There is Something About Avalon

There is a lot to be said about The Avalon Inn & Resort in the Northeastern corner of our state and my hometown, Warren, Ohio. I was back in Warren for a wedding (imagine that!) and had the opportunity to stay the night at this local Inn. The Avalon Inn & Resort is nestled alongside Avalon Lakes which is a legendary golf course that was designed by famous golf course architect, John Dye. The Inn itself offers excellent views of the course from entry, many of the sleeping rooms and the Grand Pavilion event space which offers a panoramic view of the course with its’ floor to ceiling windows.

When you are done with this read, I encourage you to take a look at their online magazine!

For some time, Avalon has been the premiere destination for various golf tournaments, outings and special events. I have fond memories of attending several LPGA tournaments as a young girl with my parents at Avalon and if I am being completely honest, I still have my Tweety Bird visor adorned with several autographs.

The Inn is charming with a classic approach to a modern time with white and brick exterior. Coming up the steps and through the main entrance I look out ahead and can see a sneak peek of the course. Before I get too far, I am warmly welcomed by the hospitable team (and many more times throughout my stay). I check-in quickly and am handed a sleek black and gold envelope with my key cards and onto room 163!

Avalon Inn & Resort - Warren, OHOur accommodations were spacious, comfortable, updated and quite lovely. The hallways have accents of black and foil gold patterned walls with white wood paneling. The same vibe carried on into the sleeping rooms with gray and charcoal metallic wall coverings. Our room had a large mini-fridge and coffee station (some of my most important things when traveling!). Oh, and the beds were SO comfortable!

While visiting Avalon there is quite the array of things to do such as hit the course for 18, take a swim in their large indoor pool, take care of all your fitness routines in their recreation center, hop on the shuttle to a sister property (Avalon at Buhl Park and Squaw Creek) to enjoy the spa or other golf options. Gatsby’s, Lobby Bar  and The Chophouse are all dining and lounge options. Gatsby’s  and The Chophouse are both obvious options in the area when looking for steak, seafood, pasta or an extensive wine list.

This property is also one of the most highly recommended for events. From their ballroom to the Grand Pavilion, these spaces are easy to make your own but do not require you to. They are beautiful spaces different in their own right.Avalon Inn & Resort - Warren, OH

I am sure you are thinking, “Wow! They really have it all!”. Well my friends, Avalon continues to grow and improve their guest experience. Currently, they are mid-construction on an outdoor, multi-tiered pool and lounge area and the renderings are beautiful!

If you are searching for an overnight where comfort, hospitality, golf and food unite, this is your spot!

 

Until Next Time,

Lauren

Dual Properties, Oh My!

Across the brands and across the state we are seeing an increase in dual branded properties. Marriott, Hilton, IHG and Choice Hotels are some of the brands we are keeping an eye on as they expand in Ohio. As hoteliers, owners and management companies hone in on market trends, today’s society and the future traveler we have seen changes amongst the industry. Inclusive of the emergence of lifestyle brands and the phenomenon that is dual-branded properties.

The concept itself aims to encompass the needs of a market by providing different cost segments under one roof. By having two brands under one roof, the guest has an opportunity to experience the best of both brands while on the hotel’s side there is opportunity for savings in areas such as labor and back of house operations.

Springhill Suites & TownePlace Suites Easton - Columbus, OH

TownePlace & Springhill Suites by Marriott Easton
Opening October 2018

I had the privilege to participate in a hardhat tour of the soon-to-be open TownePlace Suites and Springhill Suites by Marriott at Easton. This dual concept is well underway with an opening date of mid-October and it is bound to impress. The design concept is fresh and bright and is carried seamlessly between the two hotels. (I am really hoping I can get a few names for the wall vinyl, wall art designs and light fixtures, they are awesome!) The common area and lobby are shared between the properties, which offers expanded options and outlets for all guests. Partnerships have been developed at the brand level with popular stores such as Springhill Suites with West Elm and TownePlace Suites with the Container Store. (See below for a few additional pics from my tour!)

 

Choice Hotels

Choice Hotels Dual Concepts
Groundbreaking 2018

We have two dual concepts from Choice Hotels coming to Ohio offering two combinations. In Logan and scheduled to break ground this year, Sleep Inn & Mainstay Suites and a Comfort Suites & Mainstay Suites near Cincinnati, also looking at a 2018 groundbreaking. These properties will speak to the midscale segment and offer accommodations for extended stay and transient travelers alike.

