My husband and I love to explore the history of a place. Whenever we go on vacation or a weekend get-away we often find ourselves drawn to what is old and new to love about it. One of the great things about living in the Houston area is that there is so much rich and varied history available and sometimes you find it in the most unlikely of locations. The Hotel Icon, in downtown Houston is one of those places.
The past and present of Hotel Icon . . .
Pictures by Debora Smail – used by permission
The Hotel Icon was formerly the Union National Bank Building and was built in 1911. Directly behind the desk at its centerpiece is the old bank safe vault, enormous and imposing and reminiscent of the bank robberies of the Wild West movies. It is a 12 story building, and one of the country’s earliest steel and concrete skyscrapers with a brick and limestone front.
c 2012 Money Saving Parent
The Hotel Icon recently got a new owner and a new look. Mr. Money Saving Parent and I had the opportunity to have a little time away from the children and enjoy all the luxury and elegance the new and improved hotel has to offer including these beautiful rooms!
Pictures by Debora Smail – used by permission
After a valet parking and a well orchestrated check-in we headed downstairs to the Line and Lariat, the new dining and bar area within the hotel.
Pictures courtesy of Debora Smail and used by permission
There we enjoyed an amazing time, after first visiting with a few people at the bar and finding out that they have a nice selection of Texas beers (which makes the Houston Craft Beer Examiner, who is also Mr. Money Saving Parent very happy to see) as well as a nice selection of wines and drinks. My favorite I think was the Texas Sipper? It was a Mojito type drink using of course Texas liquors.
Next we head to dinner, where the seating is comfortable and we enjoyed the beautiful surroundings and some good company. Here is one of their signature dishes, Akaushi Burger and Fries.
Pictures courtesy of Debora Smail used by permission
After a delicious dinner and then some quiet time upstairs for dessert and drinks in luxurious seating where you can see all the action we were ready to take advantage of that soft and comfortable king size bed. . . get your mind out of the gutter normally we have two children trying to find a way to join us either at night or way to early in the morning. Do you know how nice it is to sleep in and not have bruises from little feet!
After a wonderful shower which I didn’t want to get out of (plenty of hot water, soft bathrobes, an useful and helpful bathroom kit and signature bath products and did I mention no children calling me) we headed back downstairs for breakfast. Mr. Money Saving Parent very much enjoyed his Cowboy Benedict and for me the fresh squeezed orange juice and eggs with biscuits and gravy was perfect. (Do you know how much work that is if I were to make it at home – each bite was heavenly, maybe because I didn’t have to cook, clean or serve!).
Pictures courtesy of Debora Smail used by permission
It was time to head home, but it was wonderful to get away and come back refreshed. Hotel Icon is definitely a very special place to stay whether you are visiting the Houston area or just need a romantic location for an anniversary or other special celebration.
This year as Hotel Icon celebrates it’s 100 years it’s offered a number of specials including the $100 for 100 on Friday and Saturday nights and the Take Me Out to the Ball Game which includes some fun in Line and Lariat before the game and shuttle service to and from as well as overnight accommodations. Planning a girls’ night out, engagement or bachelorette party you will enjoy the late checkout and spa amenities available with this particular package.
I may have received one or more of the products mentioned above for free for evaluation purposes by my opinions are 100% my own.
Twitter: rlivermore
says:
Wow, this sounds absolutely wonderful! I love older places — hotels and other things. I live in an older part of my city, and it is great because each house is unique. There’s just something special about these older buildings that have been well maintained and updated, without losing their original charm.
Rebecca Livermore recently posted..Are You a Lazy Blogger?
Twitter: anightowlblog
says:
Wow! That looks like an amazing place to stay! I’ve never visited Houston, but if I ever make it there, Hotel Icon will definitely be on my list of places to stay! Thanks for sharing your experience with us!
Kimberly Sneed recently posted..{Self Portrait Series} Week 3 :: Self Portrait Linky
Same here.. we love exploring the history of any building we go..
Great review!!!
Twitter: TheGabels
says:
This looks beautiful! I love hotels with a history. I live in Vegas and our hotels are nice, but not exactly historical!
Camille recently posted..How to Make a Doll Dress Cake
Twitter: GiveawayMaven
says:
Hotel Icon sounds like a wonderful place to stay. I too love old buildings and learning the history behind them. If I’m ever in the area, I will be sure to plan a stay with them!
Billie recently posted..mygofer.com – Let Them Know They’re Loved By Mom, Not Snubbed By Mom
What, for 100 years old, that hotel looks amazing! (as well as the food hehe) Great review…glad you enjoyed yourself!
Wow!!! That place looks amazing and sounds even more amazing! I will for sure be checking this place out the next time we are in that area! Thank you for a great review!
April G recently posted..Has Your Little One Tried Earth’s Best Organic Fruit Smoothies?
Those rooms and the dining room are beautiful! How lucky you were to be able to enjoy it all!
Lisa Stover recently posted..Tips On How To Take A Better Photo By Dawn Biery
Twitter: LittletonBooks
says:
If you know me, you know how I love everything that’s historic. Thanks for sharing this bit of old Texas with us that has really kept up with the times.