Fond Memories & a Bright Future at Cherry Valley

Cherry Valley Hotel & Event Center - NewarkThis past Wednesday, OHLA had the privilege of presenting a proclamation to honor the 21 million dollar renovation of the former Cherry Valley Lodge & Waterpark now known as Cherry Valley Hotel & Ohio Event Center located in Newark. Many community members gathered to recognize this moment. I enjoyed hearing stories and memories of the lodge and waterpark. Many enjoyed family trips, meetings and the team that once operated the property. Others shared their excitement for this redevelopment as it stood as a marker for growth and economic development.

Cherry Valley Hotel & Event Center - Newark
Rendering of main lobby/common space.

The entire property is in process of being completely renovated. All 200 sleeping rooms, common areas, new dining & lounge concepts and… no more waterpark. That’s right, the waterpark will no longer be a fixture at the property.Cherry Valley Hotel & Event Center - Newark

During the event, we got to witness the first of the water slides to go down, literally (as in… a bulldozer…). The removal of the waterpark makes room for a complete event & exhibition center.

The renovation is full steam ahead with much of the common space and a first phase of sleeping rooms being guest-ready beginning at the end of July with the full property being completed in October.

A few of the sleeping rooms were ready for viewing and they are impressive. Fresh new colors, spacious & bright bathrooms with quirky artwork of affluent deer (I loved these!).Cherry Valley Hotel & Event Center - Newark

We are looking forward to seeing the finished product and who knows… host an upcoming OHLA event within the new event center!

 

Until Next Time,

Lauren

 

Cherry Valley Hotel & Event Center - NewarkCherry Valley Hotel & Event Center - Newark

 

Small but Mighty – Four Points by Sheraton Cincinnati North

Four Points West ChesterA quick trip to Cincinnati led me to an overnight stay at the Four Points by Sheraton Cincinnati North which sits north of the city near West Chester. I have to admit, I was not super familiar with the Four Points brand and concept but am excited to share with you all that I learned!

Tucked away off of a main road, this property is a cozy 89 room hotel and is nestled in a quiet area. From the moment I arrived, I was so warmly greeted by all of the team members that I had the opportunity to meet. I was promptly assisted and made my way to my spacious and comfortable room. An in-room coffee station, mini fridge and bottled water made my evening and morning routines easy. The bathrooms have built in shelving where the bath towels were perfectly folded and displayed. I always appreciate extra counter space and nooks that I can put my toiletries and this room offered both.Four Points West Chester

The decor in the lobby, restaurant and throughout the hotel encompassed travel and a journey. On one wall in the lobby, an array of license plates and a car bumper were on display and other art showed airplanes and propellers. Immediately off of the lobby is Fuel Restaurant & Bar, open for breakfast and dinner. I had the opportunity to dine in Fuel for both meals and it was great! The menu has good selections from salads, sandwiches to soft pretzels and pot stickers for dinner and a variety of breakfast selections for the morning.Four Points West Chester

I spent the night on a Tuesday evening and I was bummed to find out that on Wednesday’s they have a themed night: Best Brews & BBQ. How fun! Throughout the week Fuel features local beers on tap and on Wednesday’s you can pair a local brew with delicious BBQ offerings all made in-house.

Four Points West ChesterBesides visiting a few of our amazing hoteliers, I also attended the MPI Ohio Chapter meeting which was hosted at this property. I was so pleasantly surprised with the large and beautiful event space that the property had to offer. It offered great flexibility for events small and large and our innovative lunch was delicious. Our lunch was a creative mix of different kinds of salads, build-your-own lettuce wraps and soups. I was very impressed as were several of the attendees.

It was a great stay and experience. Big thank you to all of the team members for their genuine, hospitable nature!

 

Until Next Time,

Lauren

 

Graduate Hotels: What’s Their School of Thought?

Another year, another new brand emerging in the state of Ohio with two locations in the works. I introduce you to the Graduate Hotel brand coming very soon to Columbus and Cincinnati.

What is a Graduate Hotel? These properties are popping up across the United States in energetic & lively university cities where the hotels themselves pay homage to the local university through design and aesthetic.

“To be a Graduate is to be part of a well-curated, well-crafted collection of hotels that reside in the most dynamic university towns across the country. Every site and property celebrates and commemorates the youthful optimism of school days and cultivates the spirit of each community in a bright new way.”

Columbus’ location is a new build in the bustling Short North Arts District just south of The Ohio State University with an eagerly anticipated opening date set for this October (just in time for the peak of football season!). Opening Winter 2020, the Cincinnati location will be at the University of Cincinnati after the Kingsgate Hotel & Conference Center undergoes a full conversion.

What we can see so far is that the Columbus property will be adorned with Scarlet & Gray plaid and gold accents throughout. As an alum, my inner Buckeye, CANNOT WAIT to see the finished product and I am sure all of my Bearcat friends are equally as excited.

 

Until Next Time,

Lauren