Back in its day, Union National Bank cost $1 million to build in 1912 as one of the city’s most elegant buildings with 30 Corinthian columns, ornate ironwork, and intricately carved ceiling. Hotel ICON, which debuted in 2004 after a $35 million historic renovation, recently received another $5 million renovation from new owner Magic Johnson’s company Canyon Johnson. The prime downtown location also boasts a new restaurant, Line & Lariat, in the hotel’s beautiful lobby.

As part of the 100-year celebration and renovation, Hotel ICON is offering its 100 Years for $100 deal on Friday and Saturday nights through September 29, 2012. Tie your getaway into Houston Restaurant Weeks and enjoy a three-course, $35 meal at Line & Lariat — with $5 going to Houston Food Bank.

I enjoyed a getaway last weekend at Hotel ICON. Here are a few highlights…

The room was spacious with a King bed, sitting area, and desk. I loved the ICON robe! One clever decorating idea were the sliding plantation shutters that could open up with a view of the bathroom or close for privacy. The Cowboy-themed rubber duck was adorable — and I shelled out the $6 at the front desk to take mine home!

My husband and I made dinner reservations at Line & Lariat in the hotel lobby to enjoy the special Houston Restaurant Weeks menu. I admit to checking out the dessert list first! The menu featured a choice of fish, steak or chicken entrees. I selected the salad, Grilled Red Snapper, and homemade moon pie, dubbed Working Man’s Lunch. No surprise, we were completely stuffed from overindulging!

The Hotel ICON is full of history, complete with the original massive steel vault in the lobby behind the front desk. Spend a few minutes browsing the binder at the front desk complete with historical photos and history. The hotel also boasts itself as the only downtown hotel on the 7.5 mile METRO rail with service to the Museum District, Rice University, Hermann Park and Reliant Center. Hotel Icon is located at 220 Main Street near Congress.

My husband and I enjoy historic hotels and inns and have stayed in several including Galveston’s Tremont, Jekyll Island Club & Resort in Georgia, and Newagen Seaside Inn on the Maine Coast. I’m so happy to add one more to our list!