The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa

Elite '08

16

62

Katie W.

Bellaire, TX

The spa is lovely and parking is easy.  The staff is very friendly and accommodating.  Olga is great for eyebrow waxing.

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3

57

Lisa C.

Houston, TX

One year a boyfriend bought me a spa package for a gift, and I have to say, they gave me the best pedicure I have ever had in my life! The lunch provided with the package was tasty as well. I can't wait to go back there for another pedicure.

The Swedish massage however, was not as good (I asked for her to apply more strength/pressure and she said she would not because it was a Swedish massage, nor was the make-up application - she was very late, unapologetic and rude. She said that the make-up application was complimentary with the spa package (over $500) so it didn't matter that she was late. She applied so much eyeliner to my eyes that she made me look like a raccoon!

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28

25

Katharine S.

Houston, TX

Trellis Spa

If you're searcing for a five-star spa experience in Houston, this is as close as you can get.  The staff at Trellis make you feel welcomed and comfortable as soon as you walk in the door, even if it's only your first time.  As you're led to the locker room to change, you can't help but feel as if you've been transported out of the city and into a Mediterranean villa in the woods.  The beautiful, tranquil atmosphere inside Trellis will relax you immediately.

The ladies' locker room has thoughtful touches throughout -- extra toiletries, hair dryers, fluffy robes and slippers -- and I recommend getting there with time to kill before your appointment so that you can change into your robe and relax by the pool.  There are bottles of water, pitchers of juice and bowls of fresh fruit to snack on, as well as magazines to read while you curl up in a chair and unwind.

If you're getting a facial or massage, you can head upstairs to the second-floor lounge and sink into a chair next to the fireplace while you wait.  After your appointment, head back downstairs and take a dip in the whirlpool or give your pores some stimulation in the sauna.  To cool down, there's always the inviting pool or the refreshing rainfall shower.

Their facials are bar none the best I've had in Houston.  These aestheticians truly know what they're doing, and they do it well.  Prepare to be educated about your skin and its care if you aren't already.  The manicurists and pedicurists are efficient and their workmanship shows in the fact that your hands and feet will still look fantastic weeks later.

Perhaps the greatest thing about Trellis is the sheer variety of services they offer, such as targeted treatments for problem areas.  Not everyone needs a standard facial, and they recognize that.  They also offer a stunning variety of massages (even one that's been perfect for my husband -- the thermal sport massage) as well as full body treatments (such as wraps) and expert waxing.

Try the Trellis just once -- perhaps as a Mother's Day treat? -- and you'll be in heaven.

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20

39

Paul T.

Houston, TX

if you go for a massage ask for Andrea. She's awesome!

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Elite '08

292

373

Tara M.

Austin, TX

This place is AWESOME and I did not even get to experience the health or spa facilities.  What I did get was a Concierge room on a lower level with floor to ceiling windows looking into an amazing tree grove - I felt like I was in a tree house with a fancy bed and linens with a very comfortable mattress and pillows.  

But, that was not the only great part of my 1 night stay. The Concierge rooms come with access to THE Room.  The Room is large and cozy in a Texas way with a fire place and lots of couches with coffee tables and some bar tables with stools that sit 2.  The Room offers lots of FREE stuff. During Happy Hour you can serve yourself as strong as you like cocktails from a selection of whiskeys and vodkas to mix with juice or regular or diet colas plus a couple of white and red wines. Then when you wake you can stroll on down to The Room for a free breakfast of lots of fresh fruit and juices, a large bread selection and boiled or scrambled eggs and of course coffee and those little boxes of cereal. FYI The Room is only accessible with the special concierge room key..

During the Christmas holiday this place is decked out Martha Stewart style with about 100 poinsettias lining the road leading to the valet, the trees are also all decorated and when you get inside it is a Martha Stewart Christmas Wonderland.  I have never seen such amazing Christmas decorations at this scale..

The only off experience is the confusing garage levels and a train "noise" that passed by twice during the night???

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3

31

Shazia C.

Houston, TX

Dining: Went to  Olivette for Sunday Brunch. I adore this place.

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18

40

Dani L.

Houston, TX

Trellis, the spa at the Houstonian, is such a relaxing retreat.  Everyone is extremely professional and courteous.  You are getting exactly what you pay for here which is good cause this place is not cheap.  Enjoy all sorts of complimentary waters, juices, coffees, teas, fruits, etc between services.  Be comfortable walking around in a robe and spa issued flip flops - no one is looking so it's ok.  I've never had a rude or unfriendly experience with anyone here.  Included with any service is use of the steam room, sauna and indoor pool - so bring your suit.  Even if you forget they have complimentary disposable garments you can wear.
Members get discounts here so if you know one, go with them!

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Elite '08

40

552

Ro N.

New York, NY

Came here for a wedding....
all I have to say WOOO HOO to OPEN BAR!!!!

This place absolutely breath taking and beautiful whether you're sober or not!

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Elite '08

33

257

Alyssa N.

Jamaica Plain, MA

Thanks to the company that my s.o. works for, I got to spend a weekend at this wonderful hotel. The concierge, Fernando, was very helpful. Wish I'd had time to try out 1 of the 3 pools or the fab health club.

One thing - the walls are thin here. And I'm pretty sure that my neighbor in the next room got some good lovin on Saturday morning. '

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Elite '08

42

132

Dolph W.

Houston, TX

Dine in sophisticated elegance. Workout with the blue bloods in a private health club that accepts members by invitation only. Pamper yourself with a massage. Chat with friends on a massive hearth by the fire. Take an invigorating run on a trail through a heavily wooded paradise.

All this and more can be done at the Houstonian - Houston's finest hotel.

To be perfectly honest, the only times I've found myself at the Houstonian were during corporate workshops and conferences. It has world-class meeting facilities in a lovely setting. I always check into the hotel for a night or two for these events.

