On August 18, 2006, I traveled to Houston on business and stayed at The Icon Hotel downtown on Main St.. I booked the room through Expedia and my request was received exactly as ordered. Booking through Expedia saved about $12, rather than going through the hotel's website. However, if you book through the hotel's website and rooms are available, you can ask for a free upgrade. No upgrade is available through an Expedia booking, according to the management. I requested a deluxe room, nonsmoking, high floor, king bed. Upon arrival, I was warmly greeted by the staff. The room, on the 8th floor, was very clean, spacious and I had a great view; it was also very quiet. The bathroom was particularly nice with a large overhead shower as well as a regular one. The shampoo, conditioner and bath soaps were exceptional. The bed, linens and pillows were heavenly, and I got a great night's rest. The staff was at all times courteous and helpful; they offer free limo service to any location within a 3.5 mile radius of the hotel. I was dropped off at my business destination and promptly picked up when called. I ate breakfast at the hotel; their standard fare was the "American Breakfast" which consisted of 2 eggs (any style), choice of meat, potatoes, a side salad (which was unusual but nice!), juice and coffee for $12. The meal came as ordered and wait staff were attentive and courteous. Overall, I will definitely stay at this hotel again in the near future. It was perfect.

This was my first time in Houston, and it was a very good first impression thanks to the staff of Hotel Icon. From the moment I pulled up to the valet attendant until check out, each staff member I encountered was accommodating and polite. Even a housekeeping staff I shared the elevator with complimented my necklace. Sounds silly, but it's the small things that make people feel welcome.

The bathroom was huge (almost as big as the room, I'm not kidding!) and immaculate. The shower had a full-size shampoo/conditioner/soap dispenser which was a huge plus for me; I have long, thick hair and hate having to use 2-3 mini bottles just to wash my hair. The window from the bath tub opening to the rest of the room was nice for watching TV while relaxing in the tub.

The design of the room is definitely not your run of the mill chain hotel. The bed was OK, a little too firm for my taste but not horrible. Complimentary local and toll-free calls and high-speed internet access were a huge plus.

The surrounding area is not very busy, and almost a ghost town on Sundays. It is on the outskirts of downtown so if you're looking for a lot of activity you might not be satisfied with this hotel.

If I ever come to Houston again, I will definitely be staying at Hotel Icon!

From the prompt greeting by the valet to the fine reception, I enjoyed my stay very much.
The room was very nice, almost Italian in quality. The fitness center was excellent, if deserted.
My dinner at Bank, the restaurant in the hotel, was excellent! Very good wait staff and just fine food with a difference.
My only negative was very weak room service coffee. Well, there were also no wash towels in the bath.
I will try to come back whenever in Houston.
Ciao

I travel to Houston frequently and stay downtown. I've tried them all - this is the best. It can cost a little more - pay it, you'll be glad that you did.