2301 N Millbend Dr, The Woodlands, Texas, United States | (888) 616-5829
Contemporary rooms with sleek bathrooms and Keurig coffeemakers
Two championship golf courses
Four restaurants include an upscale steakhouse and buffet
Outdoor pool with children’s recreation area and 1,000-foot lazy river (open seasonally)
Spa for beauty services and massages
Large wood-floored fitness center provides towel service and several types of machines
Business center has multiple computers and a printer for guest use
Room service available
Expansive conference rooms equipped with audiovisual capabilities
Free shuttle around property and to local area shopping
Resort fee covers bikes, Wi-Fi, parking, and golf practice area
Daily resort fee
Breakfast not included in the room rate
Out-of-the-way location
Some rooms are a trek from the main building (though golf cart rides can be requested)
Those seeking a vacation akin to an extended country club stay will enjoy this upscale resort ensconced inside a wooded park, located a half-hour outside of Houston. Some of the 407 modern, spacious rooms open to the pool or have a balcony with views of the golf course. Kids' are well catered to, with a seasonal outdoor pool complex featuring a waterfall, waterslide, lazy river, kiddy pool, and splash area, as well as some organized activities such as "dive-in movies" by the pool and s'mores by the fire pit. Adults, meanwhile, can appreciate the two championship golf courses, modern fitness center, and spa. Business travelers are a major portion of the clientele, thanks to the sophisticated conference facilities. The major downsides are the out-of-the-way location (part of the appeal for some), sprawling property (rooms can be a trek from the main building), and a daily resort fee that doesn't include breakfast.
Scene
Lodge-like aesthetic mixed with urban class in a country club setting
The hotel cultivates the look of a '70s-era lodge on its exterior, with asymmetrical peaked roofs, wood siding paired with mixed rock, and Adirondack chairs set around a fire pit on the brick patio that faces the back of the property. The inside looks like what you'd expect to find at an upscale urban hotel, with broad swaths of polished marble floor meeting floor-to-ceiling windows. Cushy furniture includes blue velvet sofas and a leather ottoman. Ample views of the neighboring scenery abound from the indoors. The resort is spread out over several low-slung buildings placed amongst a landscaped expanse including two golf courses, making it feel somewhat like a luxury gated community. The hotel maintains hiking and running trails, as well as a large wood deck facing the golf courses. Guests include everyone from families to couples to event attendees.
Location
In a swath of landscaped forest adjacent to a planned residential community
The hotel is spread out over a large area of forested and landscaped terrain, with two golf courses incorporated into the property. Access is via a winding road that leads from the surrounding residential neighborhoods into the grounds. The planned community of Woodlands township constitutes the nearest center of activity, and is about a seven-minute drive; Houston takes a half-hour by car. George Bush Intercontinental Airport takes about 25 minutes in a car. Parking is covered by the resort fee, and there's a free shuttle that takes guests both around the property and to the nearby Woodlands shopping center.
Rooms
Contemporary decor, Keurig coffeemakers, and sleek bathrooms
Rooms at The Woodlands Resort are contemporary and renovated. Soothing interiors incorporate a paneled wood headboard above one king-size or two queen-size beds, wide-pattern floor carpeting, and high-quality surfaces like an ergonomic chrome-and-leather imitation mid-century modern desk chair next to the wide flat-screen TV. Square fixtures and extra-wide slate-colored matte tile give the bathrooms a modern look. All rooms have mini-fridges, safes, free Wi-Fi, a Keurig coffeemaker, an iron and ironing board. The shower/tub combo includes a rainfall showerhead, and hairdryers and bathrobes are included along with verbena scented toiletries. Some rooms have walk-out swimming pool access or balconies with nice views of the wooded property or golf course. Executive Suites include a sink area with microwave and Keurig espresso maker in addition to a large sitting room with wraparound velour couch and an additional TV.
Features
Two golf courses, a spa, large fitness center, and a seasonal water park -- plus a resort fee
Features at the Woodlands Resort are something special. The two championship golf courses are a major draw of this property, and occupy much of the outdoor grounds. There's an elaborate water park designed for kids that includes a jet-enhanced lazy river, waterslide, splash area, and kiddy pool, though this part of the hotel is closed in the winter moths. Family activities can include "dive-in" movie nights and face painting. For adults, there's a relaxing spa with a nail salon, outdoor pool surrounded by deck chairs, and a modern fitness center with wood floors, cathedral ceilings, towel service, and several Precor cardio machines. The resort fee covers Wi-Fi, golf practice facilities, golf gear storage, and bikes to borrow. For business guests, there's an ample business center with a handful of computers and a couple of printers. Expansive and sophisticated conference spaces are rentable and can include audiovisual equipment.
All-Inclusive / Food
Four restaurants and room service
Food and booze are easily available for guests at the hotel. There are four restaurants, along with room service. Unfortunately, breakfast isn't included in the standard room rate.Woodlands Dining Room serves a wonderful breakfast buffet that includes made-to-order eggs, and has a la carte menus for lunch and dinner. The dining room is casual, but upscale, and overlooks the golf course.Cool Water Cafe is a seasonal and casual outdoor restaurant next to the pool. Along with grilled items, there's a full menu of cocktails and staff is known to pass out frozen grapes on the hottest days.The Bistro is really a bar and has enormous flat-screen TVs and a pool table for guests who want to watch sports while they have a cocktail or bar food like sliders and chicken wings.Robard's is an upscale steakhouse that's popular for romantic meetings and business dinners. Seafood is also served, and the space is open only for dinner.