Hotel Ylem

Not sure why this hotel has such a high rating. The room I had smelt musty and the fitness center is shut.

Very unique hotel. Construction left very little parking. Hotel is small, but nice. You have to get towels at front desk as well as hair dryer. The ironing board was bent, but usable. Free popcorn was nice.

Rooms were not ready to check in- seems like they need more willing to work staff. There was a line to check in. It was a concert weekend. They should’ve been prepared for a lot of people to check in at 3pm- considering the area they are in. That was really annoying because we had less time to get ready for the concert we were there to attend. They also need to expand parking or not book that many people- it was chaos.

Hotel should have been closed. Elevator was not working. Room did not have a fire alarm. There was exposed wiring where the alarm should have been. Carpet in hall was not fully installed with bare floors at the doorways. As others have said in reviews here, the beds were filthy! The towels were just paper thin, stained, and rough. There was no toilet paper holder in the bathroom. Expedia should be ashamed of hosting this hotel on their site, much less allowing a 3 star rating. I do t know how others could have ever given this hotel a good review, they had to have been blind or have never stayed in a clean hotel before.

Booked this hotel because I was staying with a family member in MD Anderson hospital and needed a hotel with laundry facilities. Got there and was told laundry was out of order so I only stayed one night instead of 2 because I needed to find a different hotel with available services. When I checked in after I was told they were broken and changed reservation front desk said hotels.com needed to refund 2nd night and hotels.com said hotel needed to,needless to say neither did anything and I got no refund. There’s only 1 reason to stay in that area of town and it’s the hospital, if your equipment is broken make sure to update your website.

Plenty of parking available even if arriving late at night. The check-in process was smooth. We were told from the start that the hotel is undergoing renovations so some things might be lacking, but the front desk would be available for any clarifications or requests. We ended up needing to ask for an iron and board, as well as a hairdryer and hangers, which were promptly provided. The place was clean and the room was very comfortable. Breakfast was quite nice - plenty of options to choose from, and they change the way they cook the eggs from time to time, which was refreshing. Would stay again!

Very nice place around lots of places to eat .. even the complementary breakfast is amazing.. And they offer free shuttle to the nrg for games , maybe the only place I’ll stay when in Houston now!

Bar was shut down and there was no hot water!

The hotel is quite lovely and the staff welcoming. It's at a great location and decorated in very creative ways. Free parking and a decent breakfast. It was undergoing renovations so some things were a bit unfinished or not functioning correctly e.g. the curtains in the room were not hung properly leaving gaps and there were no lamps in the room. Anything we pointed out was promptly attended to and we got apologies for things being less than perfect. We're definitely coming back here.

I love the uniqueness and vibe of this hotel. The staff were awesome and the ease of using their complimentary Uber service to MD Anderson was a blessing. Their fitness room was not complete yet, which was a disappointment, since the weather at the time was not wonderful for going to the parks. Overall, we will definitely use their services again.

The room was really clean a neat. Staff was really welcoming.

This was an excellent hotel, Except for the fact that we got bedbug bites. This can happen anywhere. But I called several days after our stay and never heard back from the manager, as I was promised.

I will preface by saying, the receptionists at the front desk were wonderful and accommodating. However, I could not complete my stay at this hotel. We left around 10:00pm to find a different hotel to stay at. The furniture in the room, couches, and bed frames as well as the carpet were covered in stains. A very large black cockroach crawled out from under the bed. I asked for our room to be switched and they did so, but as soon as we walked into the new room, the fire alarm was beeping for batteries to be changed. They offered to change them quickly, but at that point, I just wanted to get out of there. Unfortunately, I would not recommend this property.

The hotel was great. Clean rooms, friendly staff, great location, good breakfast options.

It was ok. I stayed for 2 nights and didn’t realize the bedcover had blood on it until late the second night. I was too tired to call anyone. Then I saw a bandaid in the shower drain. I mentioned this to the front counter as I was leaving. The breakfast was the same as all the other hotels. I thought being a boutique hotel it might be a little different and fresher by the reviews. Then the bar was closed on Monday night… that’s kinda why I picked the hotel.

