#ohiolodging – Page 3

Small but Mighty – Four Points by Sheraton Cincinnati North

Four Points West Chester A 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 Chester Besides 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

Guest Blog: The Enchanting Beauty of Arizona’s High Desert Will Make You Pause and Relax

A recent summit of hospitality associations provided an opportunity for a quick visit to one of my favorite and most beautiful parts of the country, the towering red rocks and spectacular canyons of Arizona’s Upper Sonoran Desert.

Just under two hours from the buzz and energy of Phoenix, Sedona is one of the truly unique and memorable American destinations. The natural beauty is complemented by an historic and enjoyable town with many chances to experience the arts, cuisine, shopping and entertainment.

Staying at the Enchantment Resort allows you to be surrounded by the painted desert of Boynton Canyon. Here, I was first greeted by a real pro in the businesses, Joey, who made sure I knew what I needed to know to maximize a short stay, including the schedule for guided star-gazing that takes advantage of Sedona’s “Dark Sky” status.

With a room that opened directly onto a patio complete with gas grill that faced the imposing yet somehow calming canyon walls in shades of red that exploded into different colors as the sun started to set, Joey also pointed out one of the best attributes for a late arrival like myself: the room service option to order “Tastefully in the Raw” and cook your own steak and vegetables on your own terrace. No other dining option could have been more relaxing or enjoyable while I became acclimated to the enormity and sheer beauty of the canyon.

Enchantment mixes luxury service and appointments with the tasteful and comfortable casualness of the Southwest. Adobe haciendas include timbered ceilings, southwestern fabrics, working fireplaces and plenty of amenities including a kitchen and ample seating indoors and out. Coupled with top-notch restaurants and a View 180 outdoor lounge built to provide views of the sunsets, skies and red rock vistas, Enchantment can keep you amazed and delighted without ever leaving its 70 acres.

But Sedona is too special a place to pass up on a short stay, so if you are like me, you will want to get out into the desert. Although Enchantment has plenty of trailheads and room to explore, a little pre-reading led me to the Jordan Road Trail in Coconino National Forest on the other side of town for a short hike. The drive to the trailhead isn’t for the faint of heart or those who rented a vehicle that was a little low to the ground, but the payoff is worth it.

Driving into and around Sedona is easy, fast, stress-free and cinematic. Every local merchant and hospitality professional I met was genuinely friendly, helpful and welcoming. Although a destination that attracts 3 million people annually, Sedona and its environs don’t have that over-run, touristy feeling. Far from it. The best part about Sedona is its uncanny ability to make you relax, enjoy and appreciate your surroundings, even on the quickest of visits.

-OHLA Executive Director, Joe Savarise

Beauty & Grandeur in Baha Mar

I just got back on Sunday from a destination wedding at Baha Mar located on the island of Nassau, Bahamas. Baha Mar is a one-of-a-kind experience from beginning to end. It is made up of three excellent hotels: Grand Hyatt, SLS and Rosewood. Each hotel offers their own unique style, experience & luxury.

We stayed at SLS and it was by far one of the most stylish resorts I have ever had the pleasure of visiting. At SLS and throughout Baha Mar, there is no detail left out. Everywhere we went, we had a new conversation about something interesting that we noticed. SLS Baha Mar - Bahamas

Our room was bright and airy with clean whites and splashes of other neutral colors. The focal point of the room was the main wall that featured a vinyl depiction of windows leading out to a pier. Upon arrival I had thought this was wallpaper, but after going up and physically touching it, it was a vinyl tapestry.

SLS Baha Mar - Bahamas A white bar cart sat below our television. The cart was full of all kinds of goodies separated into two boxes labeled ‘Sinners’ (candies, alcohol, etc.) and ‘Saints’ (sunscreen, natural trail mix, etc.). An espresso machine also sat atop the cart, a fun change from your typical coffee maker. I enjoyed an espresso or two during our stay! The television had imagery and a warm greeting of “Welcome, Mr. Stazen!”, which was an unexpected detail.

