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.
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 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 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 …
A 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).
Hocking Hills is about an hour from our home in Columbus, so this was the perfect way to getaway for a quick night. We packed our bags and headed out. Once you turn off the highway, cell phone coverage goes by the wayside. If you’re like me and you’re constantly hearing ding-ding-ding from your cell phone, the little ‘x’ above your reception bar is glorious. We USED A MAP to get to 
Eventually we made our way (with our map!!) to 
It’s easy to work up an appetite hiking in Hocking Hills. Cherry Ridge Retreat has a list of great restaurants in the area, but I recommend bringing your own food and cooking up a wonderful meal. You can dine inside at the bar or alfresco at the picnic table overlooking your private pond. We took advantage of the Fire Package providing guests with all of the tools needed for a fantastic bonfire, and in my case, s’mores!
First, you know the door hangers that say “Do Not Disturb”, “Pet in Room”, etc. that never seem to actually stay on the door handle? Staybridge has a fun way to get the message across by utilizing magnets that connect to the door frame of the room. To go with this twist, I loved the verbiage: “Taking my Sweet Time Today. Come back later.” and “Shhh… Sleeping Like a Baby. Do not Disturb.”
The interiors have had some updates and I am loving them! The rich dark floors and walls are accented with navy, tan, gray and other neutrals. My favorite seating area is in the lobby and features plush modern navy chairs next to filled shelves with books. In the middle of the lobby stands a tall accent wall featuring a fire place. Around this there is additional seating and the most interesting coffee tables that remind me of honeycombs.
Of all the hotels in the Greater Columbus area, this property has one thing the others do not, a full-service spa, Papillon Day Spa. After getting a treatment, I would naturally head to the Bar & Patio @ 8700. The outdoor patio area is a great way to unwind with over-sized floral arrangements, two large fire pits, and strung lights. While I was visiting, the bar was advertising rose inspired cocktails. (Spa + Patio + Great Local Food + Rose = My kind of day!) Oh! I can’t forget to mention that this property is also located next door to the Polaris Mall complex; did someone say shopping?
Yes, it is really happening! Very soon we will have…. A BEER HOTEL. I know what you are thinking, “Lauren, don’t joke about things such as this.” Rest assured, no jokes here! In Canal Winchester, BrewDog opened their first brewery in the United States. The brewery alone now has 3 locations within the Greater Columbus Area with sights on Cleveland & Cincinnati next. Now, they are on to their first hotel in the U.S., The DogHouse, with rooms featuring views of the brewery, in-room beer taps, and last but not least (and the single thing my husband is most excited about) there is a beer cooler in the shower! I am looking forward to the hops based and locally produced toiletries. Opening the end of August 2018!
My inner Buckeye is jumping at the development of The Graduate hotel in Columbus on the campus of The Ohio State University. This will be The Graduate’s first property in the state. The Graduate’s décor pays homage to the university itself. Common areas may be reminiscent of items such as the main library, noteworthy architecture, academics, and athletics. For example, the common areas of The Graduate on the campus of that school up North, is mocked after their gorgeous library and their academic seal is on the headboards. As an OSU Alum, I am so excited to see this come to fruition in Columbus!
I pulled up to the Superior Ave. valet entrance and was quickly on my way to the second floor which is where the front desk and lobby is located. This hotel is a charmer! Think of an atrium reminiscent of The Titanic with a roof like a greenhouse allowing natural light to pour in through glass tiles and beam off of ornate metal working throughout the floors.
Identified as one of the earliest known indoor shopping malls in the United States, there are still active shops, a spa, a lovely coffee shop called Rising Star Coffee Roasters (which I found myself at 3 mornings in a row!). Being inside the Hyatt Regency at The Arcade felt more like being in its’ own little time capsule of a city than a hotel.
Once I got to my room, the first thing I noticed was the rich wood doors, the window’s wooden blinds, and the black steel mail slot in my door labeled “Letters”. I walked into our extremely spacious room that offered high ceilings along with a separate living area from the rest of the bedroom and bathroom. (I am an early riser, so the separation was so nice to have, I could head down to the coffee shop, come back and sit in the lock-off area without disturbing my husband or our friends!)
Large drum shade light fixtures hang in both the living area and above the beds. The wall separating the spaces featured a mirror and wood accents and the door knobs were ornate black metal. The room has a modern vibe while paying homage to its’ historic roots.
