Meetings and Events Houston | Expert Insight With The Magnolia Hotel

Expert Insight With The Magnolia Hotel

The Magnolia Hotel Houston has quickly become one of the most sought after boutique hotels in the city. With 314 rooms including 44 studios and 19 one-bedroom suites, all featuring fully equipped kitchens and living areas, the Magnolia is ideal for extended stays and business travelers. This upscale boutique hotel, in downtown, caters to the sophisticated traveler.

The Magnolia Hotel is owned and operated by Denver-based Magnolia Hotels, a real estate development and hotel management company concentrating on the redevelopment of historic properties into elegant hotels in central business districts. The company currently operates Magnolia hotels in Denver, Dallas, Houston and Omaha.

The Magnolia Hotel is housed in the historic former Post Dispatch Building. The 254,000-square-foot, 22-story building was built in 1926 and was hailed as one of the most impressive office buildings in the state. The hotel opened in March 2003 after a full renovation, re-establishing the property as one of the area’s most distinctive structures.

The Magnolia Hotel Houston was listed in the prestige Conde Nast Traveler Magazine’s “Top 100 Best New Hotels in the World” in 2004, and H Texas Magazine sang its’ praises during the same year. The Magnolia has also been featured in the Houston Chronicle, The Houston Press and the Houston Business Journal.

Jessica Henry, the Director of Sales in Houston, has over 12 years of sales and marketing experience. Originally from Louisiana, Henry holds a Bachelor of Science from Louisiana State University. She has held her current position at the Magnolia for one year, but has called Houston home for the past 10 years.

Below Henry shares her thoughts on the Magnolia Hotel, trends in the hospitality industry and the city of Houston.

What has enabled the Magnolia Hotel to be successful?
The Magnolia’s prime location, fabulous amenities and expert staff all contribute to the hotel’s success. The hotel’s location makes traveling to destinations such as, Minute Maid Park, the Toyota Center, the Houston Aquarium, Bayou Place and the Theater District, a breeze. With its contemporary décor and unique design, the Magnolia is the perfect combination of city-chic and classic elegance.

What trends in the hotel industry have you seen lately?
I have noticed a distinct trend of clients desiring the unique style and personalized service offered by boutique hotels. Customers are seeking out boutique hotels in record numbers. In addition, corporate groups are utilizing boutique hotels more because of the ease of doing business. The flexibility that boutique hotels can provide meeting planners is very attractive to them, along with the exceptional experience provided to the group.

Does the Magnolia Hotel offer meeting and event space?
Yes! Encompassing the entire third floor, the Conference Center offers nearly 6,000 square-feet of meeting space configured as six or seven rooms. With complimentary high-speed wireless Internet access and a dedicated meeting concierge, the Conference Center means business. An architecturally alluring suspended grand stairway connects the Conference Center with The Magnolia Club Room, providing even more meeting and comfortable breakout space. The elegant ballroom can accommodate up to 200 guests.

Does the Magnolia Hotel work with meeting planners or do you employ your own experts?
We offer our own expert meeting planning assistance and have an amazing catering and conference team. However, we are more than happy to work with meeting planners, wedding coordinators and other event organizers provided by the client.

Why should clients keep their meetings and events at Houston locations?
It is important that Houstonians support Houston businesses. By keeping meetings and events local, Houston-based businesses contribute to the success of others in the community and help bolster the local economy.

What is the best thing about the hotel industry in Houston?
The best thing about the hotel industry in Houston is the diversity the city provides, from clientele to internal personnel. There is also a unique camaraderie between hotels in Houston. We share a common pride in our city and our Southern hospitality.

What are the Magnolia Hotel’s goals for the future?
Our goal is to continue the great success we’ve had, and as always, to welcome newcomers to the Magnolia Hotel. We look forward to working with more of downtown’s finest restaurants in the future to create new and exciting dinner and guestroom packages.

How does the Magnolia Hotel differentiate itself from other hotels in Houston?
The Houston Magnolia features downtown Houston’s only rooftop pool and Jacuzzi, with stunning views of the city. The Magnolia’s gorgeous Ross Sterling Presidential Suite also differentiates us. At a spacious 1,200 square feet, the presidential suite features a black and white tile floor, a separate bedroom and living area, a fireplace and a dining room to seat 10. Last year, we introduced a Concierge Level, for guests who desire optimum privacy and amenities. We also offer “Mag Time,” a trio of complimentary offerings including free breakfast, happy hour and evening cookies & milk—guests love Mag Time! Additionally, our amazing staff always exceeds expectations and truly sets us apart from other hotels.

What makes a good hotel a great hotel?
It is always the people that make a good hotel a great hotel. Most of our guests’ remarkable experiences are centered on our staff. The Magnolia Hotel team always goes the extra mile to provide phenomenal guest service.

Jessica Henry
Director of Sales
Magnolia Hotel Houston