I was lucky enough to intern at the Hilton Polaris during the summer of my senior year at OSU (2012). Prior to my internship, I thought I had wanted to go down the road of events. However, after spending 3 months as a full-time intern (unpaid… sigh… but what I gained and learned about the industry and myself was priceless!), I realized soon my passion for hospitality laid within the clients and quickly after graduation I started my career in hotel sales.
Hilton Polaris just celebrated their 10th anniversary of their opening, can you believe it? I can’t! Some things have changed in its’ appearance, but the hotel still beams in the Polaris area. Many of the staff members that I knew are still active on property (which says a lot!) and the same great inspired food is still very much alive.
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?
This property has dedicated the past 10 years to delivering hospitality through their employees, events, and on-site amenities. They’ll continue to be an important piece to the puzzle of the Columbus hospitality community.
Until Next Time,
Lauren
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!
We went on to order a Caesar salad, stuffed calamari, and the seasonal risotto. (I like to say that Sean is a Caesar Salad Connoisseur of sorts as he always must order one if there is one to be had. He was thrilled that he didn’t have to ask for anchovies, they were already included! It’s the little things…) Everything was delicious, but don’t worry, we both saved room for our next stop… Young’s Jersey Dairy.
The front wrap around veranda is welcoming and completely charming! Throughout the hotel there are darling paintings of CORGIS (yes, the adorable fluffy dog), a corgi carousel, and corgi stuffed animals in the gift shop! (Fun Fact: the owner of the hotel has a corgi, hence the significance. In addition, he is fantastic with woodworking. Throughout the hotel, several of the wooden pieces were handcrafted by him!) I enjoyed an excellent breakfast in Ellie’s Restaurant & Bakery (the breakfast croissant was delicious!) and then I had to bid adieu and off to work I went.
Off 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.
Walking 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.
The hotel sits comfortably within the Northside District of downtown Akron. As I got out of my car, I couldn’t help but to take time and look around their immediate area. Just steps from the hotel was a pizza shop, a clay and art studio, an ultra-modern restaurant and a few other establishments I would have loved to explore.