DO NOT BOOK OR STAY HERE!!! WiFi was down. Bar was closed (per staff, had been closed for a while now). The rooms were damp and smelled musty. Probably full of mold. Which I am highly allergic to. Requested to move to another room and was told the hotel was fully booked and there were no other rooms available. My friends’ room was so bad they left and stayed at another hotel down road. The chairs in the lounge area were covered in stains. I was completely disgusted with the whole experience. Needless to say, I will NOT be staying at the hotel again. I encourage others to stay away and drive a little further down the street (like 2 blocks) and stay elsewhere.

Disappointed. Expedia rated this place EXCELLENT, but it was not. Lobby is beautiful but the room we stayed in smelled like mildew. Our room was dingy, furniture is up-cycled according to their website but was stained and dingy. Beds were comfy except after pulling sheets back I discovered stains on our sheets. Our headboard was not secured to the wall and was upside down and fell on us. Dirty spots on the wall paper in the bathroom, water on the floor and on laboratory. The staff who worked during our stay were very kind. I did report the head board and they offered to change out room but by then our children were asleep and we just figured it out for the night.

The room was not cleaned in many areas. There was some type of residue on the bathroom counter and the shower was disgusting. Ther was red stains that looks like blood, dirt and hair in the crevices. When i approached the front desk about another room or to have housekeeping come back and clean, i was told there were no other rooms nor was housekeeping available. The front desk clerk offered to come to the room and clean but it was just another surface wipe thag didnt change much. The room had badic amentities but was muggy. Unfortunately I give 1/5 stars. I will never stay here again

The staff was very friendly. They have a complementary uber if going to the medical centers. I loved the uniqueness of the hotel. The third floor hall was mesmerizing with the tall ceiling. The room was nice sized had a coffee maker, bath amenities, but only towel set for one person. The bed was clean and comfortable, but the bed frame and chair needed to be deep cleaned or replaced. What bothered me the most was that there were blood drops on the floor next to the shower and on the tub. Can’t tell if the ones in the tube was rubbed off or rinsed off broom the shower curtain dripping. Our room didn’t have a bad odor like some reviews said.

We stayed at this hotel in the summer of 2023 and had a good experience. This time around, it was a very frustrating and upsetting one instead. The room was organized but upon further inspection, there was a lot of dirt and grime in places around the room. The doors of the room always swung open when we would mostly close them. We encountered our first roach during a shower Friday night and weren't very pleased with that finding. When we came back to our room Saturday night, from a long day of work at the convention we were working in, there was a bunch of white stuff on the floor under and near the a/c unit. Upon further inspection, it was small pieces of styrofoam. We informed the front desk about it and was told that "we have a vacuum you can use", having us clean up the mess that we did not make from their renovations from the outside coming inside. This morning, Sunday, as we were packing up to leave, we encountered not one but two more roaches in the bathroom. When we mentioned this problem, we were given a very silly answer in response. We got out as quick as possible and did not bother with the lackluster continental breakfast. The past two breakfasts were severely underwhelming and rather disgusting. The beds were the only good experience we had during our stay. We will not be staying at here for future downtown conventions.

Stayed for two nights at this place. The rooms are uncomfortable and strange. There was a big open space in the room that should have been used for a table and two chairs. We had to eat on our bed. Remote control wasn't working & we had to wait to get that fixed. The ice machine was literally right outside our door and it was so loud at all hours of the day and night. We stayed for two nights and had to ask for new towels. I asked whoever was at the front desk for more towels and more hangers and she acted like it was a huge inconvenience. Never received either. Also, don't expect much for the breakfast. Walk next door to the Kroger and get something over there. I wouldn't stay here again.

clean room, fast internet, many shops and restaurants within walking distance

Apparently, this property is in the middle of an acquisition by one of the larger hotel chains, and the needs in the building are being ignored. My room was a good example of how bad it is. There was no chair anywhere in the room. There was no desk. I had to ask for some basic things, like a wash cloth and a hand towel. There were other things missing, but I will not go on. I will not be staying there again - unless it gets a good renovation. One very positive thing is that all the staff were great.

Very nice hotel for the price, free coffee in the lobby all day long which I enjoyed. The staff is very accommodating and the rooms are decent. The only thing is the pillows in the bedrooms are very small they don't have any larger ones I asked at the front desk .

My only complaint is that the floors squeak so you hear everything from the people above you. Every time they walk around squeak, squeak, squeak, squeak, squeak. And it is super loud, but it’s not really anything anybody can do anything about.

