Hotel ICON, Houston
Hotel ICON in downtown Houston is a stunning example of neoclassical architecture, housed in the historic Union National Bank building constructed in 1911. Originally designed by the St. Louis firm Mauran, Russell & Crowell, this 12-story landmark was once among the tallest buildings in Texas. Following a multi-million dollar restoration, it debuted as a hotel in 2004, successfully blending its past as a hub of commerce with modern luxury.
The building is packed with period character, including grand Doric columns, intricate egg-and-dart moldings, and the original bank vault that still serves as a striking centerpiece in the lobby. Guests can expect a mix of historical preservation and contemporary comfort, with rooms featuring plush amenities and occasional antique touches like claw-foot tubs. For those interested in local lore, the hotel is often included in city ghost tours, with legends suggesting it remains connected to its financial history through mysterious phantom sounds.
Location-wise, it’s a perfect home base for exploring Houston. You are steps away from the scenic Market Square Park and a short distance from the vibrant Theater District, which offers world-class performances. The hotel is also conveniently positioned along the METRORail line, making it easy to zip over to the Museum District or other city attractions. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a central spot with plenty of character, this hotel offers a unique window into Houston’s storied past.
Expert reviews
“Set in a landmark neoclassical building from 1911, this luxury boutique hotel distinguishes itself with bold, idiosyncratic styling.”
Featured as Frommer’s Exceptional Choice in Houston.
“Easily Downtown’s most glamorous hotel, Hotel ICON combines historic architecture with shabby Chinoiserie, contemporary finishes, overstuffed furniture, and attentive service.”
Featured as Fodor’s Choice in Houston.
What guests liked
- Boutique style
- Beautiful rooms
- Great location
- Comfortable beds
- Excellent Wifi
Location
Recent guest reviews
24 November 2025
Beautiful hotel, great location!
Very clean and eclectic
There were no linens or blankets in room for pull out couch. Parking on site is very high.
15 November 2025
Great downtown location.
Great downtown location.
14 September 2025
Rooms were clean, shower was great
Atmosphere
2 September 2025
Comfy and comfortable
The lobby is beautiful and vintage aesthetic. The room was comfy and clean. It was perfect distance to from the NRG Stadium to see The Weeknd. It’s in downtown so there are a lot of bars to go to and restaurants.
Spooky vibes in the hallways but I think that’s cool and adds to the charm.
14 August 2025
Great place for a staycation.
I love this place! Its in the heart of downtown Houston.
12 August 2025
Loved the aesthetic and overall stay
Booking
No complaints
12 August 2025
Amazing staff, great hotel and location
Amazing hotel, in a old bank building. Very classy. And Jennifer at the bar truly an angel. 10/10!
27 July 2025
We had a great time
Everything, very nice staff!
The boy that drove the complementary hotel bus, DRIVED HORRIBLY! My husband had to tell him to take it easy, to fast and reckless. (Young boy from Brazil)
12 July 2025
I had a great experience in this beautiful hotel
Location
11 April 2025
Stunning historic building, beautiful rooms with kind and helpful staff.
King corner room with adjoining 2 queens room was exceptional. The king room is beautiful and very large. The separate bathroom was exceptional with jet tub overlooking the city and separate shower. Bright and spacious.
The adjoining queen room was lovely, not quite as large and less dramatic bathroom. Super comfy beds with down pillows!
Appreciated the work out room was available at no additional cost.
The elevator is haunted (or just has a mind of it’s own)
Randomly stops on every floor or every other with no one waiting to board.
Mentioned this to staff member … replied “that’s no surprise”. 😆
7 April 2025
Wonderful historic hotel, great downtown location .
Rooms are spacious and beautiful. Corner king room was gorgeous with huge jet tub and separate shower.
Bright and airy. Black out curtains for the win!
Staff is kind and courteous.
The elevator has a mind of its own. Randomly stopping at every floor and long waits for its arrival.
3 March 2025
Perfect Stay made a Perfect Weekend
The experience was amazing! The staff was so sweet, Holly at the front desk was so sweet and patient when I had questions and Jairo in the valet was very helpful and offered to go and grab thing out of the car for us. The bed and pillows were unbelievably soft, the restroom was nice and spacious with plenty of counter space and the full length mirror was def a plus. When reading the reviews some had commented that the place was kinda dated but its a historical building so ofc. I loved the small decor and the ambiance of the whole place and I will def be booking again!
