Houston Energy Corridor's BEST Kept Secret: Red Roof PLUS+ Review!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving HEADFIRST into the Red Roof PLUS+ in Houston's Energy Corridor. Forget those sterile, corporate reviews. This is the real deal. And honestly? It's kinda… well, interesting. Let's see if it's the best kept secret or just a really well-hidden one.
First, the Basics (And My Initial Judgment – Don’t Judge Me!)
Accessibility? Alright, alright. They say they have facilities for disabled guests. That's a good start. I didn’t personally need it, but I appreciate the effort. The exterior corridors give that classic motel vibe, and honestly, I kind of dig it. It's like, you're already outside the city, you know? It's a vibe. And the non-smoking rooms? Bless up. Can't stand that stale cigarette smell.
SEO Score: 7/10 (Could use more keywords related to specific accessibility features like ramps and elevators, but overall clear and promising.)
The Rooms: Okay, Let's Be Honest…
My room? Okay. It had stuff. Air conditioning (thank GOD, Houston heat is brutal) and a fridge (SCORE for snacks – a necessity). The bed? Meh. A bit… firm? Maybe a little… used? Let’s just say I wasn't springing for a celebratory dance routine on it. But CLEAN. And that's the important part. Linens were crisp, not stained, and the room itself was shockingly tidy.
- Available in All Rooms Checklist (Let's be thorough!)
- Yes: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea (small bag, but hey!), Daily housekeeping, Desk, Free bottled water (hallelujah!), Hair dryer, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar (stocked with… stuff), Mirror, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Shower, Slippers (…didn't see any, but maybe I missed them?), Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
- Missing (or I couldn’t find): Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub (mine only had a shower), Blackout curtains (sort of), Carpeting (a little worn), Closet (adequate), Extra long bed (nope, but fine), High floor (nope), In-room safe box (nope), Interconnecting room(s) available (probably), Internet access – LAN (probably, didn't test), On-demand movies (probably, didn't check), Scale (nope), Separate shower/bathtub (nope), Sofa (nope), Soundproofing (not stellar, but okay), Umbrella (nope), Visual alarm (I didn’t need it)
SEO Score: 8/10 (Detailed room list is a SEO GOLDMINE! Needs some keyword refinement on missing items, though.)
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Hunger Games
Okay, so here's the deal. There IS a "restaurant." Not a fancy one. More like a breakfast area. Continental stuff. Cereal, pastries, some questionable fruit. Free, though. And that’s the beauty – or the curse, depending on the day – of a budget hotel. Coffee? Plentiful. Which is a MUST. Thankfully, there's a coffee shop nearby, so I walked over there.
- Dining, Drinking, and Snacking Checklist:
- Breakfast [buffet] - yes
- Breakfast takeaway – I don’t think so, but I just poured myself a coffee
- Coffee/tea in restaurant – yes
- Coffee shop – nearby
- Desserts in restaurant – nope
- Happy hour – nope
- Poolside bar – nope
- Restaurants – uh… one, kind of
- Room service [24-hour] – nope
- Snack bar – nope
- Vegetarian restaurant - I didn’t see
- Western breakfast – yes (basically)
SEO Score: 6/10 (Needs more keywords for nearby dining options and descriptions of the breakfast buffet items.)
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Don't Expect Miracles, Folks
Fitness center? They claim to have one. I didn't see it. Pool? Yup. Outdoor. Looked inviting, actually. (I skipped the sauna since the weather was already tropical.) No spa, no massage, no body wraps (not that I was looking for them, but hey, you never know!).
- Things to Do & Ways to Relax Checklist:
- Fitness center - They say they have, I didn’t see it.
- Pool with view - yes
- Sauna – Nope.
- Spa – Nope.
- Swimming pool - yes
SEO Score: 5/10 (Needs more description of the pool and the "fitness center.")
Cleanliness and Safety: My OCD Heart Was… Mostly Pleased
This is where Red Roof PLUS+ actually shines. EVERYTHING felt clean. They're clearly taking the whole "anti-viral cleaning products" thing seriously. Hand sanitizer EVERYWHERE. And I appreciated the individually-wrapped food options at breakfast. Staff wearing masks, even when they probably wanted to take them off. Super safe.
- Cleanliness and Safety Checklist:
- Anti-viral cleaning products - yes
- Cashless payment service - Probably
- Daily disinfection in common areas – yes!
- First aid kit – probably
- Hand sanitizer – yes!
