Rob Giardinelli
Service, Glamour & Comfort Awaits At This Five-Star Texas Hotel
By Rob Giardinelli Photography courtesy of Post Oak Hotel Houston
Upon arriving at Houston’s Post Oak Hotel, located on the edge of River Oaks, each guest is treated like a VIP. This was our experience as we visited Texas’ only five-star hotel and spa for one of Texas’ top fundraising galas: The 27th Annual Houston Children’s Charity Gala. From the time we checked in until the time we left the staff of The Post Oak provided detailed service that made us quickly realize why it has earned a coveted five-star status.
As we got out of our car, at the valet area, we were given two tickets. One for our car, and the other for our bags that were taken to the check-in area. The valet personally walked us up to the check-in area where we were warmly greeted by Josh at the desk. He promptly asked us for our bag ticket, so he could inform the valet staff of our room number and where to drop off the bags before we even stepped into the room.
During check-in, Josh shared with us all of the amenities available at The Post Oak. Additionally, he asked us if we needed any recommendations for dining, shopping, or recreational activities nearby during our stay in Houston. He then handed us our room keys, then personally walked us to the elevator, and pressed the button to the fourth floor where our room was located.
Upon entering the large junior suite, complete with a king-sized bed, and sitting area, we were dazzled by the view of the expansive Houston skyline outside of our window. Within 60 seconds of arrival, the valet knocked on the door with our bags, asking where we would like each item placed. After the valet left, we headed towards the window to take a better look at the view, we saw that the staff had left us with a personalized note welcoming us to The Post Oak…and Houston along with an amenity of delicious fresh fruit and bottled water. We enjoyed both while enjoying the view of downtown during the late afternoon.
After enjoying the fresh fruit, we took in other special touches and details of the room. The room was divided by a credenza that featured a pop-up television that elevated with a touch of a button…on both sides of the credenza. This allowed us to watch TV in the sitting area and from bed. In addition to customary magazines that most hotels provide, The Post Oak also had a stack of luxurious coffee table books for us to view including one about iconic luxury brand, Chanel as well as a book about the history of Houston. Additionally, the rooms offer electronically controlled, black-out curtains. Unlike most hotels, the curtains at The Post Oak completely cover all the windows without the sun peering through in the early morning hours.
The bed and linens were soft and luxurious. When I called to ask for a few extra pillows, the details from the staff continued. When picking up the phone, I was greeted by name by the person at the other end of the line stating “Mr. Giardinelli, how can we help you?” After asking for extra pillows, they asked if we would like feather or foam pillows delivered to our room. They told us the items would be delivered to our room in approximately 10 minutes and arrived exactly 10 minutes later.
The marble spa-like bathroom was a dream, adorned with fresh orchids that gave the space extra warmth and a pop of color. Walking up to the vanity, we saw that it was equipped with two full-length bath towels per person, as well as a Hollywood lighting mirror, ideal for getting ready for a gala, business meal, or wedding.
The bathtub came complete with a television and a remote that lay on a luxe wooden bath table atop the tub and could hold a glass of wine and a book. Additionally, when getting out of the tub, two hanging bathrobes were on hooks within arm’s reach, again providing the details guests can expect from a truly five-star experience.
The Post Oak provides nightly turndown service for guests. The turndown service also comes with complimentary bottled water on the nightstand next to each side of the bed. The room also came with many amenities that cater to both luxury and business travelers. The room included plenty of USB ports, and extremely fast and easy to access Wi-Fi. Additionally, The Post Oak’s exquisite attention to detail was on full display in other ways including, a fold-out ironing board that was tucked away in the custom-built cabinetry, and a full-length mirror by the front door that allows a final look before heading out to explore the hotel…or the city.
After a record-breaking Houston Children’s Charity Gala, we retired to our room for a great night’s sleep in the luxurious linens. Upon waking up the next morning, it was time to check out. We called to have our car brought around and experienced an extremely smooth checkout, where the attendant asked how our stay was and what we experienced during our stay in Houston. As we made our way to our car, we were greeted by the valet who had a smile and our keys in hand. As we exited The Post Oak, our first thought was to plan our return to the five-star experience again soon.