SLS Baha Mar - Bahamas The lobby was extraordinary and oh so stylish. It was a huge open area that opened to a balcony above The Bungalow pool. Within the lobby was Monkey Bar, Cleo, a Mediterranean restaurant and direct access to the casino. The ceiling is wainscot with white beams and warm lighting. Soft seating throughout the lobby is unique to each other with a variety of lighting fixtures from pendants to chandeliers. The lobby was not just a place to check-in, it was a gathering spot for great cocktails and conversation. In the evening there was a DJ and it was transformed into a lounge atmosphere.

SLS Baha Mar - Bahamas We spent most of our time at the pool by day. Bugalow Pool Bar & Grill is so picturesque. Walking down the stairs from the main lobby you see a long rectangular pool anchored on the opposite end by a white and black pool bar. The lounge chairs are in an array of pastel colors and are perfectly aligned. With the resorts being interconnected, we had access to the other pools as well. Offering options from day club to family friendly. One pool has a cave that we swam into, inside there were glass windows into their conservancy area which allowed us to watch turtles, sharks and fish swim right before our eyes. There was also an area with flamingos! SLS Baha Mar - Bahamas

Baha Mar is a cashless resort, meaning, you only purchase items as a hotel charge to your room and you can do this at any of the three hotels, any of the restaurants or lounges and any of the shops. This was a nice feature as we did not have to carry our important personal cards or identification in our beach bags.

Our trip was a quick one, but while we were there we dined at Cleo, a Mediterranean Restaurant, at SLS. IT WAS DELICIOUS. They have a variety of shareable plates along with small plates and entrees. We shared house made hummus topped with crunchy artichoke hearts, my husband devoured lamb with saffron rice (served in a beautiful Moroccan dish!) and I had the shrimp skewers. Everything was perfect. SLS Baha Mar - Bahamas

We also visited Blue Note Jazz Lounge where we sipped martinis and listened to talented musicians singing everything from Stevie Wonder to Etta James. For the cigar smokers of the world, there is an excellent open air, outdoor cigar lounge called T2 (Tiger Woods & Justin Timberlake’s concept!). On the rooftop, is Skybar, a lounge with dynamic views of the crystal blue ocean. SLS Baha Mar - Bahamas

Saturday morning we visited Café Madeline, a French Café & Bakery, within the Grand Hyatt. We shared a fruit filled, flaky, soft croissant and a Greek yogurt parfait with local honey and house made granola. My other love besides my husband and my dog is a good croissant. This croissant was one of the best I have ever had….sigh…..do you think they can ship me a few?

Even if we had stayed a week, we still would not have been able to experience all the restaurants and activities Baha Mar had to offer. Sean mentioned (more times that once), “We have to come back here!” and I hope we do just that.

The service, cleanliness, attention to detail, food… everything was top notch and very impressive.

Until Next Time,

Lauren

SLS Baha Mar - Bahamas

The Lafayette, A Grand Riverboat Era Hotel

Our blog takes us to Marietta where we hosted our Southeastern Lodging Council meeting this week at the historic Lafayette Hotel. This gem sits on the Ohio River near downtown Marietta and Marietta College.

The Layfayette Hotel - Marietta, OH The Lafayette has quite the history and I’d love to share it with you! One of the more fascinating things about this building is that it has always been hotel! Where The Lafayette stands today was originally The Bellevue Hotel which was built in 1892. In 1916 a devastating fire swept through the hotel and it was destroyed. Luckily, after the fire, a local Marietta businessman vowed to rebuild the hotel and July 1, 1918 it opened as The Lafayette Hotel. This hotel has been in operation for over 100 years!