- Hot water linen and laundry washing – yes
- Hygiene certification - Unknown
- Individually-wrapped food options – breakfast, yes
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter – yes, enforced
- Rooms sanitized between stays – yes
- Staff trained in safety protocol – yes
- Sterilizing equipment – I didn’t see, but the result speaks
SEO Score: 9/10 (Excellent use of keywords related to cleanliness and safety. Emphasize the positive aspects even more!)
Services and Conveniences: Standard Stuff, Mostly
Front desk was always manned. Check-in/out was quick (and contactless, which I appreciated). They have the usual laundry service and dry cleaning. Nothing mind-blowing, just functional.
- Services and Conveniences Checklist:
- Air conditioning in public area - yes
- Business facilities – basic
- Cash withdrawal - probably
- Concierge - nope
- Contactless check-in/out - yes
- Convenience store – none on-site.
- Currency exchange - nope
- Daily housekeeping – yes
- Doorman – nope
- Dry cleaning – yes
- Elevator – yes
- Essential condiments - probably
- Facilities for disabled guests – yes
- Food delivery – yes, probably.
- Gift/souvenir shop - nope
- Indoor venue for special events - nope
- Invoice provided - yes
- Ironing service – yes
- Laundry service - yes
- Luggage storage – yes
- Meeting/banquet facilities – small
- On-site event hosting - nope
- Smoking area - yes
- Terrace – nope
- Xerox/fax in business center - yes
SEO Score: 7/10 (Solid coverage of services. Could benefit from mentioning any partnerships with food delivery services or nearby restaurants.)
For the Kids: Family-Friendly? Maybe…
They say "family/child friendly." I didn't see anything screaming "KIDS WELCOME!" other than the fact that maybe they would take kids. No playgrounds or anything exciting.
- For the Kids Checklist:
- Babysitting service - nope
- Family/child friendly - yes
- Kids meal - nope
- Kids facilities – nope
SEO Score: 4/10 (Needs stronger info on what makes it family-friendly. Mention any kids amenities, even if limited.)
Getting Around: You'll Probably Need a Car
Free on-site parking? YES. Valet parking? Ha! This is Houston, baby. No valet. Taxi service is an option, but probably overpriced. Airport transfer? I didn’t use it.
- Getting Around Checklist:
- Airport transfer - unknown
- Car park [free of charge] - yes
- Car park [on-site] - yes
- Bicycle parking - unknown
- Car power charging station - unknown
- Taxi service – probably
- Valet parking - nope
SEO Score: 8/10 (Excellent on the parking information! Needs some keywords for local transit or ride-sharing options.)
The Verdict: Is It the Best Kept Secret?
Okay, here's the truth: this isn't the Ritz. It's a budget hotel. But for the price, it
Casa Linda Motel San Jose: Your Unexpected San Jose Oasis Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup. This isn't your grandma's sterile itinerary. This is… well, this is my Houston-Energy Corridor adventure at the Red Roof PLUS+. God help us all.
Day 1: Land of the Beige and the Unexpected Taco
1:00 PM: Arrival & Internal Monologue at Red Roof PLUS+ (Houston - Energy Corridor)
Okay, first impressions. The Red Roof PLUS+ is… beige. A lot of beige. It's the kind of beige that whispers "reliable," which, after a red-eye flight, is exactly what I needed. Found the room, the key card almost worked (classic), and, thankfully, no bed bugs. Breathing a sigh of relief, my internal monologue started "This room is fine, perfectly adequate. Wow, is that really the view from the window? Well, at least I can have coffee!"
- Anecdote: The elevator? Let's just say it seemed to be running on the fumes of hope and maybe a little bit of sheer willpower. I swear the guy in front of me had to give it a pep talk. "C'mon, you can do it. Just one more floor!"
2:00 PM: Fueling Up - Finding the Delicious (and Avoiding the Greasy Spoon)
I'm STARVING. Gotta find some REAL food. Checked the Yelp reviews. Disaster. Everything was generic chain restaurants. Finally, after a solid 20 minutes of Google-Map scrolling, found a tiny, hole-in-the-wall taco place called "Taco Loco" (not its actual name, I just made that up because I forgot). Decided to give it a shot.
- Anecdote: That taco? Life-altering. Seriously. Flaky tortillas, perfectly seasoned meat. I ordered three. The owner, a woman with a booming laugh and a smile that could melt glaciers, looked at me and just said, "Honey, you look like you needed that." She wasn't wrong.
3:30 - 5:00 PM: The Energy Corridor…or Something Like It?
Okay, let's pretend I'm here for "business" in the Energy Corridor. Honestly, I'm not entirely sure what that even means. It's all…offices. Tall buildings. Cars. It's beige, again!
