Take Me to The Summit!

As I left my car with valet, I turned to face the property and I was able to get my first peek inside this new gem. I was quickly drawn to the bright colors in front of me; a wall of what looked to be carefully placed paint strokes and splatters in an array of colorful notes. I soon realized that art is a key feature throughout the hotel.

The Summit, A Dolce Hotel - Cincinnati, OH

In front of the accent wall, a gold metal staircase twisted its way up to the next floor. Hanging down the center is a light fixture of bare light bulbs with the black cords exposed. I had the opportunity to meet with a team member who explained to me that the original structure of the hotel was derived from the Rainbow Parking Garage. The gold staircase I referenced? Original to the garage! In the main atrium and throughout the property exposed cement beams support the open space. The Rainbow Garage was colorful, and there are tributes to the rainbow throughout the hotel.

The Summit, A Dolce Hotel - Cincinnati, OHOff of the main lobby there is a large art exhibition room. The focal point of the space is a standing, circular, structure that has video boards around the inside, and if you stand in the middle you feel you are a part of the movement.

The Summit, A Dolce Hotel - Cincinnati, OHWalking through the hotel, I couldn’t help but to take a minute to have a seat in one of the many lounge areas. Everything is artfully placed by mixing colors, textures, lighting, and of course, pieces of art! The seating areas are inviting, and you feel there is a greater community vibe in the air.

Now, let’s talk about food. The Market offered a full variety of options from several hot selections, to locally sourced cheeses, and a variety of fresh options like fruits and greens. My personal favorite… drum roll please… the gelato bar! A selection of local gelato flavors and quite a mix of toppings. Though the other dining option was not open yet, I got to have a sneak peek of the beautiful Overlook Kitchen and Bar. Let’s just say, it’s on my list to try out next time I am in the area.The Summit, A Dolce Hotel - Cincinnati, OH

Last, but certainly not least, the sleeping rooms did not disappoint. As I walked in, the colors and décor rejuvenated me. The fun wallpaper, area rug, and furniture just made the room pop. One of my favorite features was the in-room safe. I know what you are thinking, I am a nerd, but hear me out… An ENTIRE drawer served as the safe within the greater dresser. Ladies, my WHOLE purse, laptop, jewelry, etc. fit!The Summit, A Dolce Hotel - Cincinnati, OH

This visit was my first visit to a Dolce brand of hotel and I am totally loving it! If you are in the area, stop by for a bite or explore the art exhibits throughout the hotel. A quick visit to this vibrant location will have you singing a happier tune.

Until Next Time,

Lauren

Southern Charm at South Eden Plantation

South Eden Plantation - Thomasville, GA

 

To be honest, I knew very little about the trip that we were embarking on. My mother-in-law took care of all the details and I was just along for the ride (and to be a bridesmaid), which was great! To my pleasant surprise South Eden Plantation is registered as one of the Historic Hotels of America.

 

As we drove from the airport admiring the lush green scenery, the resort popped up and we made a left turn onto a pebble road, where we entered between pink and brick security stands under a white trellis.

South Eden Plantation - Thomasville, GA

 

The winding pebble road was lined by overgrown willow trees and hanging Spanish moss, just like every picture you can imagine of Georgian charm (at night all of the trees were perfectly lit with white lights). As we approached the Main House, which is where our whole family stayed, I was giddy! It was all pink, brick, and white with hanging outdoor chandeliers.

 

We gathered our luggage and made our way to the front door, up a few stairs and through a large wooden white door. Taking just a few steps in we looked ahead at a grand room with a three-tier original light fixture hanging from the vaulted ceiling.South Eden Plantation - Thomasville, GA

To the left was a magnificent lounge with copper ceiling tiles, large red tufted booths, and sparkling chandeliers. (Fun Fact: The lounge is called Scarlett’s after Scarlett O’Hara from Gone with the Wind. The theater that sits on the grounds was the first theater to show Gone with the Wind when it came out in 1939!)

South Eden Plantation - Thomasville, GA

Our parents were whisked away to their suites and then we were led to ours. We entered through a separate wooden white door and climbed up hardwood steps to where we would be staying. The original hardwood floors had a perfect sheen to them throughout the entire Main House. Our room’s décor was classic with gray walls, white trim, a white four post bed frame, and of course, a chandelier!South Eden Plantation - Thomasville, GA

Since our family was occupying all the rooms, we were able see each room. One of my favorites was where my parents stayed, it was called The Bird’s Nest Suite, and the name fit the room. Dark walls with white accents, a bird carved into the headboard, and actual bird cages fit snuggly over crystal light fixtures. The other suites boasted bright colors such as hot pink and Tiffany’s blue. Each room had its’ own style.