Better yet, my wife and I arrange for the kids to be cared for and she checks in with me for a mini-vacation right in the middle of Houston. While I'm off workshopping and solving all the world's problems during the day, she sleeps in, orders up breakfast in bed (the kind that comes with that wonderfully pulpy fresh-squeezed orange juice), has a massage and lounges by one of the pools. I'm smiling all the while knowing romance will be in the air that evening.

The best thing about the place? Its beds, fresh sheets and bedding. The Houstonian has the most comfortable beds on which I've ever...slept.

I know that I'm really in luck
When under the bedsheets I tuck
  Myself and my love
  I think the world of
While joining together to......sleep.

Trust me guys - it's a guaranteed home run!

----------------------

November 2007 Update:

To pamper my wife and get away from the kids for the evening whilst celebrating an anniversary, we checked into the Houstonian on a Thursday night. I made the reservations via the website and found a deal that saved me $100. This made the price comparable to most of the other hotels I had checked out that aren't nearly as nice. In the comment field, I mentioned that it was our anniversary.

Whilst checking in, I was informed that we had been upgraded to the Concierge floor (this allows you free access to the concierge, and free food and drinks that are time-of-day appropriate). We dumped our stuff in the room and enjoyed several glasses of wine and snacks while having the concierge call and delay our dinner reservations.

When we returned to our room we found that complimentary champagne had been delivered to celebrate our marital milestone.

The room service at breakfast was fantastic. It included an omlette to die for.

I cannot over-emphasize what a fantastically romantic and pampering place the Houstonian is.

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Elite '08

110

275

Jolyn R.

Houston, TX

A friend of mine got a spa certificate for the Houstonian and invited me along. Thank GAWD because I couldn't have afforded to pee there! Anywho, the massage was almost orgasmic (too bad it was a girl friend and not boyfriend :( he he). The staff was professional, and attentive to our every want and need.
I can't comment on the rooms but the hotel was beautiful and the valet guys were quick and courteous.

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Elite '08

18

33

Robert C.

League City, TX

I  LOVE THIS PLACE!!  There, I said it...It's my hideaway in the woods, in the middle of Houston, TX, no less. Close to the Galleria Mall, the Theater district, and museums; the location is superb!  Hey, If its good enough for President Bush (41), it's good enough for me!  The service is absolutely the best.  I often will go out to the opera on a Friday night, and later a romantic evening of champagne and chocolates with their weekend getaway packages.  The rooms are well equipped, and ask for a view of the woods.  The staff is always generous and upbeat, which I truly appreciate.  If you want to escape and hideout for a few days, the Houstonian is the place to go!!

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2

21

Lana C.

New Orleans, LA

I booked a bridal party of 6 for my wedding day at Trellis Spa at The Houstonian.
Initially, I walked in and spoke with Marcia to set up the appointments for my wedding. My first impression of the spa was that the staff was very friendly, professional and the ambiance was divine. The scent from the fresh flower arrangements scattered around the spa was worth it alone-- it is beautiful.
Few days later, Katharine the director of group sales-- (note: I believe its the same Katharine who gave this place a 5 star review few months after this review)--anyways, she called and wanted to help organize large wedding parties and offered any assistance needed to make our visit as comfortable and smooth as possible.
Appointments were booked back to back and as a bride, who provided each individual phone numbers to the spa to call and confirm their appointments... I expect the least they could do was to call all 6 to confirm time and appointments.
They did not do that the day before the wedding.
We all showed up, confused on the times and greeted by the manager who snapped at us and said he could not accommodate us because we were late.
He made rude remarks as he was talking to his hair dresser as he was at the counter. I figured I don't have to deal with him so I over looked that.
( 2 of 5 was late.)
Frank Garcia the hair stylist was very nice to squeeze us in and did all of our hair and styling. Renee Gonzales was my air brush make up artist and she, too is very nice. (her work is amazing, she used to work for MAC so she can do dramatic make up or conservative)
My appointment was a bit rushed and Renee did mention that she did not have time for me-odd- because I was on time and had an appointment with her.
I did not understand how they would rush us in and half of us did not receive the full service to BE charged at FULL service price.
At the counter, the same manager, Jonathan totaled up the bill. He was very snappy and flamboyantly rude. He also noted that one of our girls did not show up and he charge us an additional $120 for not canceling a day ahead. The bridesmaid never received a phone call from Trellis to begin with.
He charged one of us full price for blow dry but did not shampoo; full price on make up (from Yvonne) who did not apply foundation!

As I was trying to explain to him and asked questions, he did not listen and rambled on with his generic remarks as he is the last person I wanted to deal with on my wedding day.
He wasted 45minutes of my time trying to get organized with all the bridal party on one order so that I can pay; I was very annoyed that he was making a huge scene at his own counter, waving his finger around and all.
He was the one who was over reacting when it should have been me screaming at him.
I knew that because Jonathan was not listening &  he was talking over me, he confused himself. It didn't help when he involved Yvonne, very abrasive and rude 'make up' artist in this confusing mess, either.
Now, he wasted MY time as he was charging me an additional $120 for wasting his time.
He was so unorganized and caught up with his arrogance that he undercharged me over $400 of services by mistake.

If it wasn't for Jonathan's ignorance and bad business practice, I would have to say this place was ultimately the worst place I've ever been to, considering a spa of this caliber to provide sloppy services.
He later then called an hour later and said I was under charged and that I should be happy for that. I was, who wouldn't be, but not for all the headache on the BIG day.

I would considering returning to Renee the air brush artist but that experience I feel bad that they have great staff like that who has a manager to ruin all of it for them. Everything was so nice until I made it to the counter; it was like talking to a incompetent computer that should work at a much lower end spa.

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