A true ‘Grand Riverboat Era” hotel, this property boasts historical elegance, sophisticated charm and museum-like qualities. If only the walls could talk! The hallways are like a time capsule. Every corner you turn there is a framed artifact, an historical photo or an era piece that catches your attention. By our meeting space, there were photos of a flood that practically rose above the front entry, what a great conversation piece! The Layfayette Hotel - Marietta, OH

Within the property there are dining and event rooms. The Gun Room is my personal favorite. It is known for its famous collection of handcrafted long rifles dating back to 1795. In addition to the rifles there is a telegraph, steamboat instruments and the most interesting, pilot wheels that were made for the Navy in World War II but never were used. The Layfayette Hotel - Marietta, OH

Though we love our new, sleek & modern concepts there is just something about historic building properties. The charm, the story, the events that have taken place, the guests who have passed through… it is fun to ponder.

If you are passing through the Southeastern region of our state, make a stop to go back in time and see the beautiful landmark that is The Lafayette Hotel. The Layfayette Hotel - Marietta, OH

Until Next Time,

Lauren

Something Special at Sebring Mansion

Hello! My name is Lorada and I am Lauren’s mom. I’m a little nervous as this is my first EVER blog entry. Coming from a nursing background, this is a little out of my element but here we are. My husband (Joe) & I celebrated our 32^nd wedding anniversary last week at the beautiful Sebring Mansion in the small town of Sebring, Ohio (30 minutes NE of Canton).

Sebring Mansion - Sebring, OH

When we arrived, we were warmly greeted by Dick who got us settled then led us on a tour of the entire mansion including each room. Each room is completely different that the other and are all decorated to the tee. Building began in 1900 with original woodwork and accents shipped directly from Italy to Sebring. The owner, Lynne Biery, has carried these beginnings through her keen eye for detail and has not left a stone unturned. She has carefully curated every piece within the mansion to reflect the rich history of the property.

Sebring Mansion - Sebring, OH

We were so lucky to have the opportunity to stay within the Sebring Suite. This stunning suite boasted a comfortable king bed, dark red décor and accents, a large jetted tub and fireplace. I was speechless when we walked in. Every item in the room was an intentional thought-through detail. We were welcomed with a cheese spread with chocolates and fruit, it was delicious! The cheeses provided were from Biery Cheese Company which Lynne’s family has owned since 1929. Sebring Mansion - Sebring, OH

The small but mighty team was so, so kind and pleasant. I shared with Lauren that I felt that this is what it must be like for Meghan Markle at Frogmore! Dick was a hoot and was with us much of the day and introduced us to Murphy’s Pub named after the contractor of the pub addition. For dinner, we were treated to a beautiful sweetheart table set-up and enjoyed an amazing meal prepared by Chef Randy and our sweet server, Lisa, made our celebratory dinner so memorable. That evening we enjoyed their huge outdoor hot tub all to ourselves. Sebring Mansion - Sebring, OH

It was a short overnight stay and our departure was just as memorable as the arrival with an outstanding breakfast and a genuine farewell from Robin. We plan to come back over the holidays as I was told it is a sight to see with decorated trees in every room.

I cannot say enough about our experience at Sebring Mansion. It has certainly set the bar high for next year’s anniversary celebration!

Thank you for reading!

Lorada & Joe

Sebring Mansion - Sebring, OH

OHLA Staff Picks for Spring Break

Hello InnLovers –

It’s that time of year again, we are just coming out of the deep freeze that is winter for the Ohio region, college classes halt for a week, and everyone wants to cross state lines…You guessed it – we are talking about SPRING BREAK!

We are doing something a little different for this blog post. You are going to hear a little from each of us at the OHLA office about our favorite places to travel for the infamous week-long vacation. We have got a little bit of everything for you. Some like the beach, some like the sights, some go for the food, but we can all agree it is just nice to get away from the everyday. (Don’t get us wrong, we love Ohio, but…)

Here it is, without further ado – the places you need to see on spring break, according to the OHLA staff:

Lauren’s Pick – Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

“Cabo San Lucas is one of those places that the photos just don’t do it justice. Once you break through the neighborhoods, you are exposed to the desert terrain of sand and cacti and as the car twists through the hills you get to a point where you see the crystal blue water peek through a valley… and just like that, you sink into the beauty of Cabo. I’ve been to various parts of Mexico (Cancun, Riviera Maya, Cozumel, etc.) and each of these cities are covered with lush green plants, bright flowers and trees. Cabo is unique in comparison and is simply stunning.

