I'd like to think that if a hotel is going to be 22 miles from the airport, that they would offer some sort of shuttle service, especially the Double Tree. Well, they don't. You can either schlep with a whole host of other folks on a group shuttle for $19 or take a taxi for $38.00. Since I was with a co-worker, it seemed reasonable to be comfortable for the same price.
Hereagain, one cannot really complain about the accommodations nor the services at this chain of hotels, because overall, they give you superlative treatment. It is unfortunate that I could not take advantage of the amenities, since on a typical working show day, I'd be too tired to look at my own reflection in the mirror.
The hotel is in the heart of downtown, where streets are fairly deserted on the weekend. But if you venture a few blocks to the right of the main entrance, you'll find some fabulous fare!
My room was on the 15th floor with a huge king size bed, a great armchair with ottoman, an ample desk with data port which allowed me to check my email. Check long distance phone rates before you start to dial! I had a sour surprise when I got my bill. The airconditioned facilities are heaven sent, because even in April, it gets very hot in Houston. There is an in-room coffee maker with coffee, tea and powdered milk (oh horror!), hair dryer, iron with ironing board, and of course, room service. This feature becomes vital as show hours accummulate and feet begin to swell to outsize proportions.
Check in is always awesome at the Doubletree because of those darn, delicious chocolate chip cookies they give you. And don't tell me anything about will power,- they are warm as they hand them to you, and I'm not going to give them back!
Should you be drawn to trivia, it ranks # 28 on the Houston popularity index of hotels.
Fitness room is on the premises, but if you need to go further than that, then you must take your body over to the YMCA . . . COUNT SIX BLOCKS( oh never mind!). I really wanted to swim so I could reverse the downward trend of fluids in my body.
What I really do like about this hotel is the ambiance outside the room; the hallways are very discreetly lit, inside the wall, right next to each door. It's something you need to see, if you haven't been there. I normally don't pay attention to hallways, but this one . . .
If you need a concierge, you'll find one; there is an on-premise café and restaurant which serve fairly good food, but one must get used to the slowness with which all this happens. If you are coming for business, I'd recommend this hotel as the rates are reasonable and the essentials are there.