My travels this week have taken me to Akron, Ohio. Throw everything you thought you knew about the Courtyard by Marriott brand and come read about my trip to the Courtyard by Marriott Akron Downtown. Let’s go…
The hotel sits comfortably within the Northside District of downtown Akron. As I got out of my car, I couldn’t help but to take time and look around their immediate area. Just steps from the hotel was a pizza shop, a clay and art studio, an ultra-modern restaurant and a few other establishments I would have loved to explore.
As I approached the entryway I couldn’t help but to look to the left at a black door that read “Apothecary”. This door led to the Northside Speakeasy, a Prohibition Era styled bar. (I mean, this is pretty cool…)
I finally made my way into the lobby area. It felt extremely inviting and had the classic comfort the Courtyard brand is known for. The flooring, wall vinyl, pillows all coordinated effortlessly and gave a very “cool” feel. Within the Bistro area, chic crystal light fixtures hung over large seating areas (I would love to have one for my home, please!). One item stuck out the most, an old world red telephone booth stood tall in the corner of the Bistro. What a fun addition! Another aspect, I thoroughly enjoyed about this property is the recognition of Akron through black and white photos highlighting key Akron sites.
As I walked through I saw brief glimpses of the Little Cuyahoga River and the Cuyahoga Valley. Also, interesting was the train stop just out back of the hotel offering easy access for guests like me to get around. The train stop was charming with a pale-yellow pavilion to wait under between trains.
Now, I saved the best part for last, the hotel has its’ own MOVIE THEATRE. This is not a drill; I walked into a large theatre screen, oversized black leather recliners, and the perfect lighting for a movie. This is something I could get used to! Can you imagine coming back to your hotel from a long day of work and you could immediately grab your favorite recliner to sit back, relax, and enjoy a movie?
I did not have the opportunity to spend the night at this property, but gosh, I sure wish I did! For now, I am going to contemplate how I get the light fixture and movie theatre into my house.
Looking forward to our next adventure!
Lauren
Now this property, Residence Inn by Marriott Columbus Downtown, has a little piece of my heart. Not because of its’ stunning architecture, interesting history, or timeless bourbon bar, but I worked here for a large portion of my career. It was such a pleasure to work in a historical building and interact with the guests that had visited throughout the years. I wanted to go visit and share a day with you at this hotel.
Walking into this property my eyes are always immediately drawn to the original columns that lead to a ceiling that is a work of art. What makes this property an architectural gem? It is located within the 1927 Buckeye Savings and Loans Building in the bustling Gay Street District. Remnants of the bank that once existed here showcase the property’s history and add charm to this modern aged hotel.
One of my favorite pieces in the hotel is the original blueprint of the bank which you’d find at the rear of the lobby. From the US Postal Mailbox and chute, to the clusters of security deposit boxes, to the one feature I find most unique…the breakfast buffet that is served from within the original bank vault (it is not everyday you get to see an actual vault door!).
I worked my way through the lobby and into the elevator banks. Above each elevator the engraved marble maintains the original Buckeye Savings & Loans emblem and an arched hand-painted ceiling. I enjoyed my suite, as it was spacious and had a full kitchen. Not to say, the big windows allowed a lot of natural light into the room, which I am always a sucker for. Even as I walked through the hallways, there were architectural elements around every corner, the floor I stayed on had beautiful exposed beams.
Scrolling through beachy spring break albums on my social media feeds this week has me reminiscing (and missing) my February travels. Last month I shared my stay in Bangkok, but I actually visited four countries while I was away (because why not spend your whole trip on a plane?) Just kidding, I am glad I got to see SO much during a short period of time. This week I’m taking you Inn Lovers to Sri Lanka! Aside from the stunning coastal towns and welcoming culture, I LOVED the unique properties everywhere we turned. Come with me as I explore The Fort Bazaar in the historic town of Galle.
You may be thinking that Sri Lanka seems like an odd choice for a vacation, and in recent past, you would have been right! After 26 years of conflict, the Sri Lankan Civil War ended in 2009. The country has been recovering since and building its tourism numbers along the way. Since 2009, tourism has increased by 300%, and it was easy to see why after visiting cities like Galle. The narrow streets are lined with art galleries, restaurants, and boutiques. Dogs and roosters wander freely and school kids all hold hands leaving class as they walk along Galle Fort, built by the Portuguese in 1588!
We ventured along the streets and wandered through most of the properties we passed, including the Fort Bazaar, a boutique property on Church Street. You enter through a breezy front porch with artsy tables and then enter a secluded lobby where a bar and private room are off to either side. All of these properties almost felt like you were walking into someones home, where you can wind down a hallway and discover a hidden bar or art room.
And the rooms were no different, clean lines, unique art, and of course, more outdoor space. And the food, it was some of my favorite from the trip. The authentic dishes were a lot of lentils, fresh veggies, and hands down the best bananas I’ve ever tasted…but the flavors in these simple dishes were so memorable. I’ll have to start practicing some Sri Lankan dishes myself, but I know it will never be the same!