- Quirky Observation: It's kind of… sterile. Like a perfectly manicured lawn. Needs some chaos. Some color. Maybe a flock of flamingos? (Wouldn't that be amazing?)
6:00 PM: Dinner: Failed Gourmet Attempt
Thought I'd be fancy. Restaurant reviews said "upscale casual". Nope. Just the "casual" part. The staff was overworked, and one server was so busy she had to drop off a few items and run! It went downhill from there.
- Emotional Reaction: I wanted a relaxing, delicious meal. Instead, it was a frenzy of undercooked vegetables and overpriced wine. The waiter was nice. I felt bad for him. I sulked back to the Red Roof PLUS+ with a grumbling stomach and a slightly deflated ego.
8:00 PM: Netflix and the Crumbs of Hope
Back at the beige haven. Netflix is the only friend I have right now. Found a classic movie and some chips. The hotel's wi-fi is surprisingly decent and the bed felt cozy. Small victories.
Day 2: Houston, We Have a Problem (and it's Called the Galleria)
9:00 AM: Breakfast of Champions (aka Leftover Taco Loco)
Thank GOD I didn't finish those tacos last night.
10:00 AM: The Galleria - A Sensory Overload
Okay, this is…something else. The Galleria is massive. I swear, I walked for an hour and felt like I'd only seen 1% of it. Everything sparkles. Everything is shiny. Everywhere you look, people are spending money. It's a dizzying display of consumerism.
- Anecdote: I witnessed a minor handbag-related drama unfold. The look on the woman's face when she was informed that the "exclusive limited-time" bag wasn't available… it was chef's kiss dramatic.
- Emotional Reaction: I am now experiencing a slight anxiety attack trying to navigate this labyrinth with no sense of direction, desperately checking my phone to make sure I'm going the right way.
12:00 PM: Lunch! (or, the Quest for Edible Food, Round 2) Wandered around aimlessly until I found a food court that looked reasonable, and bought some terrible fried chicken sandwich.
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Galleria Revisited
Oh God, I'm still here.
- Quirky Observation: The people-watching is phenomenal. The fashion choices range from incredibly chic to bewilderingly bizarre. And the sheer volume of designer purses… I could probably live off a small one for a month.
5:00 PM: Back to the Beige (and Sanity?)
Finally escaped the Galleria. Exhausted. Emotionally drained. My feet hurt. I'm pretty sure I need another taco.
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: I needed a break after the Galleria. Seriously, I might have had a slight existential crisis surrounded by overpriced shoes.
6:00 PM: Dinner – Simple is Best
This time, avoiding fancy. Ordered pizza. Delivered to my room. Bliss.
- Messier structure and occasional ramble: Pizza! Good old pizza. It's reliable. It's comforting. It's pizza. I'm not sure if I could be happy here, but pizza is going to do the trick.
7:00 PM: The Comfort of the Room.
I think, I feel, finally a sigh of relief! My room feels like a safe space.
Day 3: Departure and the Lingering Scent of Taco Loco
9:00 AM: Breakfast - Last Stand
One last taco. Just one. Before I say goodbye to Houston (and the deliciousness).
10:00 AM: Packing and Reality Check
Packing up. Reflecting. Houston… it was an experience. I liked the tacos. I didn't love the Galleria. The Red Roof PLUS+ was… well, it was there.
- Opinionated Language: Houston has some charm. And it's a vast improvement over anything I could name.
11:00 AM: Departure
Heading to the airport. Ready to go home, but already craving another Taco Loco taco. Maybe I'll be back. Maybe not. Only time, and my stomach, will tell.
- Natural Pacing: Walking out, it started raining. Figures.
Minor Categories (Because We Must):
- Transportation: Uber. Lots of Uber. And my legs, obviously, from all the walking.
- Budget: Blew it on the Galleria. Should have stuck to tacos.
- Overall Vibe: 5/10. The beige-ness is getting to me.
- Would I recommend the Red Roof PLUS+? For the price and the reliability, sure. But bring your own personality. And definitely seek out the Taco Loco.
- Things I should I have done: I should have relaxed. I should have walked more. I should have enjoyed the experience.
This is my life. This is Houston. This is not necessarily what you would do! But I'm leaving, and that's really what matters!
Escape to Celle, Germany: Your IntercityHotel Awaits!Okay, You Wanna Know the REAL Deal About the Red Roof PLUS+ in the Energy Corridor? Buckle Up.
