Shamrock Hotel (Houston, Dallas, Taylor: house, luxury, high school)

[casimpso]

I've always been intrigued by the Shamrock Hotel which opened in Houston in 1949. Anyone out there have any interesting stories to tell?

Shamrock Hotel - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
SHAMROCK HOTEL | The Handbook of Texas Online| Texas State Historical Association (TSHA)

[DJboutit]

Shamrock Hotel - HAIF - Houston's Leading News Forum

[TFW46]

When I was a teenager in the late 1950's-early 1960's, the Shamrock Hilton was the place to have prom dances, graduation parties and any other very-special events. I have many wonderful memories of attending dances there and, even at such a young age, I was always impressed by the showy decor. I dont think it could have been called "elegant" but it was certainly impressive, especially for that time.

It was also the hotel for any visiting dignitaries, movie stars and other celebrities. I recall standing outside the hotel doors on weekends, autograph book in hand, waiting for Rock Hudson, Elizabeth Taylor and other stars to enter/exit. I cant even remember whether I ever got any autographs but I do remember just enjoying being there. I actually felt as though a part of my youth died when they tore it down.

[crone]

In my teenaged mind, the swimming pool was huge, and available. Like Texasfirewheel said, lots of dances, concerts,etc. High school kids had many more formal dances in those days. A group of 5 or 8 kids would get together and get the club, hire a band and throw a party. Plus the ones from school clubs.
They also had big fireworks displays on the lawn in front.

[debzkidz]

I remember in the early 60's, when I was just a little kid, my grandparents traveling from Dallas to Houston to spend a few days there to celebrate their anniversary. My grandmother was so excited to get to stay there.

[TFW46]

Oh yes...the swimming pool! I'd forgotten about it. As crone said, it was huge and so awesome! And there were always waiters bringing drinks and goodies to poolside. Such luxury!

There were often photos in the Houston Chronicle and the Houston Post of visiting celebrities sunning themselves by that pool.

[trbstang]

The florist I worked for back then did the decorations for the final party in the ballroom. We spent hours in the ballroom blowing up balloons and creating centerpieces for the party. I remember it well because I had just bought a new 86 Mazda pickup and used it to carry some of the helium tanks to the hotel, and one of them dented the inside of my truck's bed! #$%^ My bedliner was on order and had not come in yet. But luckily I was able to spot paint it and the liner covered it up.

It was a neat hotel in its day, but was in need of refurbishing.

[BoydS]

Back in early 80's they used to hold scuba diving conventions there annually over certain weekends. Several of us divers would book rooms just to stay and enjoy the exhibits, seminars and activities. We would check out all the new equipment lines in the pool and had a great time. Still have a few ashtrays and other trinkets from the hotel that somehow found there way into our bags. It was a great historical hotel, but when we used to stay there the rooms were out dated and rather small.

I also remember attending several car shows that were out front of the hotel. There was a car club that showed off their T-Birds many times.

Also used to be a great steak house across the street from the hotel. But after so many years, I just can't remember the name.

[Mouldy Old Schmo]

I read about the Shamrock Hotel yesterday on Wikipedia. According to the article, the hotel was built too far from downtown Houston and ended up too far from the Interstates when they were opened. I wonder if it ever made a penny in profit.

[texas7]

I remember my mom telling me that it was where the celebrities and dignitaries stayed but they also stayed at The Rice Hotel downtown. The Rice may have had them on elegance as it was smaller. JFK stayed at the Rice.