Enjoy Houston, TX like the locals!
No, seriously. Go out with a local and you will find the best spots to hit up around town! More on that in just a bit, though.
This was a work trip for me and I stayed at the Houstonian Hotel, Club and Spa. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of life, the hotel was nestled amongst acres of trees, walking trails, tennis court, pools, basically - an outdoor sanctuary. The lobby on the inside was grand, adorned with wood work, huge paintings, and a beautiful fireplace. The room, however, did not wow me at all. My welcome note from the Room Director said “Mr.” Gulati vs. “Ms.” Gulati. I laughed when I read that because the Room Director is also the same nationality as me so he should’ve known my name is clearly a female name. The service at the front desk seemed rushed as if the representative had better things to do than check-in a guest staying for the week.
Once unpacked, I went to the restaurant for a quick lunch. I ordered a chicken tortilla soup which, for some reason, had fruits in it. I’ve never had a chicken tortilla soup with fruits! Not my thing, actually. In the evening, I met up with my team for an early dinner. We went out to Goode Company BBQ hoping to divulge in authentic BBQ food. It was just ok. The decor of the restaurant was more breathtaking than the food.
After meetings the next day, I met up with my friend who resides in Houston to visit some of the local hot spots. We started at Harold’s and then made our way to Tony’s. Of course, after stopping at a delicious taco truck! I could only eat a few bites of my quesadilla as it was so filling! Both places were extremely fun but Tony’s had music by the time we arrived that night. When I arrived to my room that night, my hotel key did not work. The front desk asked me to walk all the way to the front desk to get a new key. I insisted that they send someone with a new key because of the inconvenience. After a good 15 minute wait, someone arrived with a new room key.
The next day at work, I must’ve contracted food poisoning from the hotel’s catering services as I could not function the remainder of the day post lunch. After several ginger ales and water, I was able to get well enough to step out with the team for a late light dinner at a restaurant that had bull ridding - Whiskey River! No, I did not get on. I was afraid of upsetting my stomach again.
After Whiskey River, we all met up with my friends again at Tony’s. The atmosphere at Tony’s is just too addictive to stay away. Everyone is laid back and has so much innocent fun - it’s great. Houstonian people can be nice - just not at the hotel, I guess.
On my last morning at the Houstonian Hotel, Club and Spa, checkout was a pain. The front desk representative was talking me through the check-out process when the bag attendant started talking to me over him, and grabbing my bags out of my grip. I asked him to wait while I completed my checkout process and he seemed to get annoyed at that request. Goes back to my impression of service not being what it should be considering the cost of the stay. If I had to come back to Houston, I definitely would not stay at Houstonian Hotel, Club and Spa.
What to wear
It’s humid. All day…all…day…and night. Prepare for the heat!
Shorts
Sundresses
Dresses at night
Heels
Open sandals
Polos
T-shirts
