Springhill Suites by Marriott Houston Dwntn/Convention Cntr

My trip to Houston was checking in Friday and checking out Sunday (2 day trip). Upon checking into the hotel, my card was initially charged $380 for the room fee, and I was told a charge of $100 was being held for incidentals. I accepted the valet charge of $60 per night plus taxes for my 'oversized' truck. On Saturday, my card was charged $70 which I was told for valet. On Sunday after checking out, I received my receipts for the final room fees being $374 and valet charges and snacks of $117. After checking out of the hotel my bank account was charged again for an additional $204, $117, and $374. When I spoke to the front desk, they kindly explained that I will only be charged the amounts on my receipts for the $374 and $117 and all other amounts will be given back to me after 5 to 7 days. There was no clear answer to what the $204 was for besides 'my bank releases extra funds to cover the room stay' I thought that's what the initial $380 was for when I checked in. My main complaint is for a 2-day trip that should be approximately $500 dollars including valet and incidental fees, I have over $1,100 in charges pending for the Springhill Downtown in Houston. I wouldn't be so irritated if it was explained upon check in that I would need 2x or 3x the bill just to stay for the weekend. I could have easily switched to a Hilton, paid my $50 incidental fee, and had a pleasant weekend with plenty of spending cash left over. Yet, each day I was caught off guard by more 'pending charges from a hotel. I have been a gold member of Marriott for many years and have never had $1,100 of pending charges for unknown incidentals, valets, and room coverages for such a short stay. As of two days past my trip, I have not received any money back and I will refuse to stay at this hotel again. The service, the hotel, and all amenities were phenomenal but being blindsided monetarily really put a damper on the funds that were allotted for a short weekend trip.

First time staying at this location. There are a few hotels in the same location. Although the location is convenient in the downtown area, their parking is strictly valet. 50.00 overnight is pricey! Springhill Suites room was nice but room 203 has a shower door that leaks. Good variety of free breakfast options, such as oatmeal, scrambled eggs, turkey sausage, waffles, juice, yogurts, fresh fruit, and muffins. Darren was very welcoming at check in. Good thing I'm honest because at check out, I wasn't charged for valet. Speaking of valet, it took over 20 min after checking out, for valet to retrieve the car. First we were told that our car was probably at the parking garage across the street. Then we were told that someone was blocking the car and they were notified to move. I'm not who would be blocking the car if the guests have to pay for valet parking!