Hotel ZaZa Memorial City
One Michelin Key
Hotel Details
Location
Hotel ZaZa Memorial City · Houston, United States
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Expert Review: Hotel ZaZa Memorial City
Hotel ZaZa Memorial City: A Comprehensive Review of Houston's Michelin One-Key Property
Hotel ZaZa Memorial City in Houston, a recipient of the prestigious Michelin One-Key award for a "very special stay," offers guests a blend of luxury-hotel plushness and distinct boutique-hotel personality. While lauded for its stunning aesthetics and prime location, some guests have noted inconsistencies in service and high parking costs.
1. Overall Rating & Sentiment
The general consensus for Hotel ZaZa Memorial City is highly positive, with an overall rating of 9.1 based on exceptional customer ratings. Guests frequently describe their stays as memorable, highlighting the hotel's beautiful design, cleanliness, and friendly staff. The Michelin One-Key designation further affirms its standing as a property offering a "very special stay."
2. Key Highlights
Guests consistently praise several aspects of Hotel ZaZa Memorial City:
- Design & Aesthetics: The hotel is celebrated for its chic and stylish decor, attention to detail, and captivating ambiance. It offers a clean-lined, bright aesthetic, inspired by mid-century modernism. Unique artwork and fixtures are present throughout, including David Hockney prints in the corridors.
- Location: Its strategic location provides easy access to popular attractions, shopping centers, and dining options. Memorial City Mall is just a 4-minute walk away, and CityCentre is a short drive. The hotel also offers a shuttle service for nearby trips.
- Amenities: Guests appreciate the outdoor pool, fitness center, full-service ZaSpa, and the on-site Tipping Point Restaurant & Terrace. Complimentary Wi-Fi is also available. Thoughtful details like personal sunscreen for pool guests are a nice touch.
3. Room Quality
The rooms at Hotel ZaZa Memorial City are described as charming, beautiful, spacious, and very clean. They are thoughtfully designed with modern furnishings, plush bedding, and state-of-the-art amenities. Guests have noted the comfort of the beds and pillows. The hotel features unique "Magnificent Seven" and "Concept Suites," each with a distinct and memorable visual identity. For example, the "Breathless" suite at the Memorial location boasts carpet resembling deer hide, crocodile-like chairs, quirky lighting, and a mural above the bed, offering panoramic views from its balcony. Standard rooms, such as the Balcony King, are approximately 400 sq ft. C.O. Bigelow amenities are provided in the bathrooms.
4. Dining Experience
The hotel's Tipping Point Restaurant & Terrace is considered one of the best restaurants in Memorial City, offering an exceptional al fresco dining and lounge experience overlooking the Beach Club. Guests have enjoyed meals there, with some specifically mentioning good lunch options and delicious food. While breakfast is available, some guests have expressed mixed feelings about specific breakfast items, such as avocado toast. A coffee bar concept is also appreciated by guests for early morning convenience. Full breakfast is available for a surcharge, approximately $25 per person.
5. Service & Staff
The staff at Hotel ZaZa Memorial City consistently receives high praise for being friendly, helpful, and attentive. Many guests have commended individual staff members for their solution-oriented approach and excellent service, from front desk personnel to restaurant hostesses and chefs. The staff's commitment to ensuring a memorable and comfortable stay is frequently highlighted.
6. Location & Accessibility
Located in Houston's affluent Memorial neighborhood, the hotel offers a convenient base. It's within walking distance or a short drive to major shopping and entertainment hubs like Memorial City Mall (7-minute walk, 3-minute drive) and CityCentre (40-minute walk, 7-minute drive). Other nearby attractions include Memorial Park, Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, and Town & Country Village. The hotel provides valet parking services (for a fee) and a shuttle service for close trips, enhancing accessibility. However, it is noted that the highway can be present and loud.
7. Value & Pricing
Hotel ZaZa Memorial City is considered an upscale hotel offering "exceptional value for money" despite its luxurious amenities and top-notch service. With an average price of around $311 per room, it provides a unique and unforgettable experience. Compared to the average hotel room price in Houston, which is around $132, Hotel ZaZa aims to provide a touch of opulence without excessive cost.