We stayed at the stunning Esperanza, Auberge Resorts Collection, and it was everything I could have hoped for and more. The level of service is unmatched. During our visit we went on a catamaran to the famous Stone Arch at Land’s End (highly recommend!), snorkeled and explored the fabulous & restaurants that are offered.”

Michele’s Pick – Washington, DC (Metro Area)

“During spring break season DC does not offer the swimming weather that the southern half of our country does, but it does offer history, sites that will take your breath away, and food that will keep you coming back.

One of my favorite sights in the area has to be Iwo Jima Memorial. There is just something about the feeling of reverence and awe that the memorial inspires, especially when you see it lit up at night. If you are the area during the summer months I would also recommend the U.S Marine’s Sunset Parade which usually happens in the shadows of the memorial Tuesday evenings June-August. The parade is comprised of musical performances of the Marine Drum & Bugle Corps and the Silent Drill Platoon. It really is something to see.

If historical sites are not your thing, consider seeing the Washington Nationals play south of the city adjacent to the Navy Yard. This venue is huge with many places to eat. If the game does not interest you the food definitely will. My personal go to for food at Nats Park is the one and only Shake Shack (who needs a hot dog when you can get a burger and milkshake, am I right?). A few other enjoyable sites if you have the time to see them are the National Zoo, National Mall, and the Smithsonian.

Despite the hustle and bustle of the city, DC gives you many opportunities to “stop and smell the flowers,” especially if the cherry blossoms are in bloom!”

Cindy’s Pick – Boulder, CO

“Recently, I visited Boulder, Colorado to visit Erin, my daughter and Brad, her husband! I love visiting Boulder, it’s small enough to walk lots of places in town. I’ve been there for most seasons, winter was a favorite, as I like the snow. We drove up to the mountains and went dog sled riding. Hiking is a must all round Boulder, the scenery is so different from Ohio.

There’s great dining in Boulder on and near the Pearl Street Mall. A couple favorites are Mountain Sun, small craft brewer; Illegal Pete’s Pearl St. Mall, a great Mexican place, and a very unique Nepalese restaurant. Not to mention, Lucille’s is a must for a delicious breakfast. If you are in the area, you have to go once to the Celestial Seasonings Tea Company – tour the peppermint room! There are many fun casual places to eat in Boulder, but the best is roof top dining with a view of the Flatirons.

A treat this past summer was getting out of town and seeing a show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre – Lady Antebellum. Such a beautiful and unique venue. A few other memorable stops we made were visiting Pike’s Peak, a bucket list item, and the Sand Dunes National Park. We chose a hot day – 101 degrees.”

Halle’s Pick – Charleston, SC

“My pick for Spring Break (or frankly, any time of year) is Charleston, SC. Charleston is one of my all time favorite places in the world and it’s right here — a (long) day drive or short, inexpensive flight away.

I lived in Charleston for a summer, so perhaps there is a special place for it in my heart, but I truly believe in the magic of southern hospitality and if you haven’t been, it needs to go on your bucket list.

If you haven’t stayed in Charleston before I highly recommend you ditch the beach and opt for an historic inn or Hotel in downtown Charleston. The brick streets and Southern porches are too charming to pass up. Downtown Charleston is only a ten minute drive from beautiful beaches like the Isle of Palms or Sullivan’s Island, so the good news is you can stay downtown and soak up the historic charm and you can spend a day or two at the beach – The Best of Both Worlds!

