Terms and Conditions

By completing a reservation, the booking guest agrees to the following terms.

1. Rates & Taxes. Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and are subject to change until a reservation is confirmed. Taxes (currently 17%), fees, and incidental charges are additional unless stated otherwise. Promotional rates cannot be combined and may have blackout dates.

2. Reservations & Payment. All reservations must be guaranteed with a valid credit card at booking. The cancellation policy of the rate selected at booking governs the reservation, and promotions apply only to new reservations. The booking guest authorizes The Marlene to charge the card on file for the reservation and for any other amounts owed under these terms, including room charges, fees, damage, and cleaning, whether incurred during the stay or identified after check-out.

3. Non-Refundable Rates. Non-refundable reservations are final once confirmed. They cannot be canceled, changed, transferred, or refunded for any reason, including illness, emergencies, weather or hurricanes, travel disruptions, or early departure.

4. Flexible Rates. Flexible reservations may be canceled for a full refund at least 48 hours before arrival. Cancellations within 48 hours, and no-shows, are non-refundable. Changes are subject to availability and may change the rate.

5. Rooms Buyouts. A 50% deposit is charged at booking and the balance 30 days before arrival; bookings made within 30 days of arrival are charged in full. Cancellations more than 30 days before arrival forfeit the deposit, and cancellations within 30 days, and no-shows, forfeit the full amount. Buyouts are subject to the Rooms Buyout House Guidelines provided at booking. The booking guest is responsible for their party's compliance, and violations may result in fees or removal without refund.

6. Check-In & Check-Out. Check-in is 3 PM to 8 PM; please let us know in advance if you will arrive outside that window. Check-out is 11 AM. The guest checking in must be at least 21 years old and present a valid government-issued photo ID. Early departures are not refunded unless agreed in writing, and lost or unreturned keys are charged $100.

7. Occupancy, Visitors & Gatherings. Overnight occupancy limits are strictly enforced, and all overnight guests must be registered. Visitors must register with the front desk on arrival. Gatherings in a guest room (including any attached porch) beyond its stated occupancy require advance approval through events@themarlene.com and carry a standard fee of $75 per visitor, plus applicable taxes; larger gatherings may be quoted at a higher rate. This fee does not permit additional overnight guests. Unapproved gatherings may be ended and charged $75 per visitor plus a $500 fee.

8. Guest Conduct. Quiet hours are 10 PM to 7 AM. Smoking, excessive noise, unapproved pets or visitors, unapproved gatherings, exceeding occupancy, or other violations of these terms or House Rules may result in removal without refund and additional charges.

9. Room Charges. Guests may charge food and beverage to their room. A 20% gratuity, paid in full to service staff, is added to all room-charged food and beverage. The booking guest authorizes Marlene Hospitality LLC to charge these items to the card on file and is responsible for all charges posted to the room by their party.

10. Pets. Dogs only, up to two per room and 50 lbs each, in Carriage House and Cottage rooms. Pets are not allowed in the Main House or common areas, including Bar Madonna. A $150 non-refundable cleaning fee per stay (plus tax) applies. Dogs must be leashed outside the room and crated if left alone, and guests are responsible for cleanup, noise, and any damage. ADA service animals are welcome and exempt from fees.

11. Smoke-Free Property. The Marlene is 100% smoke-free, indoors and out, including cigarettes, cigars, and vaping. Violations incur a $500 cleaning fee and may result in removal without refund.

12. Damage & Responsibility. The booking guest is responsible for the conduct of everyone in their party and their visitors, and for any damage, missing hotel items, or extraordinary cleaning they cause, at the repair or replacement cost determined by The Marlene. The Marlene is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal items.

13. Parking. Parking on the property is at the guest's own risk. The Marlene is not responsible for vehicles or their contents.

14. Historic Property & Amenities. The Marlene is a historic 1910 property with uneven floors and thresholds, steep staircases, and irregular outdoor paths; please use caution, especially after dark. The second-floor porch is for registered guests only; do not lean over or sit on the railings. Children under 18 must be supervised by an adult at all times. Bar Madonna is open to the public, and the property hosts private events that may bring added activity and noise during permitted hours.

15. Accessibility. The Marlene offers an accessible guest room in the Carriage House, a ramp to the Main House, and an accessible common-area restroom. Guests with accessibility needs are encouraged to contact us before arrival.

16. Photography & Recording. Common areas may be photographed or recorded for marketing and security purposes. Guests who prefer not to appear in marketing photos may let us know.

17. Cancellation by The Marlene. The Marlene may cancel a reservation for non-payment, guest misconduct, overbooking, emergencies or required repairs, or a private event or buyout of the property. Guests will be notified promptly, and prepaid amounts will be refunded unless the cancellation is due to misconduct or a policy violation.

18. Force Majeure. If events beyond our control, such as hurricanes, flooding, or government orders, leave the property unsafe or unable to operate, The Marlene may cancel affected reservations and issue a credit toward a future stay, valid for 12 months, instead of a refund. If the property can safely operate, standard cancellation policies apply regardless of weather or travel disruptions, and non-refundable rates remain non-refundable.

19. Governing Law. These terms are governed by Texas law, with exclusive venue in the state or federal courts of Harris County, Texas. If any term is found unenforceable, the rest remain in effect.