Room service took a little while to come to the room but also it was a busy weekend so that's expected.
24 February 2025
A nice stay
Close to all attractions, historical building
Needs windows updated, you could hear everything at night. There was also a draft coming in the room.
6 February 2025
Amazing service & big room
Amazing shuttle service in and around downtown. Room was amazing and bathroom was lovely and big
3 February 2025
Great stay ither than the loud music and outrageous breakfast price
Great hotel but didn't know there was so much activity and loud music right outside our room otherwise I would have requested a different location
Breakfast was $27.50. Come on, it wasn't that great and I'd never pay that amount for a breakfast like that
2 February 2025
I really had a wonderful experience staying here and I will definitely come again and I highly recommend
Quiet and clean great location
Everything was wonderful
22 January 2025
We loved our stay and will be back again in the future! I highly recommend this location to any and all that are looking
Beautiful design with amazing decorations! Great location to the nightlife!
There was nothing to not like!
9 January 2025
This was a wonderful experience.
The aesthetic is marvelous. I love the cleanliness. The smell is divine. I forgot to ask what the scent is named. The staff at check in and check out were amazing. Both young ladies at the front desk brought such sincere warm to our visit.
I loved everything.
1 January 2025
Best trip we’ve taken best service and very very nice rooms
Best hotel I’ve been able to stay at good prices and very friendly staff
Nothing it was all a good experience
29 December 2024
Pleasant and interesting
It’s a beautiful property. Lots of character and interesting things to look at and explore.
The area it’s in is a little dirty, but it is in downtown…
22 December 2024
Comfortable Hotel in Downtown.
Great location. Spacious rooms. Staff were friendly and helpful.
Nothing.
21 December 2024
Great stay for one night
Very comfortable and well kept. Loved the architecture. The vault door added a great touch to the history of the building.
No self parking. $52 for overnight parking is a detriment to stay for a long period.
18 December 2024
Wonderful architecture, design, ambience and service.
Great style, design, preservation of the historical aspect of the hotel. Not pristine, but fun and absolutely clean. Lots of attention to detail. We loved the consistently great staff, the 24 hour hot chocolate in the lobby during a cold, rainy weekend, the work out room.
Nothing
4 December 2024
It was a nice hotel for a short stay
Clean, spacious rooms & friendly staff
Only 50$ valet parking available, if not then you must find a parking garage and walk with your bags.
2 December 2024
We had a great time and really enjoyed the history of the hotel! Check in staff was great!
Bar was busy when we were there, therefore, not as timely or clean. But the bar tender was lovely. Breakfast was ok - for the quality the price was a bit high. Server not attentive w/coffee and tea service throughout. Everybody was nice though. Would have been better if we could fill our own coffee and tea.
Attentiveness of waitstaff in bar and restaurant.
Hotel facilities
Food & Drink
- - Restaurant
- - Bar
- - Special diet menus (on request)
General
- - Room service
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Facilities for disabled guests
- - Lift
- - Safety deposit box
- - Soundproof rooms
- - Heating
- - Allergy-free room
- - Non-smoking throughout
- - Air conditioning
- - Designated smoking area
- - Shuttle service (free)
- - Minimarket on site
Business facilities
- - Meeting/banquet facilities (additional charge)
- - Business centre
- - Fax/photocopying (additional charge)
Reception services
- - 24-hour front desk
- - Express check-in/check-out
- - Luggage storage
- - ATM/cash machine on site
- - Concierge service
Activities
- - Fitness centre
- - Spa & wellness centre (additional charge)
- - Massage (additional charge)
- - Beauty services
- - Facial treatments
- - Waxing services
- - Spa facilities
- - Back massage
- - Neck massage
- - Couples massage
- - Full body massage
- - Massage chair
- - Fitness/spa locker rooms
- - Bicycle rental
Cleaning services
- - Laundry (additional charge)
- - Dry cleaning (additional charge)
- - Trouser press (additional charge)
Parking
- - Parking garage
Miscellaneous
- - 24-hour security
- - Smoke alarms
- - Fire extinguishers

More photos

25 November 2025
I would definitely recommend this hotel for friends