If I could recommend a perfect evening in downtown Charleston I would suggest grabbing a AAA guidebook and doing a walking tour of Charleston’s historic homes and buildings. Stop by at a number of open-air places for a glass of wine or cocktail to break up the walking. Finish off the evening at one of the best Lowcountry fine dining restaurants one could find – like Slightly North of Broad (S.N.O.B) or High Cotton. If you’re interested in trying something a little different, stop by Kaminsky’s – the dessert bar of Charleston. Patrons can select from a number of decadent desserts or dessert cocktails. Don’t let the line outside scare you off, it’s worth the wait! No trip to Charleston, or review from me, would be complete without brunch. Make sure to try some of those famous southern biscuits and a mimosa or two before you head out of town. There are SO many places to choose from, you cannot go wrong, but Husk is definitely at the top of my list.

Planning to eat and charm your way through Charleston, sometime soon? I want to hear about it!”

Joe’s Pick – American Southwest

“The desert Southwest has always been among my favorite places to get away. There is great beauty across our country, but there is something about the vibrant desert landscapes that is uniquely American. For Spring Break fun, the Las Vegas region provides some of the best opportunities for fun, exploration and natural beauty. Many people say the casino and nightlife of Vegas aren’t for them. But to me, the best parts of Las Vegas are outside the city.

Even during a short stay, you can plan wisely and take advantage of amazing opportunities a short drive away. Valley of Fire State Park is stunning in its scope and amazing color. Anyone who thinks desert landscapes are boring is in for a very nice surprise. Drivable and walkable, Valley of Fire makes any trip to Vegas something much more than expected. Also nearby are Lake Mead National Recreation Area, historic Hoover Dam, Red Rock Canyon National Conversation Area, and crisp cooler air on Mt. Charleston. If you plan right, and have a little luck, you might also catch some exciting acrobatics over the desert from cutting-edge aircraft flying out of Nellis Air Force Base outside of the city. When you’ve had enough adventure, get your R&R poolside. Consider some of the great off-strip properties which are affordable and even more convenient for exploring outside of town, such as Green Valley Ranch and its sister property Red Rock Resort.

Although Las Vegas has some of America’s greatest hotel & resort properties, don’t be fooled into thinking it is all about windowless rooms designed to take your money. Get outside and see some of the greatest landscape America has to offer.”

—

Well there you have it, the OHLA picks for spring break. Now the question is, which of these are YOU going to pick?

Thank you for traveling with us!

-OHLA Staff

Lauren Stazen, Director of Membership
Michele Marcinick, Communications and Events Coordinator
Cindy Sams, Director of Operations
Halle Markwas, Manager of Strategic Initiatives & Partnerships
Joe Savarise, Executive Director

Get Lost at The White Oak Inn

Driving along a winding two-lane road, up and down hills and curves, through wooded valleys and then you arrive at The White Oak Inn tucked away in the heart of Ohio’s Amish Country. The White Oak Inn - Danville, OH

Some days I just want to disconnect, get away from it all, ‘lose’ my phone and be still. If you are looking for that kind of day, look no further than The White Oak Inn. We had the opportunity to host our Unique Lodging of Ohio (ULO) Council Meeting here and what a great visit it was! A special thank you to Yvonne & Ian Martin, the owners for such warm hospitality! The White Oak Inn - Danville, OH

Our meeting of 7 fit perfectly in the quaint room off the main living area. The living room is so cozy with homemade cookies on the coffee table in front of a stone fireplace. The Main House is over 100 years old and offers seven beautifully appointed guest rooms with private baths. On the grounds, there is also the Guest House and two Log Cabins.

The White Oak Inn - Danville, OH

The Guest House was formerly the chicken barn (Yes, a chicken barn. No, not what you are thinking!) that is split into three spacious rooms all with a fireplace and vaulted ceilings. The doors to these rooms have beautifully crafted door frames that add such a sweet touch.

Two Log Cabins sit adjacent to the Guest House and across from the Main House. These cottages act as a romantic hideaway for two complete with a wood-burning fireplace and a two-person whirlpool bath tubs. These cabins are just the right amount of seclusion to make the escape.

