Each November, the Ohio Hotel & Lodging Association (OHLA), hosts its Annual Conference & Gala. Last year, we were unable to gather in-person, so this year’s conference was more important than ever. The event was a huge success in large part to our host venue, Hyatt Regency Columbus.
The Hyatt Regency Columbus is a staple of downtown Columbus’ convention infrastructure neighboring the Greater Columbus Convention Center and Nationwide Arena. It’s notable location at the corner of Nationwide Blvd. and High St. is just a short walk to the downtown business district, Short North Arts District and the Arena District.
Hyatt has certainly embraced the holiday season with a statement, beautifully appointed, Christmas tree in the foyer and other décor throughout such as ornaments, greenery, wrapped gifts. If you need a boost in your holiday spirit, perhaps you need to spend a few minutes in the lobby or the Big Bar on 2.
The property has been undergoing a sleeping rooms renovation and the updated rooms are stately with muted hues of creams, grays, and accents of light pink and gold. One of my favorite features in the sleeping room is a nightlight that is built into the base of the bed and operates on a sensor. When I awoke in the middle of the night, the moment my feet hit the ground a dim light was triggered. (I can’t tell you how many times I’ve stubbed my toe trying to maneuver my way around a dark hotel room!)
Amenities are abundant throughout the property. My personal favorite is the Perks Coffee quick-service outlet. I frequented this a few times to get my caffeine fix. However, they also have great to-go snacks, meals and sundries. You can even call ahead your order if you are on the go!
For our Annual Conference & Gala, we utilized extensive event space including the third floor’s Regency Ballroom. The entire Hyatt team was such a joy to work with, so very attentive and understanding of our needs. They always had an answer, a prompt solution or creative option, and went over and above to make our event a memorable one.
The food & beverage was a 10/10. We appreciated their unique view of what event food & beverage is and should be. We enjoyed a donut peg wall on a cut-out of Ohio, an “Afternoon Tea” featuring scones and tea sandwiches, macarons in our brand colors and a Mediterranean spin on a luncheon salad just to name a few.
The service standard is a high one at the Hyatt Regency Columbus and we are proud to have hosted our 2021 conference here. (A BIG thank you to the whole team for making our event so special!).
City living is the vibe I felt when I saw the brand-new rooms. They are minimal in nature with an efficient use of space. An extra chair or a table could be hanging on a hook in your room! Never know when you’ll need an extra seat for entertaining! I was surprised to find that a few of the rooms feature personal balcony areas looking out over Short North.
Set on 75 acres, it is hard not to sit back, relax and take in all the natural beauty surrounding 
In Columbus, there is a restauranteur known as Cameron Mitchell who is known for creating concepts with unmistakable identities. 
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!).
Do you enjoy a wood-fired pizza? You do? How quickly can you get to Toledo? 
The hotel is inviting and cozy! We were warmly welcomed by a two-story wall of windows, a burning fireplace and comfortable seating. (My colleague, Carla, mentioned how she wished it was socially acceptable to come back to the comfy chair in front of the fireplace and read a book!) The high ceilings made the space feel grand though the hotel itself is very intimate. I could not wait to get to my room, I was beat! I walked in to a living room that was sectioned off from my bedroom. Vibrant navy and blues with unique characteristics such as white wooden shutters over the windows pulled the space together. I sat on the soft plush couch and caught up on a few Hallmark Christmas movies (I am a total sap!). The bedroom was lovely and I am always pleasantly surprised when I have an easily accessible place to plug in my phone charger!
The Pub which sits adjacent to the hotel and conference buildings is an excellent place to pass the time between sessions. Many of our folks gathered here prior to our cocktail hour leading up to our gala. It was packed with colleagues who were taking a moment to catch up in a comfortable laid back environment.
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.”
If you’re totally behind the times, Ohio recently got its second 
Whether you sit inside or out, guests can enjoy the tapas menu with impressive views, cool music and delicious cocktails. If you haven’t been yet, I highly recommend a visit. If you’re there on a Thursday-Saturday, there is a dress code. Kind of old school, but I like it. Embrace the exclusivity, because at this rooftop bar, you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world. And why not make a night out of it an enjoy the accommodations at the AC Hotel Dublin?
As I walked away from my car and towards the timeless brick home, I immediately felt at ease. I opened the black iron gate to allow myself up the steps and to the brick sidewalk that wrapped around the home (the Guest House sits in the rear lawn of the beautiful 1800’s brick home where the owners reside). Speaking of the owners, I was warmly greeted by Lisa, and was so excited to have the opportunity to relax in this urban oasis.