South Eden Plantation - Thomasville, GA

The parlor area where we were able to meet for coffee in the mornings was just as lovely as the sleeping rooms. Long white curtains, classic furniture, and original woodworking around the fireplace boasted the Southern charm that I have always related to the South. Our trip was far too short as I wish we had more time to explore the historic theater, the greenhouse-like indoor pool, and take in the historic significance of this location.If you ever find yourself in Georga, don’t forget to take a moment to visit South Eden Plantation, you won’t regret it!

P.S. She was a beautiful bride! (Photo taken at neighboring Pebble Hill Plantation by Andrea Z Photography.)South Eden Plantation - Thomasville, Georgia

 

South Eden Plantation - Thomasville, GA

 

South Eden Plantation - Thomasville, GA

 

Until Next Time,

Lauren

Serenity in Victorian Village

Victorian Village Guest House - Columbus, OHAs I walked away from my car and towards the timeless brick home, I immediately felt at ease. I opened the black iron gate to allow myself up the steps and to the brick sidewalk that wrapped around the home (the Guest House sits in the rear lawn of the beautiful 1800’s brick home where the owners reside). Speaking of the owners, I was warmly greeted by Lisa, and was so excited to have the opportunity to relax in this urban oasis.Victorian Village Guest House - Columbus, OH

 

Lisa walked me to the Guest House which stood at the opposite side of the lawn and is so charming. As I turned the corner, I was completely taken away by the perfectly manicured flower beds and ever so green grass. If you could live inside of the Spring season, this is where you’d want to be.

Victorian Village Guest House - Columbus, OH

I opened the door and headed up the steps which opened into a large, open, lofted space with vaulted ceilings. Everything had a rich ruby red color incorporated into it. The bathroom; all red! Such a beautiful color to accent the neutral walls and furniture.

Sitting on the counter top was a sweet treat (from one of my favorite bakeries, Pistachio Vera) and a welcome card from the hosts (so kind!).Victorian Village Guest House - Columbus, OH

I dropped my bag and grabbed a book immediately as it just felt right. I appreciated the serenity and peacefulness of this location. It was so quiet! I casually came and went from my lofted space to the outdoor seating.Victorian Village Guest House - Columbus, OH

As the sun began to set, it was time to settle in and head to bed (the oh-so comfy bed!). I pulled down the woven window shades, prepared a cup of hot tea in the kitchen, grabbed my sweet welcome treat, and settled in for a peaceful night’s rest.Victorian Village Guest House - Columbus, OH

What a great stay! Now I am thinking ahead… this would be an ideal location to stay for an Ohio State home game!

 

Until Next Time,
Lauren

 

 

SNEAK PEEK: Renaissance Westerville

Renaissance Westerville, OHThough I couldn’t quite keep my hard hat on, I was able to get some great photos from the property. Walking into the main lobby, I was immediately greeted with an unprecedented accent wall behind the front desk; an American flag made of wooden pallets and special lighting.

What a welcoming entry! From the front desks, rich wood flooring and wall paneling, to the wall of windows, strung lights across the ceiling, it was very hard to not take a moment to take in every detail.Renaissance Westerville, OH

As I progressed through the hotel, one creative feature, was the tiered seating steps that wrapped around the backside of the bar. Guests can sit and relax or plug-in to finish out their day. The entire rear side of the building looks out on beautiful green space and a water fountain.Renaissance Westerville, OH

The restaurant is a trendy concept with pristine tiled floors and walls, and an open counter to the exposed kitchen. As we continued, we made our way to the event space. A long-curved hallway lined by lit lanterns was an immediate “feel good” moment, I just loved those lanterns! Details throughout the event space were unexpected and unique. Light fixtures, artwork, wall paneling all gave way to each room’s individual concept.Renaissance Westerville, OH

I obviously could not stay the night, but I did get to see an almost finished guest room. Before we entered, I could not help but to notice that the room numbers were etched into the wood floor panel below each door; interesting! As I entered the room, there was a lantern light fixture and a life preserver above a wood paneled closet area.

Renaissance Westerville, OH

Now, the bathroom is what dreams are made of. For those of you who know me, you understand that I live for any mixture of neutrals (in my closet, in my home, etc.), the unforgettable black and white tiled floor and wall is simply a perfect fit for the bathroom (but that’s just my two-cents). Ok, ok, let’s move into the bedroom. The most notable items in the bedroom are certainly the aqua ultra-modern night stands and an accent curtain portraying a water color image of a dragon fly (I bet you weren’t expecting that!).

Renaissance Westerville, OH

If I had to encapsulate my overall feelings of this lake house inspired property in one word, it would be: unexpected. Who would have thought that we would have a hotel paying homage to the waterways of central Ohio? (I had not even an inkling of the waterways or lakes that surrounded the area.)

Next week we are going to take time to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the pristine Victorian Village Guest House!

 

Until next time,

Lauren