The White Oak Inn - Danville, OH Our lunch was delicious and the desserts… OH! The desserts. Our lunch was quite a spread of homemade curried zucchini soup (Must. Get. Recipe.), scones, croissants and an assortment of salads. The decadent desserts featured were turtle walnut brownies and shortbread. Both were delicious but I think my ultimate favorite was the shortbread.

I cannot wrap up this post without introducing you to Dougal. Dougal, the owner’s sweet black lab essentially serves as the one-dog welcoming committee. He loves to get a good back scratch, stay by your feet and is always there to lend a hand in case you may drop a crumb.

The White Oak Inn - Danville, OH

I will certainly need to return to disconnect in a cozy cabin, sink into a hot bubble bath and eat my weight in shortbread. There is just something to be said about getting lost.

Until Next Time,

Lauren

The White Oak Inn - Danville, OH

Meet Me in the Kimpton Living Room

What do we know about the Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants brand? We know they are a part of the IHG family, are classified as Upper Upscale and are offering a distinct boutique experience for guests across the country. The first Kimpton in Ohio, The Schofield Hotel, opened its doors in Cleveland a few years ago and we have another coming to Cincinnati in early 2020! The Kimpton Schofield - Cleveland

Kimpton’s brand focuses on being a home away from home and thrive by being personal and making connections. One of the warmest aspects is their lobby that they affectionately call their “living room”. It is SO cozy with comfy places to sit around a fireplace, bookshelves you’d see in your own home and a large community table. The Kimpton Schofield - Cleveland

Upon check-in we were welcomed and invited to their evening wine tasting in the living room. We joined them for the tasting with our friends and enjoyed tastes of reds, whites and salty snacks. What a nice way to start our stay!

Our accommodations were so fun, and I loved the décor and set up of the room. We walked in to our king bedded room and were welcomed with a welcome amenity (Thank you to our friends at The Schofield! The amenity was personal, and I was excited to receive such a nice note along with it.) The Kimpton Schofield - Cleveland

Above the bed hung framed & matted pictures of different images all within the same color palette. Including matchbox cars, butterflies and planes. Gold pillows and light fixtures paired well with the yellow and orange hues found in the hanging art.

The Kimpton Schofield - Cleveland

The luxurious bathroom was my favorite part of our room. It ran long ways across our room behind the wall where the television sat. Two large vanities with a ton of counter space closed the ends to a dreamy walk-in shower in the middle. Gray and white marbling lined the floor and the walls. The Atelier Bloem body gel, shampoo and condition sat on a wooden table in the corner of the shower. This Mandarin & Citrus body care set smelled delightful!

We were sad that we only stayed for such a short amount of time, we didn’t want to leave. This hotel has certainly left an impression and will certainly be remembered for its living room and that amazing shower.

Until Next Time,

Lauren

The Kimpton Schofield - Cleveland

A Pop of Color at Aloft

My first visit to an Aloft branded property did not disappoint. The bright and vibrant colors made up for this dreary winter weather (at least for that day). The Aloft Westerville welcomed me into the lobby with pops of hot pink, bright orange and neon green.

This isn’t your standard run of the mill lobby, this is a space where you want to throw a party or catch up with friends (or the least fun of the options, get some work done). The circular front desk is a focal point boasting these colors along with a palm tree pattern and a starburst light fixture. During my tour, I found out that the Aloft brand actually changes out its color schemes and patterns throughout the year. I will have to visit often to see all of the decor options!

