Lively Lorain

Halle & I were on the road this week and gosh did it feel good! Dare I even say… it felt a bit normal? We visited with friends & colleagues in Akron, Copley, Medina, Lorain, Sandusky & Bellevue. The majority of our time was spent in Lorain visiting and learning about all of the great things happening in the area with the Ariel at Broadway Hotel at the pinnacle.

Built in 1925, the historic Broadway Building has been a mainstay for downtown Lorain, located where the Black River meets Lake Erie and reopened as a hotel in 2022 as part of Historic Hotels of America. This 55-room hotel is conveniently located near everything that Lorain has to offer including fishing, boating, hiking, kayaking and more, and provides easy access for traveling to and from the The Lorain Palace Theatre, Lakeview Park, and the Vermilion River Reservation. Located between Cleveland and Sandusky, the hotel can serve as your home away from home while exploring the North Coast.

We had the pleasure of spending the evening with the property’s owner who gave us an all-inclusive tour of the property, the city, and the sites. She and her team have done an excellent job bringing this historic building back to life.

The lobby sparkles with chandeliers among dark wood pillars and wall accents. Charming accents of the building’s past such as the original US Mail chutes and hallway architecture lead to the elevators. The rooms are simple, modern & contemporary with navy & blues that embrace the water view of Lake Erie.

What really sets this property apart are the amenities and spaces. The 300-person event space is located on the 4th floor and features an historic 100-year-old stunning bar with views over Lake Erie and the Black River. The rooftop space offers 360-degree views and is ideal for a rooftop ceremony.

On the 1st floor adjacent to the lobby is Dodie’s Dockside, an Italian & Seafood restaurant and bar. If you enjoy a well curated menu, unique design, and a true dining experience; try Dodie’s! We started our dining experience with the meatballs and bruschetta which were a homerun. The bruschetta was not your traditional version but a savory delight with whipped goat cheese, bacon jam, caramelized onion, and apples. YUM! We had quite the array of entrees from lobster rolls to burgers to pizza – I don’t think you can go wrong. I appreciated the cozy feel with dim lights, sparking twigs and custom lighting. It is contemporary yet pays homage to the original architecture while giving way to the nautical spirit of the coast.

Continuing on the first floor off of the lobby are three additional outlets. Lolipops is a Lorain-centric gift shop featuring unique finds and Lorain-related clothing & home goods. This shop was just reopening this month and I know everyone is excited! Cakes by the Lake is a lovely bakery owned by a mother and her sons. We left with (too many) treats but enjoyed each one of them. This is the perfect place for a decadent brownie, a quick cookie to enjoy with your afternoon tea or an elaborate themed cake for your next event. They also feature seasonal treats such as their Irish Potato Candy (No, there are no potatoes in the candy. Don’t worry, we asked!) This is a sweet confection that was explained to us as a ball of cream cheese icing with coconut covered in cinnamon… I know what you are making this weekend! Broadway Boutique and Treats is the home of Faroh’s Finest Chocolates and features many items made by students of the Spectrum Resource Center & School.

The lower level, where the event space once was, is now a lively and exciting sports bar, Game On Lorain. Game On is a local chain featuring good times, drinks, and food paired with your favorite sports matchups! This location features 5 pool tables among other games like pinball.

I am excited to see what is next for Lorain and look forward to returning in peak season to rent a jet ski, have dinner at the lighthouse, walk the Mile-Long Pier, or enjoy a  concert as part of the Rockin’ on the River concert series.

Until next time,

Lauren

Hospitality at the Hyatt

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 Regency Columbus

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!)

Hyatt Regency Columbus

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!).

Hyatt Regency Columbus

Heart of the (Hyatt) House

Yesterday, we had the opportunity to attend the Grand Opening of the very first Hyatt House in Ohio. The opening festivities were themed and attendees were encouraged to wear their favorite sporting team’s apparel. It was a lively evening with a ribbon cutting, a lobby DJ, food & fun.

Hyatt House Columbus OSU Short North is nestled between beautiful Victorian Village, nearby Short North, Ohio State University’s medical campus, and the busy Olentangy River Road corridor in Columbus. One of the things that make this location unique is that though it is a stones throw away from Olentangy River Road it feels secluded and peaceful.

Hyatt House Columbus Short North

The hotel backs up to the Olentangy Trail where guests can easily hop on to go walking, running, or biking. The outdoor space also faces the tree lined trail, where guests can unwind by the fire or engage in a friendly game of bocce.

