Hotel
Icon

Houston, Texas

Season 1 - Episode 5 | 56 minutes | 2023

Hotel Icon, located in the heart of downtown Houston, Texas, has a reputation as one of the city's most luxurious and historic hotels. But this iconic landmark also has a darker side – its haunted past. The hotel's ornate neoclassical architecture and rich history have made it a popular destination for paranormal enthusiasts and thrill-seekers looking to experience the supernatural. Over the years, there have been numerous reports of ghostly sightings, unexplained noises, and other phenomena at the hotel, making it one of the most intriguing and mysterious destinations in downtown Houston.

Location History

Hotel Icon is a historic hotel located in downtown Houston, Texas. The hotel was originally built in 1911 as the Union National Bank Building and was designed by the architectural firm Mauran, Russell & Crowell.

The building served as a bank and office building until the late 1970s, when it was purchased by the University of Houston and converted into classroom and office space. In the 1990s, the building was sold to a private developer who began a renovation to convert it into a luxury hotel.

The renovation of the building was completed in 2004, and the hotel opened its doors as Hotel Icon. The hotel features 135 guest rooms and suites, as well as a restaurant, bar, and fitness center.

One of the most distinctive features of Hotel Icon is its neoclassical architecture, which includes ornate stonework, arched windows, and a grand entrance with towering columns. The interior of the hotel is equally impressive, with a soaring atrium, marble floors, and elegant furnishings.

In addition to its luxurious amenities, Hotel Icon has also become known for its rich history and connection to the local community. The hotel is a member of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and many of the building's original features have been preserved or restored. The hotel also features a collection of artwork and artifacts that highlight Houston's history and culture.

Today, Hotel Icon remains a beloved and iconic landmark in downtown Houston. Its combination of luxurious amenities, historic charm, and connection to the local community make it a unique and special destination for travelers and locals alike.

Hotel Icon Ghost History

Over the years, the hotel has become infamous for its ghost stories and tales of paranormal activity, with numerous guests and staff members reporting sightings and encounters with spirits.

One of the most well-known stories involves a former bank employee who is said to haunt the hotel's ninth floor. According to legend, the employee died in the building and now lingers in the form of a ghostly apparition. Guests and staff members have reported hearing unexplained noises, seeing unexplained movements or shadows, and feeling an eerie presence on the ninth floor.

Another popular ghost story associated with Hotel Icon involves a woman in white who is said to appear in the hotel's grand entrance. According to legend, the woman was a bride who died on her wedding day and now lingers in the hotel as a ghostly apparition.

Behind The Scenes

With beauty comes tragedy and discovering some of the tragedies that came before Hotel Icon became the luxurious place that we see today was difficult. The spirits seemed a bit down but glad to have someone to talk to. With every historic building, there is always a story to tell. The Hotel Icon ended up being no exception to this rule.

Podcast Recap

Did you enjoy the episode? There was so much more that happened in addition to what was shown in the episode. Join Angela and Amy as they discuss the behind-the-scenes experiences, share crazy stories, and talk about what happened off-camera!