Cure Those January [BLU]es

How are you feeling this January? Looking for any glimpse of sunshine? If yes, you and I are in the same boat. No need to be “BLU”, I have exciting news! The BLU-Tique Hotel rang in the new year by opening its’ doors for the first time to the public.The BLU-Tique - Akron, Ohio

Excitement has been stirring around the newest addition to the thriving downtown Akron Arts District. This independent property now occupies the historic United One Building and is all about offering an all-encompassing experience through three pillars: come for the food, stay for the music, and stay for the night. The hotel itself is the third dynamic to the “BLU Zone Trio”, a concept driven by the vision of the owner, Tony Troppe. The trio consists of the hotel, BLU Plate, and BLU Jazz+.The BLU-Tique - Akron, Ohio

An upscale, jazzy feel welcomes guests both in the public areas and sleeping rooms.
One of my favorite unique qualities is that there is a piano stage in the lobby where guests may sign up to play at night. Unfortunately, I am not a pianist, but I’d love to enjoy another’s talent.

Being a Northeast Ohio girl, this location will be somewhere I certainly visit sometime very soon. It is exciting to see the development happening across the state especially when it is in “your neck of the woods”.

The BLU-Tique - Akron, Ohio

 

Until Next Time,

Lauren

Courtyard Cool

My travels this week have taken me to Akron, Ohio. Throw everything you thought you knew about the Courtyard by Marriott brand and come read about my trip to the Courtyard by Marriott Akron Downtown. Let’s go…

Courtyard AkronThe 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.

As I approached the entryway I couldn’t help but to look to the left at a black door that read “Apothecary”. This door led to the Northside Speakeasy, a Prohibition Era styled bar. (I mean, this is pretty cool…)Courtyard Akron

I finally made my way into the lobby area. It felt extremely inviting and had the classic comfort the Courtyard brand is known for. The flooring, wall vinyl, pillows all coordinated effortlessly and gave a very “cool” feel. Within the Bistro area, chic crystal light fixtures hung over large seating areas (I would love to have one for my home, please!). One item stuck out the most, an old world red telephone booth stood tall in the corner of the Bistro. What a fun addition! Another aspect, I thoroughly enjoyed about this property is the recognition of Akron through black and white photos highlighting key Akron sites.

Courtyard Akron

As I walked through I saw brief glimpses of the Little Cuyahoga River and the Cuyahoga Valley. Also, interesting was the train stop just out back of the hotel offering easy access for guests like me to get around. The train stop was charming with a pale-yellow pavilion to wait under between trains.

Now, I saved the best part for last, the hotel has its’ own MOVIE THEATRE. This is not a drill; I walked into a large theatre screen, oversized black leather recliners, and the perfect lighting for a movie. This is something I could get used to! Can you imagine coming back to your hotel from a long day of work and you could immediately grab your favorite recliner to sit back, relax, and enjoy a movie?Courtyard Akron

I did not have the opportunity to spend the night at this property, but gosh, I sure wish I did! For now, I am going to contemplate how I get the light fixture and movie theatre into my house.

 

Looking forward to our next adventure!

Lauren