Hyatt House Columbus Short North

One thing that I really loved about the Hyatt House is that it gives guests the opportunity to enjoy everyday comforts of home. Each guest does not only enjoy apartment-like accommodations but also can indulge in a daily full hot breakfast spread including a build-your-own omelet bar in the morning and the opportunity to mix and mingle at the H Bar, the on-site lounge featuring cocktails and freshly prepared meals by night.

If fitness and wellbeing is a priority, I have just the room for you! Do you Peloton? Well, you can at the Hyatt House! There are a few accommodations that offer a Peloton bike in the comfort of your own room! All guests also have access to the fitness room complete with all the necessities.

Hyatt House Columbus Short North

The design throughout is modern yet comforting with neutrals, light wood floors and accents of navy and stormy blue hues. Pops of color adorn the walls with Columbus-focused artwork.

Hyatt House Columbus Short North

In our industry, we often refer to the “Heart of the House” which are the associates that work together to deliver an exceptional experience, make the impossible happen, and ensure you feel that you truly are at your home away from home. This team certainly has the heart and Hyatt and the First Hospitality team has given you a beautiful “house”.

Until Next Time,

Lauren

Gro(w)hio – Development Underway

New development, brand conversions and supply changes have continued to fluctuate and progress throughout 2021. Though some projects came to a screeching halt, others have stayed on the course… not without challenges. From supply chain delays to lack of labor, these projects have pushed forward.

What a time we are living and working in. A recent property that I had visited shared that though much of their renovation was complete, their sleeping room floor lamps among other items were on a barge in the middle of the Atlantic with no arrival date in sight. Really?

We are continuing to see most new builds identifying as select service brands with several independent type properties in the pipeline. There are also a few proposed properties that would be new brands to the state of Ohio such as The Tapestry Collection at Canton’s Hall of Fame Village or the St. Regis, of the Marriott portfolio, proposed for Easton Town Center in Columbus.

Hilton Garden Inn & Homewood Suites by Hilton Dual Property – Columbus & Toledo

I recently had the opportunity to do a hardhat tour at the Columbus Easton location and I was delighted. The layout is very impressive with extensive & flexible meeting space for a diverse number of events. This location is unique in that it will feature Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse. The large, covered, outdoor patio will also be a key feature and an ideal location for your next happy hour.

The new packages for Hilton Garden Inn and Homewood Suites are built on the foundation of modern grays with vibrant pops of color. The Hilton Garden Inn side follows a purple palette while the Homewood Suites embraces aqua accents.

Though I have not been inside of the Toledo location. I did have the opportunity to see the site as part of other construction happening at the Seagate Convention Centre (a $50 million expansion & renovation!). Our friends at Destination Toledo, shared with us their views and exciting news for things to come. Did you know that the downtown Toledo adjacent to the convention center is being revitalized? Retail, dining, drinks, plus extensive updates at the convention center AND this new property will be a win-win for all.

Hilton Garden Inn & Homewood Suites by Hilton Easton

Shaner Hotel Group is on the Move – Dayton & Cincinnati

Shaner Hotel Group continues to grow its Columbus footprint with two new builds from newer brands.  An AC Hotel is up next as a perfect addition to downtown Dayton’s lodging options. AC Hotels are Marriott’s European Style Limited-Service hotel, having a sleek, upscale vibe. This AC is the fifth AC Hotel to be built in Ohio. Other AC Hotels are located in Liberty Center, Downtown Cincinnati at The Banks, Downtown Columbus and Dublin.

On deck is the new Tribute Hotel which will be built in the Clifton Heights area of the Uptown Cincinnati/University of Cincinnati area. Also, a Marriott property, Tribute Hotels are an upscale, boutique style property that often houses a full-service, high-end restaurant, unique, local artwork and design. Tribute is also a new addition to Ohio’s hotel market, with this being the second Tribute to be built in Ohio. The first Tribute was opened in Downtown Cincinnati as the Kinley Hotel.

DoubleTree by Hilton – Dublin

One of 3 recently developed DoubleTree properties in the state, this 174-room property, set to open this winter, is conveniently located just SIX minutes away from the newly developed Bridge Park area of Dublin. Guests will have the opportunity to take advantage of dining next door or take a quick jaunt to historic Dublin or Bridge Park for shopping, nightlife, dining and more.

The property will also offer just over 4,000 square feet of meetings and events space and each guest will feel extra special when they bite into everyone’s favorite chocolate chip cookie at check-in… yum!

There is more excitement in the pipeline, stay tuned!