Scrolling news highlights and newspapers hung for your taking along the wall calls to your business side while the pool table and jumbo tic-tac-toe makes you say “Helloooo Weekend!”. Aloft Westerville

Stepping down a few steps to another level of the lobby offers a ton of comfortable and unique seating options including long benches, a large fireplace with extra-large pillows and funky chairs. All the seating is accented by throw pillows of the same color palette and patterns. Aloft Westerville

The outdoor courtyard had me reminiscing of the warm days of summer and I can only imagine how lively of a space this is. Live music is offered Thursday-Saturday evenings along with a full-service outdoor bar. Adjacent to the courtyard is the indoor pool framed with a vaulted wood ceiling and dangling surfboards. The Aloft “A” logo is tiled on the bottom for just a little extra edge. Aloft Westerville

The sleeping rooms are sleek and mild in comparison to the funky lobby. Clean cut and neutral is the story line here. My favorite detail is a lit bench that runs along the wall in the sleeping room. I love a room with extra space to put my baggage!

If you are looking for a little extra fun in your stay for business or play, choose Aloft!

Until Next Time,

Lauren

Aloft Westerville

Are you a Foodie?

Are you a Foodie? I like to think I am. I love food and trying new things but the reality of it is that I am equally as interested in seeing a restaurant, feeling the ambiance, experiencing the presentation of the food. There is a reason we are in the hospitality world, we love the details. I hope you ate a hefty lunch because by the time we complete our review of some of the best restaurants across many properties in our state, you’ll be thinking… “What’s for dinner?”.

Hilton Netherland Plaza – Orchids at Palm Court (Cincinnati)

Orchids at Palm Court - Hilton Netherland Plaza

Did you know that Orchids at Palm Court is Ohio’s ONLY AAA Five Diamond restaurant and one of only 63 across the United States? Their menu is frequently updated to reflect finest of in-season ingredients. The formality of the restaurant comes to life from the stunning Art Deco design that has welcomed guests through its doors since 1931.

Kindred Spirits – Inn at Cedar Falls (Logan)

Kindred Spirits - Logan Ohio Set on 75 acres, it is hard not to sit back, relax and take in all the natural beauty surrounding Kindred Spirits in the popular Hocking Hills region in Southeast Ohio. Breakfast, lunch or dinner will leave you wanting… just…one…more…bite. Featuring all the freshest and local ingredients with many of their entrees being a special for the day. You won’t want to miss out on what the chef is cooking up! (Matt Rapposelli, Executive Chef, recently released A Taste of Hocking Hills; check it out!)

The Guild House – Le Meridien Columbus, The Joseph (Columbus)

The Guild House - Columbus In Columbus, there is a restauranteur known as Cameron Mitchell who is known for creating concepts with unmistakable identities. The Guild House is no different. The design of the restaurant is extremely welcoming in a fabulously rustic kind of way. Each meal starts with their olive focaccia and menu features rotating selections with many fan favorites such as their Lamb Burger and Ricotta Gnocchi (my fave).

Palette Lounge & Trentina Restaurant – Glidden House (Cleveland)

Glidden House - Cleveland A historic and intimate property with a food and cocktail menu that will please the harshest critics. Palette Lounge is a comfortable relaxing space to take time to unwind while Trentina takes you on a trip to Northern Italy through its fine dining experience. I love Italian food, especially if it is coming from Northeastern Ohio! Trentina is ran by the James Beard Award Winning Chef, Jonathon Sawyer and takes pride in offering menu items like traditional Beef Osso Bucco and Bucatini Della Nonna. (I have not been here, but darn it, I’m going to need to plan accordingly!).

The Heights – Renaissance Toledo Downtown (Toledo)

Renaissance Toledo, OH Do you enjoy a wood-fired pizza? You do? How quickly can you get to Toledo? The Heights located on the rooftop of the Renaissance has a panoramic view of downtown Toledo and the Maumee River. Excellent spot to take in a view, sip a custom cocktail, and order a few pizzas and small plates. (I also love their hummus and veggie spread, if you are into that kind of thing.)

Oh my gosh, I could go on and on. We have so many members statewide with excellent culinary teams. Don’t worry we will highlight a few more later this year! For now, make your reservations and plans for this weekend with these places in mind!

Until Next Time,

Lauren