8. Common Complaints
While the reviews are largely positive, some recurring issues have been noted:
- Service Inconsistencies: Some guests have expressed dissatisfaction with overall service, particularly concerning housekeeping.
- Valet Parking Fees: High valet parking fees are a common criticism. Valet parking is the only option and costs around $46 per night.
- Noise: One guest mentioned that the highway is very present and loud, which could be an issue for light sleepers.
- Poolside Restrictions: Visitors are not allowed poolside even with a hotel guest present.
Sources
Points to Consider
- •While the reviews are largely positive, some recurring issues have been noted:
- •Service Inconsistencies: Some guests have expressed dissatisfaction with overall service, particularly concerning housekeeping.
- •Valet Parking Fees: High valet parking fees are a common criticism. Valet parking is the only option and costs around $46 per night.
- •Noise: One guest mentioned that the highway is very present and loud, which could be an issue for light sleepers.
Google Reviews
1,225 reviews
Recent Guest Reviews
Amber Gray
First stay and I was definitely a fan. We stayed at the JW Marriott in Houston and I'd choose this one over that one. The charges for every little thing were annoying (high required valet cost, amenity fee, credit card fee, excessive room service fees and costs, $2 for a whiskey ice cube) but all nicer hotels are like that so it's not like they're doing something out of the norm. But great atmosph...
Response from the owner
Dear Amber, <br>Thank you for giving us a try for your first stay and for such thoughtful feedback. It means a lot that you’d choose us, and we’re glad the atmosphere and our elevated rooms left such ...
Chris L
I stay here frequently for staycations go swimming enjoy the bar and restaurant etc and it never disappoints. They upgraded my room to a stunning suite this time and it was superb. Thank you zaza! Everyone from the valet to the bartenders are just excellent. EDIT: I am updating/editing this review which was previously 5 stars. Drove in from Austin Monday to celebrate anniversary, this was clearly...
Response from the owner
Dear Chris,<br>Thank you for taking the time to share your review and for your loyalty as a frequent guest. We're thrilled to hear you enjoy our property, amenities, and the service from our team, and...
Clint _lonestar
Date of stay 23-24 / OCT 2025 We have stayed at Hotel ZaZa on numerous occasions over the years, during extended power outages, periods of home renovation, and the property has consistently been accommodating to our family and our pets. We have always appreciated that level of hospitality. Unfortunately, the most recent experience at the Memorial location was disappointing. My wife attempted to c...
Response from the owner
Dear Clint,<br>Thank you for sharing your detailed feedback and for being a loyal guest over the years. We truly value your continued trust and are disappointed to learn that your recent visit did not...
Tyler Tamplen
We recently hosted an event at Hotel ZaZa, and it was truly fantastic from start to finish. The team went above and beyond to deliver a flawless experience for us and our clients. The catering was exceptional — delicious food, beautifully presented, and perfectly timed. Every detail was handled with professionalism and care, making it a true 5-star experience. I highly recommend Hotel ZaZa for you...
Response from the owner
Dear Tyler,<br>Thank you for your wonderful review of our hotel. We are pleased we could leave a lasting positive experience during your event. Especially from our amazing team, who were professional ...
Lynette Bratton
Excellent food and great service. Rooms top notch, well decorated, and clean. Valet parking is the only option and can be pricey. I-10 traffic and be hectic.
Response from the owner
Dear Lynette,<br>We're delighted your visit with us earned perfect marks, and we thank you for writing about your time here at Hotel ZaZa Memorial City. It's wonderful to hear our delicious food and c...
Daniel
I'm unsure what the hype is about. All hotel reviews are relative to what is available nearby, but as a European, I can't understand the appeal. If you want a hotel that overlooks a multistory carpark and noise from a motorway throughout the night, then this is for you. Just stay in a cheaper hotel near your office in the Energy Corridor with free parking and a buffet breakfast. Rooms are spaci...
Response from the owner
Dear Daniel,<br>Thank you for your feedback. We appreciate your perspective and understand that our hotel may not meet everyone's expectations, especially when compared to experiences abroad. We are g...
About One Michelin Key
One Michelin Key is awarded to hotels that offer a very special stay. These properties are characterized by their unique personality, high quality, and ability to create memorable experiences for guests.
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