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HOUSTON'S HOTEL ICON ENGAGES THE SENSES WITH EXPERIENCES THAT COMBINE THE PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE OF LUXURY TRAVEL

HOUSTON, TX - There are pop icons, business icons and cultural icons, but there is only one Hotel ICON (www.hotelicon.com). An inspired composition of timeless sophistication, anticipatory service and best of breed amenities, Hotel ICON not only serves as a landmark, center of social activity and source of pride for Houstonians, but it has also become a destination of choice for the world's most discerning travelers. At the gateway to downtown's thriving arts and entertainment district, the historic 1911 structure, originally designed for the Union National Bank by the renowned St. Louis architectural firm of Mauran, Russell & Crowell, debuted in 2004 after a multi-million dollar restoration and renovation. In its first incarnation, the building, located at 220 Main and fittingly adorned with keystones depicting the Greek god of trade, commerce and good fortune, Hermes, was a symbol of the wildcatter eccentricities and unbridled glamour of Houston's colorful past. As Hotel ICON, the gracious, 12-story, brick and Bedford limestone facade invites discovery and sets the stage for a guest experience that engages the senses, while effortlessly expressing Houston's evolution into a cosmopolitan hub of commerce and culture. Hotel ICON evokes the opulence and attention to detail evident in the grand hotels of the early 1900s, but on a more intimate scale. Guestroom interiors, created by the award-winning San Francisco firm of Candra Scott & Anderson, who specialize in the historic reinvention of landmark hotels, deftly showcases the building's irreplaceable period detail, while incorporating every possible modern convenience. Visitors find themselves cocooned in luxury and surrounded by rich textures, plush fabrics and an eclectic collection of original European objects d'art, chosen specifically for the site.

First Impressions to Last a Lifetime: Lobby, Bar and Restaurant
As guests enter the breathtaking lobby, they are transported to another time and place. Almost ethereal in its beauty, the heart of Hotel ICON, with its towering, 30-foot Doric columns, expansive windows, ornate ironwork and intricately carved ceiling, captures the glory of an earlier era. The understated reception area, fashioned from teller stations and integrating on of the original vault doors as a backdrop, reinforces the sumptuous yet residential feel of the space. Ideal for relaxing and socializing, the lobby's focal point is VOICE, a signature restaurant and lounge, which opened to the public on April 5, 2008. A several million dollar transformation has created a delicious backdrop for acclaimed chef Michael Kramer's menu of regionally-inspired Modern American dishes. Central to the dining room is a 360-degree walnut bar that boasts generous seating to enjoy an array of specialty cocktails as well as offerings from the extensive bar menu. For private dining engagements, the elegant Wine Vault seats up to 30. Hosts have the option of exposing two picture windows shared with the kitchen to create a chef's table atmosphere.

Guestrooms That Leave No Stone or Sheet Unturned
A haven of sensory delights for the traveler, each of Hotel ICON's 135 spectacular guestrooms is reminiscent of a chic pied a terre, with a vivid color palette, average footprint of 400 square feet and a finish level of uncompromising quality and comfort. Balancing substance and style, the accommodations are well suited to both rest and work, while offering an experience that transcends the everyday. Visitors enjoy the pleasures of 24/7 valet laundry and twice-daily housekeeping, as well as in-room dining from VOICE, bath butler and select spa services.

Created to envelop guests in regal splendor, no detail has been overlooked, from the inlaid pocket doors that open to reveal a pass through window between the bedroom and bathroom, enabling one to watch television while soaking in the oversized jacuzzi tub, to the workspace with task lighting. And although the sleeping floors were newly built in 2004, great care was taken to incorporate exquisite millwork, hand-blocked wallpaper and hardware that are in keeping with the original construction of the building. One of nine signature suites, the three-story penthouse offers separate living, sleeping and reception areas, plus a private, 600-square-foot rooftop terrace with sweeping vistas of downtown. Additional guestroom highlights include panoramic views from newly installed soundproof windows, custom bed covers, down blankets, distinctive linens and premium bedding with a choice of pillow types, armchairs, flat screen televisions, refreshment centers, oversized personal safes and cordless telephones. The cavernous bathrooms juxtapose marble vanities and delicate wall coverings with classic subway and hexagonal mosaic tile work. Independent garden tubs and enclosed showers, dressing and make-up areas and deluxe bathrobes are among the other features.

Pampering Around Every Corner: Spa Services and Magical Events
The lower lobby level of Hotel ICON houses a treasure trove of delights. BALANCE Day Spa and a comprehensive, around-the-clock executive fitness facility, promote health and wellness on the road and minimize interruption of routines. BALANCE incorporates four treatment suites, outfitted to offer a complete range of services for both men and women. The extensive stable of state-of-the-art workout equipment, includes Cybex and Nautilus machines, most with their own entertainment centers. For meetings and social gatherings, Hotel ICON's magnificent, full-floor function area hosts an array of remarkable and unforgettable events. Catering by VOICE, soaring ceilings, walls of windows, exceptional finishes and advanced audio and visual equipment are the hallmarks of this one-of-a-kind setting. Encompassing nearly 5,000 square feet, the venue offers a dramatic, 2,400-square-foot ballroom (divisible into two smaller salons) with a 1,200-square-foot foyer and additional conference rooms, including a dedicated executive boardroom with video conferencing. A new, 2,000-square-foot mezzanine level meeting and event space, which overlooks the lobby, debuted in May 2008.

Houston: A City That Beckons Discovery
A destination within a destination, Hotel ICON is ideally situated to experience the best of Houston, one of the world's most diverse and vibrant cities. Fortune 500 companies, the George R. Brown Convention Center, the second highest concentration of theater seats in the country, art galleries, nationally acclaimed restaurants (Houston boasts more than 10,000), Minute Maid Park (home of the Astros baseball team) and Toyota Center basketball and concert venue are all within walking distance of the hotel. New downtown attractions nearby the property include the $170-million, four-block Houston Pavilions retail and entertainment project debuting in fall and the recently opened $120-million, 12-acre Discovery Green park. Guests have immediate access to the city's METRORail with service to the Museum District, Rice University, Hermann Park, the Texas Medical Center and Reliant Center convention facility and sports complex. The hotel's downtown location also places guests just minutes by car from the world-famous Galleria/Uptown shopping area and an easy drive to recreational areas such as Clear Lake, Lake Conroe and Galveston beaches.

For Hotel ICON questions or reservations, please contact Hotel ICON at 713-224-ICON or log onto www.hotelicon.com.

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