Is this place *really* a "best kept secret"? Sounds fishy…
Alright, alright, I get it. "Best kept secret" is a loaded phrase, practically begging for skepticism. Look, it's not like they *didn't* have a sign... but it *is* surprisingly decent for the price. My first thought stepping into the lobby wasn't, "Wow, this is the Ritz!" It was more like, "Huh, smells mildly of…nothing offensive. And the AC is on. Score." Honestly, in a pinch, after a particularly grueling day of work, or worse, after a car breakdown on the way back home, this place is a lifesaver. It's not a party palace, but it's a solid, quiet place to crash.
What’s the price like? Because let's be real, in the Energy Corridor, things get EXPENSIVE FAST.
Okay, here’s where the “secret” part *kind of* comes in. Compared to the luxury hotels with granite countertops and spas down the road? Let's just say you're looking at a considerable difference. It’s *definitely* budget-friendly. I’m talking, you might have enough left over to order a pizza…and maybe even tip the delivery guy! I remember one time, I was absolutely broke after a month of overspending. Needed a room for a night. This place saved me! I checked, and the next time I was looking, prices fluctuate, but you'll most likely see a pretty sweet deal. Don’t expect absolute rock-bottom, though. You're paying for proximity to everything AND for a bed that isn't made of packing peanuts.
The rooms… Are they actually CLEAN? This is crucial.
Alright…deep breaths. I’m a bit of a germaphobe. Okay, maybe more than a bit. The rooms *generally* are. I’m not going to lie and say it's pristine, "hospital-clean," but the last few times I've stayed, I have been *pleasantly* surprised. I’ve seen worse—much, much worse (shudder). The sheets usually feel okay, not like you're sleeping on sandpaper. Bathrooms? Usually pass the hygiene check. One time, I found *one* questionable hair in the shower. But hey. I survived. I brought Clorox wipes anyway. Can't hurt, right?
Okay, so the PLUS+ part… what’s that even *mean*? Is it actually "plus"?
Honestly? It’s marketing. But… it’s marketing that *actually* delivers a little something. Free Wi-Fi? Check. It works, mostly – sometimes the signal is a little…enthusiastic, shall we say? I once had to download a *massive* file for work, and it took a while. But hey, it worked. Plus, they usually have a decent continental breakfast. Do not expect gourmet. Do not expect an omelet station. But they usually have bagels, some sad-looking cereal, and instant coffee that will do the trick when you are hurting from the previous day - and a good dose of sleep
What's the deal with the noise? Is it quiet enough to sleep?
This is a big one. Look, it's not soundproof. And let's be honest, you're in Houston. There's always *something* going on. But, in my experience, it’s been better than some of the bigger name hotels, especially if you avoid rooms near the lobby or the pool. Usually you can hear the door slamming, the occasional excited voices in the hallway, but it’s generally peaceful. One time I asked for a room away from the road and they accommodated it. The key is to ask. And bring earplugs if you are a light sleeper. Just in case.
Parking? Is it a nightmare like some places in the Energy Corridor?
Parking is usually fine. Actually, it's a *highlight*. No valet, which is a plus, and there's usually plenty of space. I have never, *ever* had a problem finding a spot. That's a win in this part of town. You can roll in at 2 AM and still have room. Trust me, I’ve tested this theory. It is not a huge parking lot. But it works.
Is there a pool? I love a good hotel pool.
Yes, there is a pool. It's…a pool. Don't go expecting a resort-style experience. It's functional. It's smallish. I've seen it clean; I've seen it…less clean. Honestly, I generally tend to skip it. It really depends on what your definition of "good" is. I am not a huge public pool person, and the last time I used it, there was a questionable-looking floating something-or-other in the water. But if you like a quick dip, and you're not overly fussy, it'll do. Pack your own towel.
Okay, let's get real. Any truly terrible (or exceptionally great) experiences? Dish the dirt!
Alright, buckle up. One time… one time, I had a *situation*. I was there during a torrential downpour – Houston, right? And, I returned to my room, absolutely soaked. I kicked off my shoes. Popped on the TV. And as I grabbed a towel, I noticed… a dark patch on the ceiling. You guessed it. Leaking. Right over the bed.
Now, I may have overreacted. I am not great in emergency situation. It was late. I was tired. I marched to the front desk, fully prepared to unleash a torrent of fury. The poor guy there seemed mildly shell-shocked. Turns out, they’d had multiple leaks. They put me in a new room – with a *much* better view, I must admit. (Silver linings and all that). And he gave me a discount for the inconvenience. So, it wasn't entirely terrible. But it did give me a good story. The point is, even with the hiccups, the staff, on the whole, were apologetic and *eventually* handled it. So... maybe good enough to get the job done for a cheap stay.