Until Next Time,

Lauren

P.S. Did you hear that the owners of the historic Renaissance Cleveland have plans to rebrand the property as Hotel Cleveland, a part of the Marriott Autograph Collection?

We are All Students in the Queen City

“We are all students.” Sound familiar? We first talked about this school of thought back in 2019 when two new properties were in the pipeline for Ohio. The Graduate Hotels brand has made its mark since then with two unique and unmistakable properties in Cincinnati and Columbus. This brand pays homage to the most dynamic university towns by incorporating the spirit and cultural nods at heritage and history of each university and town.

The OHLA team recently hosted an event at the Graduate Cincinnati, and it did not disappoint. The colorful design and eccentric artwork are a far cry from its former, more traditional glory as the Marriott Kingsgate.

I laughed to myself when I came through the front entrance and a large bright green statue of Fiona welcomed me. Fiona is a hippopotamus that was born at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, the first in 75 years, and has become a mascot of sorts for Cincinnati. Her name also graces the vibrant bar & restaurant offering drinks & casual eats. I loved the atmosphere of this lobby and entryway. It just feels fun when you arrive, offering Fiona’s, Poindexter Cafe, and so many lounge areas to mix and mingle.

The event space is just as exciting; these are a few of my favorite pieces from these areas:

  • Bright custom carpeting featuring the ubiquitous Cincinnati flying pigs and Cardinals, the state bird of Ohio.
  • In the event rooms the lighting fixtures are meant to symbolize the smokestacks and nod to the relevance that riverboats had in the early history of Cincinnati.
  • Amazing locally inspired artwork throughout the pre-function spaces.

The sleeping rooms continue this property’s bold color palette with a keen focus on the University of Cincinnati’s history. I personally love the grid lined wallpaper in the rooms (perhaps a nod to the University of Cincinnati’s top ranking architecture and interior design programs?). Also, did you know that you can buy some of the Graduate Hotels’ most common wallpaper via Chasing Paper?

If you are headed to Cincinnati to cheer on the Bearcats be sure to check availability. I am positive it will be a nostalgic experience if you are an alum or a Cincinnati native.

P.S. Stay tuned to explore the Graduate Columbus in coming weeks!

Until next time,

Lauren

Where the Bobcats Sleep

Nestled along the scenic backdrop of the Hocking Hills is Athens, OH. Athens is most famously home to the State of Ohio’s oldest college and home of the Bobcats, Ohio University. With a stunning campus and vibrant uptown scene, Athens is frequently named a top college town in the nation year after year. Growing up in Northeast Ohio and attending college in Columbus, I had never been to Athens but was in for a wonderful experience seeing this jewel along the Hocking River.

OU Inn & Conference Center

I had the opportunity to stay at the Ohio University Inn & Conference Center, and the inn matched the classic design seen throughout the campus architecture with an all-brick exterior, white pillars and window frames.

The unmistakable university colors of white and cutler green carried through the lobby, sleeping rooms and convention spaces. The main lobby featured a beautiful mural of campus with modern seating and workspaces.

Continuing through the lobby leads you to a pair of on-site dining options Cutler’s and Bunch of Grapes Tavern. Cutler’s offers breakfast, lunch and dinner with elevated comfort food selections while the tavern focuses on lighter fare such as flatbreads & sandwiches.

OU Inn & Conference Center

When the evening arrived, I enjoyed dinner in Cutler’s dining room. It was a nice feature to be able to order from either menu (Cutler’s or the tavern) within. The university color scheme carried on through the restaurant and tavern with eclectic patterns and table accents. One area that I loved was in front of a fireplace and had winged, white & cutler green houndstooth chairs around a large square table. It is cozy space where I could see myself enjoying with friends. Locally crafted tealight lanterns adorned the tables and we were greeted with warm, fluffy biscuits.

OU Inn & Conference Center

The sleeping accommodations were spacious and comfortable with extra features such as a microwave and mini-fridge. The conference facilities were also a perfect option for a meeting or event with a full selection of audio/visual, catering and wonderful team members to support you along the way.

OU Inn & Conference Center

My trip was a short one, and I hope to return to explore more of Athens’ scenic landscapes as well as all the fun Court Street and Uptown have to offer.

Until Next Time,

Lauren

Perfectly in View

My  husband and I recently traveled to Weehawken, New Jersey for a wedding weekend. For those who love the Big Apple, I must tell ya, this location is perfect to explore New York City and enjoy the nearby neighborhoods of Weehawken.

