Hotel ICON, Houston, Texas

A Captivating Getaway In Downtown Houston
by Carl Burnham

One experiences a special warmth, elegant charm, and sense of place when staying at the Hotel ICON. As we made our way through the entrance, we could sense just how special the hotel is. A massive bank vault sits behind the front desk to remind you of what the building used to be. The renowned BANK Restaurant is housed in subdued lighting amid 30-foot high ceilings supported by Corinthian columns. The city's rich past is being well preserved here in the Historic District on part of the original parcel of land on which the city was founded.

Built in 1911 as the Union National Bank, the 12-story brick-and-limestone faced building was one of the first steel and concrete skyscrapers in the country. The building has been carefully restored, and opened as the Hotel ICON in January 2004.

Houston today boasts a thriving theatre and business district, sports teams (the Astros baseball stadium is close by), and museums, within a few blocks of the hotel. The University of Houston Downtown is a short distance away. The light rail (METROrail) also runs next to the hotel and the hotel provides free car transportation downtown.


The Hotel ICON includes 135 guest rooms ranging in size up to a Penthouse Suite, with the hotel interiors designed by Candra Scott and Anderson of San Francisco.

As we entered our room, one of the nine unique signature suites, we were impressed by the hand-blocked wallpaper designs, original artwork, and the expansive rooms with 14 foot high ceilings. Our large suite included a kitchen area with refrigerator, sink, microwave, and coffee maker with coffee. A large dining room included table and chairs. The living room included decorative sofa, chairs, oriental rug, a desk/workstation, and large 27" flat screen TV(with webTV). Two large closets included plush bath robes and slippers for our stay, and an oversized digital safe for valuables. Sliding privacy doors opened to a reveal a large bedroom with two tall windows with a view of the city skyline, decorated in warm colors, with king-sized bed, an oversized claw foot soaking tub and flat screen TV. The expansive bathroom included a shower with overhead rainfall showerhead and wall mounted shower head, large mirrors, marble vanity, mosaic tile floors, with Moulton Brown of London amenities. There was a another small bathroom near the suite entrance. Some rooms include a large whirlpool bath. Turndown service is provided nightly with twice a day maid service.

From our vantage point we could see excellent views of the historic district and imagine what life was like in the early 1900s. Much has changed since that time when Houston had a population just under 79,000 souls.

The veteran world chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten serves up New American dining wonders in the BANK restaurant. The romantic atmosphere is enhanced with 30-foot high carved recessed ceilings, supported by Doric columns, as the soothing sounds of crooners and soulful melodies play in the background. The walls are decorated with rich colors, original artwork, detailed molding and ironwork. After a short wait, we were rewarded with our breakfast meals of eggs, bacon, pastries, fresh juice, and coffee. There is an extended breakfast and evening menu available, with in-room dining an option.

Private parties can choose the unique Wine Vault, with seating up to 25 persons, with an inlaid-brick barrel-vaulted ceiling and bronze door entrance. The ICON Bar on the mezzanine level is a popular place to socialize and unwind in a secluded and classy atmosphere. The locals swear by the famous drink, the Smoking Cosmo, which includes cranberry juice mixed with Finlandia vodka, triple sec and dry ice.

The Balance Spa in the hotel provides a range of spa services in 4 private rooms, including body wraps, deep tissue massage, facials, manicures, and pedicures. The Health and Fitness Center provides a large selection of Nautilus and Cybex exercise equipment. For meetings or events, the hotel has 5,000 square feet of available space. Internet workstations are available to check email, and free wireless Internet access is available in all rooms.

A special romance package offers up chilled champagne and captivating chocolate-covered strawberries to share in your guestroom along with a Bath Butler service where your own relaxing bath will be prepared.

Ours came complete with chocolates and rose petals in our large claw foot soaking tub for two along with soft music and a romance book. Aromatics and oils can be picked out to fit the mood or occasion, even offering kids (or kids at heart) a bath with their own rubber ducky.


Covered valet parking (at $20) is next to the hotel. There are only a few parking areas available on the street. The hotel is a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, a select group of 110 independent hotels and resorts.

I admire the local preservation efforts that brought about the restoration of the building and the area. The original keystones above the main entrances and windows of Hermes, the Greek god of travel and wealth, harken us to simpler times when we weren't so rushed.

Through attention to personal detail and luxury service, the Hotel ICON lives up to being the finest hotel in downtown. It has also earned the distinction from Conde Naste as being one of the top 100 hotels in the world.

We would like to thank Jodi and the Hotel ICON staff for their hospitality and for assisting with our feature.

Hotel ICON
220 Main Street (at the corner of Congress and Main)
Houston, TX 77002 Google Map