Pit Stops – What’s in My Backyard?

Visit this Columbus Landmark, an Historic Hotel of America
Something old, something new @ The Westin Columbus

Sometimes we take for granted what our own backyard has to offer. That’s part of why Staycations have become so popular! In last week’s post, you learned I’ve had a lot of backyards, but this week, we focus on three in our semi-regular “Pit Stops” edition.  Someone said to me this week, “you get around!” I used to take that as an insult, but now I know it means my blog gets around! You might be shocked where I’ve pulled out my laptop to write to you from, or where others have. Just wait until you see where Christi was this week!

But until then, let’s check out some of the neat things going on around Columbus & Greater Cincinnati. I visited all three of these places in the past week. We’ve got a little of the new, a little of the old and a whole lot of Buckeye. That’s right, I said it…

The Blackwell Hotel & Pfahl Conference Center – Columbus, OH 

Buckeye Fans Unite @ this Luxury Lodging in the Heart of Columbus
The Preferred Life @ The Blackwell Hotel & Pfahl Conference Center

“Halle, is that The Shoe? How’d you get that view?!” you might ask.  That’s a Stadium View Suite at The Blackwell Hotel & Pfahl Conference Center! The Blackwell Hotel is located in the heart of campus. As a member of the Preferred Hotel Group family, I was familiar with The Blackwell because of my time at a Preferred sister property, The Cincinnatian, but I hadn’t spent much time there until I moved to Columbus. The Blackwell is very popular for meetings. The Pfahl Conference Center is beautifully appointed and very well laid out for us

Buckeye Fans Unite @ this Luxury Lodging in the Heart of Columbus
The Preferred Life @ The Blackwell Hotel & Pfahl Conference Center

meeting planners. And to top it off, the food here is inventive and delicious.  When you’re a meeting attendee, the grand staircase and open lobby floorplan really makes for an impressive entrance if using the hotel meeting space.  If you’re in the neighboring Pfahl Conference Center, you’ll notice scarlet & gray touches throughout the hallways.  The Blackwell has been gracious enough to host me twice in the past few months for different events.

Buckeye Fans Unite @ this Luxury Lodging in the Heart of Columbus
Art and All Things Nice @ The Blackwell Hotel

Every time the food was something to remember and the service was impeccable. These factors aren’t a surprise though, Preferred Hotel Group sets a high standard.  The Blackwell is an independent hotel, but by being a part of Preferred Hotel Group, they have some backing and support for marketing and sales efforts.

Buckeye Fans Unite @ this Luxury Lodging in the Heart of Columbus
The Preferred Life @ The Blackwell Hotel & Pfahl Conference Center

Although I’ve visited as a meeting attendee a number of times, until this week, I haven’t had a chance to see the sleeping rooms.  The good news is, when you’re an independent property, you can make some fun additions to your room package.  You’re in the heart of OSU’s campus, why wouldn’t you want the ‘O’ to guide you at night? I’m told the hotel will undergo a major room renovation in upcoming years, but in the meantime you can rest assured a visit of luxury and style.

If they’re in your backyard too and you haven’t had a chance to visit, consider stopping by for lunch at The Bistro 2110!

The Westin Columbus – Columbus, OH

Oh, my. Hopefully you’re quick to realize that I love food and historic hotels. You could ask me to spend a week at The Westin Columbus wandering around and I’d be a happy girl.  To be honest, I don’t get there enough.  I was jumping up and down, clapping in my office when I realized I had the chance to

Visit this Columbus Landmark, an Historic Hotel of America
Luncheon of Champions @ The Westin Columbus

visit The Westin this past week for a luncheon.  Why? THAT BALLROOM.  What a dream, to get married in The Westin Ballroom.  Sadly, that dream has passed for me (my band and guest list were too big!), so I take every opportunity to visit it. In the spirit of all things delicious, we find ourselves at yet another

culinary experience.  You will never receive “banquet chicken” at The Westin.  Our table was seasonally dressed to impress and the menu followed accordingly.  After our luncheon was over I asked for a quick room tour.  Luckily, I was led into a complete surprise. I stayed at the Westin well over 5 years ago, so what I thought I was about to see was completely wrong.  The Westin recently began the process of transforming, and I mean transforming, the sleeping room package. When you have an historic hotel, trust me, I’ve worked in two, it can be very difficult to do a remodel. How do you move modern without upsetting the historic charm enthusiasts?  They nailed it. Picture this. You walk into one of the oldest hotels in the state.  From the outside, you aren’t sure what to expect. It’s simple and timeless building that leaves much to the imagination. All I can assume is that what stands on the other side of the doors is dignified. But is it old, or is it new? The lobby, a three story marble room with arching reception area and a chandelier the size of Texas, greets you. The staff is waiting to assist you at every turn.  There are hints of contemporary – a living wall, modern artwork.  You ascend the elevator. The doors open.  The carpet is new. Brand spankin’… This could be a ploy. You open your door and BAM! Never would have expected it. Somehow, the team at The Westin has managed to pull off a feat. Incorporating modern luxury into a (nearly!) 120 year old frame. Just look at it!

Visit this Columbus Landmark, an Historic Hotel of America

Visit this Columbus Landmark, an Historic Hotel of America

Visit this Columbus Landmark, an Historic Hotel of America

Visit this Columbus Landmark, an Historic Hotel of America

But seriously, if you haven’t been to The Westin Columbus recently, stop by and check it out!

Hotel Covington – Covington, KY

Visiting Greater Cincinnati? Check out what's on the other side
Chic as Chic Gets @ Hotel Covington

Yep, I get around!  I’ve been waiting for a chance to check out the new Hotel Covington.

Visiting Greater Cincinnati? Check out what's on the other side
Chic as Chic Gets @ Hotel Covington

If you didn’t know, this little gem is located just across the river from downtown Cincinnati.  The Hotel is still finishing up construction, but I needed to see the public space. I’ve read so many articles about it!

The building itself was originally the home of John Coppin’s department store. Located on Madison Ave, it was in the heart of it all. The style of the hotel mimics the

Visiting Greater Cincinnati? Check out what's on the other side
Chic as Chic Gets @ Hotel Covington

buildings history- dripping in lux modern and fashion whimsy, the lobby is

breathtaking. Virtually the entire first floor is enclosed in windows. When you walk inside, you feel like your part of the display case. The stylish lounge chairs and banquets are lined with fur blankets and sparkling pillows. The bar sits in the middle of the lobby, tempting you for an afternoon drink.  Although I was visiting on a Tuesday afternoon, I would bet this place draws the locals and the visitors to the lobby bar nightly.  Stopping by for a drink or listening to some live acoustic, you will be transported to another time and another place. I cannot wait to go back to stay!

And with that, I leave you with some hot spots in my backyard. What’s in yours?

Visiting Greater Cincinnati? Check out what's on the other side
The View @ Covington, KY

“People don’t take trips, trips take people.” – John Steinbeck

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