We stayed at the EnVue Autograph Collection Hotel. EnVue means “In View” and this location had just that… oh, what a view! The hotel is a stones throw away from the Hudson River and the spectacular NYC skyline. We were on our way to check-in and rode the elevator to the 6th floor. As the elevator doors opened, sunlight beamed in, and our eyes soon focused on the beautiful panoramic view of Manhattan.

The lobby served a few purposes. By day, it was a place to relax or grab a bite to eat, in the evening it transformed into Marcus at NoHu Rooftop with indoor and expansive outdoor rooftop seating and full dinner & craft cocktail menu, by night it underwent a complete transformation with alternative lighting, a DJ, and dancing.

Mirrors, metals, and dark modern colors offered a certain level of glamour in its design and this theme carried throughout the lobby, rooftop bar and the sleeping rooms. When we arrived to our room I was relieved to see the Safe Stay® seal. Just knowing that our room was appropriately cleaned & sanitized with no reentry gave my husband & I both peace of mind. Our room was sleek, well-appointed, and comfortable.  

My favorite part about staying at this property is the location. We love to travel, we love NYC but this location was a game changer for getting in and out of the city. Typically, we’d take a car, subway or walk anywhere we needed to get to in the city. Here, we walked out the front door, across the street and hopped on an 8-minute ferry ride across the Hudson River to Manhattan via the NY Waterway Ferry Service. It was easy, timely and affordable… 10/10!

Our time was short but due to the convenience of the location we were able to spend a lot of time in Manhattan where we visited several restaurants, pubs, and shops! We also had the opportunity to visit Hoboken for dinner, golf and enjoy the wedding festivities.

Though our flight got cancelled on our return to Columbus; this was a great (quick) trip!

Until Next Time,

Lauren

Lock In a Unique Stay!

It’s Linda again and I’m back as a guest blogger, as my husband and I are known for seeking out cool places to stay across the state. And as of 2021, now I can’t say that I have never spent a night in jail!

Vermilion Jailhouse B&B

Although the Old Vermilion Jailhouse Bed & Breakfast is in fact a former jail, the amenities were quite an upgrade since its days as a jailhouse. The Jailhouse is a small B&B for 4 friends or family, sharing a unique space that was in fact the former Vermilion jail, and before that, the library!  Owners Markos and Marla didn’t miss a single detail during the building’s renovation into the quaint B&B that it is today, converting former cells into three guestrooms and a bathroom. Guests are provided with shampoo and luxurious towels, breakfast and other goodies like cheeses and chocolates are tucked away in the provided refrigerator.

While the Jailhouse provides guests with all of the luxury amenities of a great B&B, the owners didn’t miss an opportunity to play homage to the comforts a prisoner would have enjoyed such as the play handcuffs (which brought out gales of laughter) and the prison pajamas. All jokes aside, with a great stereo system and large flat screen TV, many prisoners would be happy.

Vermilion Jailhouse B&B

The Old Vermilion Jailhouse B&B is located in the Historic Harbour Town District, home to shopping, dining and beaches. If you’re looking to make a trip out or a visit to Vermilion, check out our favorite restaurant, Chez François, located just a few steps away from the B&B, making it the perfect location to be thrown into and locked up safe and sound for the night!

We are always on the lookout for what makes Ohio unique, and this is definitely one of the more unique places we’ve ever stayed. The four of us were very satisfied with their overnight stay and can’t wait to return!

Vermilion Jailhouse B&B

The Home of Bigfoot

How do you make the most out of a 3-year-old’s birthday when you can’t have a party because of a pandemic? 

  • Grandparents
  • A Swimming Pool
  • Bigfoot

And as far as I know, there’s only one place in Ohio where we could find all of those things in one place – Salt Fork Lodge and Conference Center.  Lauren and I had visited Salt Fork a few years back and although I wished we were back on the water in the afternoon summer sun, we were visiting on a cold, rainy weekend in February, but we had a birthday to celebrate with grandparents and the weather wasn’t going to stop my kiddo from making the most out of his 3rd birthday.

Salt Fork

We packed up the car and drove to Salt Fork, an easy drive just under 2 hours from Columbus.  Salt Fork Lodge & Conference Center is one of eight State Park Lodges that are part of the Great Ohio Lodges family, and it boasts cabins, lodge rooms, lots of meeting space, two pools, marina access, miles of hiking and equestrian trails and lots of other outdoor activities, all nestled in the heart of Salt Fork State Park.

