Hotel ICON, Houston, Texas

Historic Getaway In Downtown Houston
by Carl Burnham

In our journeys I am always enamored with historic properties. They seem to breath a life of their own, to transport you to another time of elegance and grace that is missing from society today. On our return visit to the Hotel ICON in the heart of the historic downtown where Houston began, I was glad to see that the hotel retains it's special charm that draws guests like a magnet.

The lobby has 30 massive Corinthian columns, with detailed carvings on the 30-foot ceilings, along with surrounding ironwork. After being greeted warmly by staff, you may be surprised to see a steel bank vault behind the front desk. The building was built in 1912 as the Union National Bank for the princely sum of $1 million (think of that in today's money) in the neo-classic style of architecture. It was among the first steel and concrete skyscrapers to appear in the U.S. The 12-story Hotel ICON includes 135 guest rooms ranging in size up to a Penthouse Suite.

Our suite on the 11th floor gave great views of historic downtown and Reliant Center sports complex in the distance.

Our junior suite was attractively designed and appointed with a King bed, sitting area, desk, large flat screen TV, radio/alarm clock, refrigerator, and coffee maker with coffee. A large closet includes plush bath robes and slippers for our stay, and an oversized digital safe for valuables. Being a corner suite, we had lots of windows to view Houston downtown, with heavy draperies to keep out early morning light.

Our hot tub came complete with a cowboy rubber duck. The bathroom also has a large rain shower and Gilchrist & Soames shampoo and lotions.

The Hotel ICON has nine unique signature suites. These larger suites include a kitchen area, with large dining room, living room, bathroom, bedroom, underneath 14-foot high ceilings with original artwork. Relax in a Jacuzzi or an antique claw-foot bathtub. Turndown service is provided nightly with twice a day maid service. View a video snippet.

We tried out the new restaurant in the Hotel ICON lobby, a hit with the locals. Read about our review of the LINE & LARIAT restaurant and one-of-a-kind dessert on the menu.

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. Internet workstations are available to check email, and free wireless Internet access is available in all rooms.

The Hotel ICON is now a part of the Marriott Autograph Collection of hotels, and has been rated by Conde Naste as being one of the top 100 hotels in the world.

Covered valet (at $20) is next to the hotel for secured parking. Note in this area the large engraved photographs near the entrance in the valet area that show how the area looked nearly 100 years ago. There are only a few parking areas available on the street.

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. When looking for a captivating getaway to remember when visiting Houston, consider the Hotel ICON.

We would like to thank the Hotel ICON staff for their hospitality and for providing a room for our feature.

Hotel ICON
220 Main Street (at the corner of Congress and Main)
Houston, TX 77002 Map
1-866-940-1794