The Whitehall was known as simply "The Whitehall Hotel" from the time it was built in 1963. It was designed by Welton Becket and Associates who were one of the largest architectural firms in the United States. Becket and his partner Wurdeman developed the concept of "total design", meaning, the firm would be responsible for planning, engineering, interiors, furniture, fixtures, landscaping, signage, and in the case of restaurants, silverware, menus, matchbooks, and napkins.

In 1991, Houston's iconic business hotel, located in the heart of the Central Business District, shut its doors. The late 1990s brought about investors that poured $25 million into the redevelopment of Houston's landmark hotel. It reopened in 2001 as Crowne Plaza Houston Downtown.

Present day, Crowne Plaza Houston Downtown/The Whitehall is connected by skywalk to over 2 million sq ft of class A office space. It is within walking distance of numerous fine dining restaurants, including its on-site Brazos Restaurant, and the Theater District, the second largest in America next to New York City.

The marble floors of the Crown Plaza Houston Downtown/The Whitehall are still original and the spiral staircase was the first of its kind when it was built. It is truly a sight to behold. Notable past guests include:

• Sonny and Cher
• Graham Nash
• David Crosby
• Bob Dylan
• President Obama
• Vice President Joe Biden