Salt Fork recently renovated their lodge rooms and we had selected the bunk rooms since we had two kids with us. Lane thought the bunk in the wall was basically the coolest thing ever (“like a fort!”), so we could have been done with the birthday surprises there and called it a success…but, we had been cooped up for almost a year and we were ready to hit the pool.  The indoor pool was warm, not overcrowded and just what we needed at the end of a long, cold Ohio winter.

After hours in the pool and a great dinner, we retired to our rooms for cupcakes and presents.  One of the great bonus features of all the lodge rooms is the extra living space. It was easy for us to spread out, play cards and enjoy each other’s company. When the weather is more in your favor, guests can expand their living space onto the balconies that overlook the lake or the pool, a feature in every lodge guest room!

Salt Fork

After a busy weekend of swimming, we had to make sure to say hi to and hold hands with Bigfoot one last time before we headed home.  If you didn’t know, Salt Fork has allegedly been the home to bigfoot since the mid-1700s with several reported sightings. Each year, the Annual Bigfoot Conference happens here, the longest running Bigfoot Conference in the world. To learn more about the Annual Bigfoot Conference or Creature Weekend, visit the Visit Guernsey County Website.    

Salt Fork

Hospitality Inn the Hills

Labor Day weekend is always a special time of year for me; not only because it is the official turning point into Fall (in my mind) but it is also the weekend I got married back in 2015. For our 5th wedding anniversary we wanted to do something special, however, being in the midst of a pandemic and having a new baby at home didn’t exactly make planning easy.

Welsh Hills Inn

We found ourselves wanting a safe getaway for just us two where we could relax and enjoy the weather and each other’s company and we found the PERFECT place to do just that at the Welsh Hills Inn. Located just 40 minutes east of Columbus in Granville.

Not only was this our first venture during the pandemic, but it was also our first time away from our baby boy, Leo, who was born in February. We jam packed our weekend with food, wine and outdoor enjoyment.

We headed to Granville on Saturday morning, a lovely little town if you’ve never been, and we enjoyed lunch at The Pub on Broadway, walked to see the historic Granville Inn and grabbed a cold brew for the road from Village Coffee Company. Next stop: Welsh Hills Inn.

Welsh Hills Inn

We traveled a short distance through rolling hills of green and sunshine and pulled into the driveway to our oasis atop the hill. The minute our tires hit the parking area we were warmly greeted by a fluffy little character named Wrigley. Wrigley is one of four gracious hosts at the inn; Ellie the Golden Retriever and the sweet and welcoming owners, Jeff & Bobbi Noe. Wrigley & Ellie would soon become a staple of our weekend; we just did not know that yet.

Welsh Hills Inn

Wrigley quickly urged us along to the entrance, stopping along the path to ensure we were following. Jeff welcomed us and showed us to our suite, the Brynmor Luxe Suite (& Wrigley’s favorite spot in the inn). The suite is complete with a living area and bar top. The entire inn is decorated with a certain New England charm and curated artwork and artifacts throughout. One of my favorite activities was to wander and see what book I could snag or new artwork I could learn about.

While visiting, we took advantage of their bocce courts under string lights; enjoyed a private fire pit while sipping our favorite wine; indulged in massages; relaxed in the hot tub & poolside and attempted to lay in the hammocks. There are also trails, bike rentals, arranged picnics, yoga classes, a stocked fishing pond and more for guests to schedule to enhance their stay. (Click here for picturesque drone footage of Welsh Hills Inn.)

In the evenings, while the sun was setting, we would sit on the wrap around porch in rocking chairs and enjoy Jeff & Bobbi’s curated wine & cheese “happy hour”, an opportunity for guests to mingle in a non-pandemic world. By morning, we’d dive in to the most scrumptious breakfast offerings comprised of locally sourced ingredients and cooked to perfection both mornings.

Welsh Hills Inn

In celebration of our anniversary, we opted to have a candlelight dinner on their beautiful veranda. It was a perfect end to a magical and much needed stay. We were again treated to a delicious multi-course meal that left us wishing Jeff was a permanent fixture in our kitchen.

Welsh Hills Inn is a special place- it’s warm, inviting, charming… but, what really makes it so special is the hospitality and genuine care of Jeff & Bobbi and their sidekicks Wrigley & Ellie.

I am ready to hit “go” on travel again and hope to be sharing with you many ventures in 2021.

Until Next Time,

Lauren

Meet Wrigley – Pictured here on the couch within our suite and I wouldn’t have had it any other way.

Welsh Hills Inn

Planning your summer trips & holiday weekends? Check out www.uniquelodgingofohio.com.