Hotel ICON…Where History, Luxury and Warmth meet in Downtown Houston.

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Our family was blessed to be one of eight families invited to visit and experience the sights and sounds of Houston. The Go Houston! media trip was organized by New Creative Writing and Social Media Marketing. The many sponsors involved provided us with their services but that has in no way influenced any of my posts. All opinions shared are solely that of my family’s and my own.

 

There’s something about a property that has a story behind it that intrigues me to bits.

From afar, driving up to the Hotel Icon you wouldn’t say this Marriott Autograph Collection Luxury property was once the Union National Band erected in 1911…one of the Nation’s first concrete and steel sky scrapers!

 But as soon as you step into the lobby, the sight of a classic bank vault greets you and you know this is one property that will provide a visual treat in more places than one.

Everything from the classy lobby that overlooks the Line and Lariat dining area to the gorgeous corridor that showcases the unique lift display reveals traces of the history that lies entwined within the hotel.

 

An ICONic Experience

 

There’s just something about a Marriott property that sets the bar high in customer service. And the ICON is no exception.

The warm smiles and accommodating personnel who made our stay comfortable were top on the list…

alongside our cozy, luxurious, living quarters for the night.

I mean honestly, who wouldn’t want to have a good long soak and shower in this bathroom for close to two hours?

While at the property I was also given a sneak tour of the Penthouse Ritz Suite.

And while the interiors were beautiful, what blew me away was the amazing view of Downtown Houston from the balcony.

 

Here are 4 reasons why I think the Hotel ICON is a great family property to stay at. (Remember the acronym ICON)

 

1. Incredible location.

Use the self park or overnight valet services offered by the hotel and walk, walk, walk!  You will find lots to photograph along the way.

The ICON is also the only downtown hotel on the 7.5 mile, state-of-the-art METROrail light rail line with service to the Museum District, the Children’s Zoo, Rice University, Hermann Park, the Texas Medical Center and the Reliant Center convention facility and sports complex. So you can even step out of the hotel, step into the rail and be on your way to explore Houston!

 

2. Complimentary services

One of my favorites is the complimentary shuttle from the Hotel to any point within a 3 mile radius. Every room also comes equipped with wireless high-speed internet access, cribs, bath amenities and receives the newspaper daily. The lobby also serves complimentary iced tea and delicious cookies in the lobby around late afternoon (The oatmeal chocolate chip ones are amazing!)

I also love that guests need to use their keys to activate the lifts to the desired floor and to open side entrances, which does provide the guest with the assurance of security while staying at the ICON.

Guests are also provided complimentary access to the 24-hour executive fitness center.

 

3. On-site dining facilities.

The  hotel does offer room service but for breakfast, I would highly recommend trying the Line & Lariat’s breakfast buffet that includes ordering an omelette with all the add-ons you want and

freshly blended, healthy, wheat grass smoothies, that actually taste really good!

 

4. Not overwhelmingly stuffy!

Yes this is a luxury hotel but I did not feel like I had to ensure my kids were seen and not heard. Everyone from the personnel at the front desk, to the Line & Lariat staff and valet service, made sure they gave the kids high-fives, encouraged them to look around the place and best of all, spend as much time as they wanted in the lobby playing tic-tac-toe.

And though the hotel does not house a pool, the kids didn’t mind the absence because we spent quite a bit of our time on foot, exploring the vicinity and drinking in the beauty of Downtown Houston.

 

Ranked the 9th best hotel in Texas by US World News & Report in 2012, the ICON does not disappoint.

It’s definitely the place where History, Luxury and Warmth meet in Downtown Houston.