magazines to choose from.

CONS

-Breakfast was not included.

-The bathtub was not separate from its shower, and the bathroom, in general was outdated compared to the rest of the room.

-The lobby looks outdated and is in need of renovation. The chandeliers were beautiful, but the lighting and carpeted floor made the lobby feel drab and antiquated.

-Turn-down service was disappointingly ordinary. Given the high caliber of the hotel, there’s a lot they can use to their advantage and a little extra something out of the ordinary would have been a great touch.

Duration: 2 nights, February 23-25, 2016

Bottom line: My stay at the Four Seasons Hotel in Houston is one of my most memorable luxury hotel stays in recent months, largely due to its fantastic social media team, so bravo! In general, I’ve been very impressed with the ingenuity that Four Seasons properties have shown on social media — the brand has redefined luxury hotel marketing with its seamless integration of digital technologies. Aside from its social media mastery, the Four Seasons Houston understands that customer service is in the details. I look forward to my next stay, especially once the multi-million dollar renovations are done!

*Disclosure: My stay was hosted by the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau, but views are my own and accurately reflect my stay. My room was the one-bedroom FS Executive Suite in room 1905.

**My policy: there will always be full disclosure about whether my stay was hosted by the hotel or paid for with my own money. And even if the hotel decides to offer complimentary services, my review will never be swayed one way or the other. After all, if my experience was sub-par, and I continue to falsely rave about their services, no one will benefit–not me, not you, not the hotel (they’ll never improve!). So, trust that you’ll receive 100% truth in every review.