Located in easy access to NRG park, it is a great location and something of a stealth hotel — cooler on the inside than the exterior might indicate. However, there were a couple of weird things with this stay: 1) No bedside table lamps in my room, so only light was from the main overhead lights. 2) No seating in the hotel room aside from the bed — no desk chair or side chair. That said, the hotel was in better condition than my previous time there (a couple of years ago) and they seem to be making some improvements. The coolest amenity on site is the bar, which is a funky and comfortable lounge. Bed and pillows were comfortable. Towels could be improved.

My main complaint is no desk or chair of any kind. Also the lamp was leaning against the wall because the base is broken. Also the headboard was on the bed. Lastly, you couldn’t look out the window because the condensation from the AC was dried up. A few other things were out of place but not a big deal.

Great stay, spacious rooms

The room and bathroom were very big and roomy. There was a large couch in addition to our beds. The employees came quickly to help us fix the television. Breakfast was decent though there could’ve been more variety. They provided cereal, a small selection of bread and bagel, omelette, sausage patties, yogurt, juice and coffee.

The hotel is quite lovely and the staff welcoming. It's at a great location and decorated in very creative ways. Free parking and a decent breakfast. It was undergoing renovations so some things were a bit unfinished or not functioning correctly e.g. the curtains in the room were not hung properly leaving gaps and there were no lamps in the room. Anything we pointed out was promptly attended to and we got apologies for things being less than perfect. We're definitely coming back here.

I reserved 3 rooms. I assigned different names for each room. One of the guests could not make it until much later. They would not release the room without him being present and showing ID. Absurd! Manager wouldn't budge. There were 2 guests in that room, so the guest present didn't have his room! I have never had such ridiculous, non-sensical experience. I couldn't get the room I reserved and I paid for!!! Also, dirty (under renovation and it shows), broken headboard, power plugs not working, and one of the worse breakfasts I have had (how much can one dilute juices and still label them juices? Really?)

Great hotel, incredible folks working there, all around A+ experience

Was super excited to see a concert that’s been planned with a hotel booked for MONTHS. Showed up the day of the concert to check in just to get told they were booked up and were going to send me to a sister location 7 minutes away. What’s the point of reserve now pay later??!!

⭐⭐⭐☆☆ 3-Star Review This was my second time staying at Hotel Ylem, and unfortunately, this time didn’t go as smoothly. I arrived around 9:00 PM after booking and paying in full through Expedia. The front desk woman seemed like she was having a rough day and told me I was wrong about the payment being processed, even though my card was already charged and cleared. I calmly offered to use a different card, but then she asked if I was related to someone named Regina (who apparently had my same last name). Turns out they had likely given my room to someone else. I had to wait 15–20 minutes while she tried to figure it out. Eventually, she asked for a card for a deposit — which I was fine with — but it seems she charged $50 on June 1st and then again later, which is still pending as of June 3rd. I plan to call the hotel if both charges go through. The room itself was fine, but check-in was frustrating and poorly handled. Not what I expected from a repeat visit.

They overbooked, and we were not notified until we drove 23 hrs and arrived to check in. They claimed they called 15 minutes before the scheduled check in time, but we did not receive any call, and even if they had, 15 minutes is not adequate notice when it was booked for weeks before.

Kimberly and staff was awesome

The decor is great. Comfortable and quiet.

The aesthetic of the hotel is vintage which is what caught my eye. I did an early check in. The room I had got there were dirt and stains on the pillows and sheets. The room didn’t have any towels. And it had an old dirt smell. I went to front desk requesting new sheets and pillow cases and towels, the front desk representative was very disrespectful saying that if I wanted clean sheets and towels I needed to call before 11am which I had just checked in. The nice lady that originally checked me in was leaving so I guess there was a shift change. So I go back to my room , I look at the window and there is a car parked right at my window. So I instantly started feeling more uncomfortable. I go to the front desk and ask to just get a new room because someone’s car is right in front of my window , she said “oh that’s just our bartenders car I will ask him to move it” at this point I have somewhere to be and can’t get ready because it took a while for them to move the car so I went back and asked for a refund, she then tried to offer me another room and I had already booked another room because it was too much happening and I was extremely uncomfortable and was receiving horrible service because she kept being smart like she didn’t want to help me

Everyone very nice , uber service great thanks for taking care of us.

I've stayed here several times and always enjoy the atmosphere and the breakfast buffet. There are a number of wonderful sights and restaurants nearby and they are especially accomodating to patients and visitors of the Houston Medical Center. I give the Hotel Ylem a big thumbs up.