 

Marriott Columbus University Area

Marriott and Residence Inn Columbus University Area
Opened August 2017

Celebrating their one-year anniversary this past August, this property was a first for Marriott International as it was the first time a full-service Marriott and an extended stay Residence Inn were featured as a dual property. Residence Inn guests enjoy all the wonderful amenities that come with the Residence Inn brand, but by being connected to a Marriott receive even more. Such as access to a full-service restaurant and lounge, extensive on-site event space and full culinary team behind the daily hot breakfast buffet and evening socials. What a combo!

A few others that are on their way & recently opened: Homewood Suites & Hampton Inn Cincinnati Downtown, Home2 & Tru by Hilton Grove City, Hilton Garden Inn & Homewood Suites Toledo, the list goes on… Did you know OHLA publishes a New Construction Pipeline quarterly? It is available in the MyOHLA tab for members. Contact Lauren with questions!

 

Until Next Time,

Lauren

 

Additional pictures from my hardhat tour of TownePlace & Springhill Suites by Marriott …

Springhill Suites & TownePlace Suites Easton - Columbus, OH

Springhill Suites & TownePlace Suites Easton - Columbus, OH

Springhill Suites & TownePlace Suites Easton - Columbus, OH

Something is Brewing in Canal Winchester

BrewDog known for its Punk IPA and Elvis Juice brews, opened its’ first United States brewery in Canal Winchester last year and now has opened Ohio’s first brewery-hotel, DogHouse Columbus Hotel. This 32-room boutique property is the epitome of a beer lovers dream.BrewDog DogHouse Hotel - Canal Winchester, OH

BrewDog DogHouse Hotel - Canal Winchester, OHA sidewalk leads you past the brewery on the left and the dog park on the right, straight ahead is the entry for the hotel. Walking into to this lobby is different. It’s a comfortable, welcoming, be-a-part-of-our-family, order-a-beer, take-a-load-off kind of lobby. What better atmosphere to wait for your room to be ready in? Looking to check-in? Visit the bar to receive your key (a REAL key on a wooden keychain baring the BrewDog logo).

The lobby (I’m not sure what else to refer to it as, but lobby doesn’t feel right…. The communal area?) is furnished in rich colors, relaxed lounge furniture, neon signs, cool books, a ping pong table and grab & go snacks. My favorite neon sign is centered above the bar and reads “Welcome to the Hotel California DogHouse”.BrewDog DogHouse Hotel - Canal Winchester, OH

I then went up to the third floor which was made clear as I stepped off the elevator to a full scale ‘03’ made of stacked beer cans. Turning the corner, I immediately looked into the open atrium, a part of the brewery. A quiet place where magic is made. Some suites, such as the BrewMaster Suite, has garage-like windows that open to the brewery. Each room is notably named after one of BrewDog’s brews such as Hazy Jane.BrewDog DogHouse Hotel - Canal Winchester, OH

Now, what you’ve been waiting for… the sleeping accommodations. All the rumors are true. Yes, there is lovely smelling soaps and lotions made with Elvis Juice and its’ light grapefruit fragrance. Yes, there is a beer draught for your convenience in the room. Yes, there is a beer fridge also in the room with a mixture of canned beers. Yes, there is a shower fridge (notably my husband’s favorite feature). What is a shower fridge? Well, it sits just outside of the shower and is there if you are feeling thirsty mid-shower (or ladies… while you are blow drying your hair? Am I right?).BrewDog DogHouse Hotel - Canal Winchester, OH

Outside of being a beer lover, are you a dog lover too? Good news for you! A few of the ground level rooms are dog friendly. I don’t think this place can get any better. Spend the night, enjoy BrewDog’s full-service restaurant & brewery and innovative accommodations with your furry companion (and there is a dog park adjacent to the hotel!).BrewDog DogHouse Hotel - Canal Winchester, OH

The property also features a breakfast for overnight guests featuring local flare such as Stauf’s coffee.

If this doesn’t make you want to drop what you are doing and check availability, I don’t know what will. There is so much pride in this project and the employees certainly exude the excitement. I think we can all agree, we, as an industry are just as excited to have this groundbreaking property in Ohio.

 

Until Next Time,

Lauren

 

BrewDog DogHouse Hotel - Canal Winchester, OH

BrewDog DogHouse Hotel - Canal Winchester, OH