Hotel Otto

The AC will NOT cool the room in the Texas heat with the setting the unit was left on at arrival- and I don't mean the temperature. We had to tinker around with the settings for the fan speed, swing and mode to cool it down- this isn't a complaint, it's just an FYI if you stay here and are frustrated with the temperature in the room. The remote allowed for full adjustment, and after we figured it out it did get comfortable later in the evening.

We were ready to leave early the next morning, but couldn't find anyone to return our key to- and couldn't find any instructions for checking out, anywhere. And no one answered the guest services or front desk numbers provided. The restaurant where you check in was closed, so we waited in our car, all packed up, until someone from the restaurant showed up. I followed her in to the To-Go door and scared the heck out of her (sorry girl)- just to ask where to check out. She tried to find someone to help but ultimately took the key from me, and we left. Kind of chaotic. If you're going to operate somewhere between an Air BnB and traditional hotel- I highly recommend smoothing out the process for guests. Maybe key pads on the rooms instead of physical keys that have to be returned? Regardless, it was a bit frustrating.

On the positive side- the location was nice. The grounds were quaint and cute. The stay was very very quiet. It felt secure and pretty secluded because of the positioning of the property and fence. The gal that checked us in was very pleasant. The complimentary in-room aperol spritz was a nice touch and ice was provided prior to arrival- we couldn't find a bottle opener for the soda to add to the spritz- but we got it figured out.

Unfortunately, it was not worth the 300.00 price tag for this stay. I hope things are improved with greater attention to cleanliness and a simplified check-in/check-out process, because it could be really special... and I'd love to try again later with an improved experience.

We also dined at Gremelle the restaurant on property (also where you check in). Everything was so delicious and fresh! The restaurant had an awesome vibe inside or out! I started with a (complimentary cocktail of your choice when you book at the hotel) Season of the Witch; so refreshing and delicious! My husband chose the ROMA, and it must have been good because he had 3! Everything looked and smelled so good so we went overboard with ordering. We started with the Roasted Garlic and Parmesan Breadsticks, and Caesar Salad. Those breadsticks 🤤🤤 with the tomato sauce, and a pesto dip was mouth watering. So yummy I wanted to eat more than one but knew I would be too full for my entree. The Caesar was homemade which I always appreciate, as well S the croutons. I feel anyplace with bread better have homemade croutons. For my entree I chose the Fettuccini crispy chicken Alfredo. It was really yummy however they did run out of fettuccini but did let me know right after I placed my order and offered another pasta, a little smaller than fettuccini. The chicken was so crispy, juicy and yummy!! My husband ordered the Saturday Special 42oz Bistecca Alla Florentino. Wow! This bad boy was impressive and absolutely beautifully presented. We also ordered a Margherita New York style to go. Y’all…. We ate it nearly 24 hours later from it being in a cooler with ice for a day and it was still yummy! So I can’t event imagine this pizza fresh outta the oven. As we were winding down eating our dinner the chef game by our table and thanked us for how patient we were, it took longer than they would’ve liked, and we were the last ticket of the night and had the longest wait. I thought that was really admirable for a chef to do. The food reflects that she cares what she does. Eating is just eating it should be an experience and it was! After eating all that rich food and realizing me in my 30’s forgot my Tums I asked if they had ice cream. Well…. They didn’t have ice cream but they did have made in house gelato. We grabbed two to go! We got back to our room and packed away all our leftovers, then headed to the deck with gelato in hand. Eating gelato by the fire is really something magical.

I cannot even express when we checked in and the dinner reservation coordination. We had done a market all day and live in the Houston area, left Houston around 3:30 and arrived to Hotel Otto a little past 7. Our reservation was for 8 and we knew by the time we checked in, got to our room it was time for dinner and we were both dying for a shower. We got to the room made a complementary Aperol Spritz and the girl helping us called. She said take your time get cleaned up I pushed your reservation back to 8:45. If you are ready before then come have a drink at the bar. I really appreciated that. I was DYING for a shower and thought we were only going to have time for rag baths. It was nice to get cleaned up before going to dinner. I forgot the girls name that checked us in and took care of us but she was absolutely phenomenal!

The only critiques I have are: parking is a little difficult during dinner rush. Room: Wish there was a fan to circulate airflow, full length mirror, additional trash can, and the firewood to be chopped in half from how it is to fit in the smokeless pit better.