EXTREMELY LIMITED PARKING. The hotel itself was amazing. The area around was unsafe.

Very convenient to the medical center and they provide Uber transport to and from! Love the retro decor and the friendly staff.

This hotel has a funky, original vibe without an "original" price. It's extremely affordable, with three big "FREEs"--free breakfast, free parking, and free WiFi. It has extremely clean and spacious rooms with sleek total bathroom remodels. The front desk staff are much friendlier than you usually find at this price point. The only heads-up regards the walkability and location touted by third-party booking sites. This isn't a neighborhood for strolling or sightseeing. While NRG Stadium, decent dining, and other destinations are relatively close, you would do as any native Houstonian would do: you drive.

It was a perfect spot to be close the the stadium

2nd time staying with Hotel Ylem and both for NRG events. Hotel Ylem has become our go-to hotel when in Houston for its convenience, cleanliness, and hospitality. The shuttle to and from NRG is a plus! I always book with Hotel Ylem ASAP because they do sell out for big events.

Love this place. Clean , nice staff , with an uber to the med center. Free parking. Close to everything. Will stay here again!

Checkin and checkout were seemless. The location was good, and next to alot of stores. A/C was rather noisy but I wpuld still come back for a stay.

Great hotel walking distance to NRG stadium. Friendly staff. Would stay again

Great location. We had a concert at the NRG Stadium and it was only two blocks down from the stadium.

Quaint boutique hotel in the medical district. Interior is funky and unique and the exterior of the building has gorgeous murals painted on it. Staff was friendly and accommodating. This hotel also offers free Ubers to medical appointments for elderly guests in need of travel accommodations. Though I was staying at the site while in town for a concert, it was clear this guest is a very solid and hospitable choice for those in town visiting the medical centers.

Room was very clean. The TV wouldn't work in the first room so the moved us but it ended up being a smaller room. So the moved again a the size of room we originally had. They were very attentive and willing to make things right. My only complaint is the breakfast. The hot food was cold and the selection was lacking we ended up going to Chickfila every morning.

Wonderful little gem. Friendly and courteous staff. Hot breakfast fast. Highly recommended.

This has probably been the worse Hotel Breakfast i had. It was so limited compared to others and it was the same thing everyday.

The property is great! The breakfast needs some work though. Please serve everything until breakfast is over. People were in there searching and looking for items.

Not noisy unless you’re by louder people or they’re in the halls. Breakfast was awful. Desk girls working were nice, the breakfast attendants however stared us down heavily while trying to make our plates. I asked if I could help, she says no and proceeds to stare.

Very relaxed setting, we loved the great bar tender!

The front desk both at evening check-in and morning check-out was exceptional. Loved them! The overall hotel is in bad shape, old and dated!! My room did not have a lamp or a clock. Lamps are needed at night, especially with children!!! Clocks come in handy when you want to know what time it is and not need your personal phone to do so!!! Coffee pot in my room did not work so went downstairs and it was Ice cold, unplugged!! Was told I could have a new pot the next day, but I was only there for the one night so that did not help. Coffee would’ve been nice after a 4 hour drive! Remote was missing piece that covered batteries so they kept falling out! Room was clean as far as floors, counters and sheets but the fabric around bed bottom, disgusting with stains. Can only imagine what was there that you couldn’t see!!! That area of a hotel bed really shouldn’t be fabric!!!! Furniture old and in bad shape!! Everyone raved on the breakfast in reviews but that could only be done in false pretense because it was just sad!!! Coffee issues again… it had ran out and was having to be made so good thing I wasn’t in a hurry. No fresh fruit, usually there’s bananas, apples or oranges…nope!!! No yogurt!! Gravy was out, one biscuit left, 2-3 sausage patties. So needless to say, I’m glad I had my own food which by the way got frozen in the “super” tiny fridge in the room. So frozen yogurt for breakfast and the salad I had for lunch that day had to be trashed! Not worth $$$ or hassle!!!

Clean, Modern, Nice Staff My only complaint is the BREAKFAST and COFFEE... NOT GOOD ...need better choices.

Bar was shut down and there was no hot water!

Great location for the NRG stadium, and the staff were friendly. Our bed was the comfiest that we’ve used in recent years. The breakfast options could be stopped up a bit more but the fact it’s free is good.