Hilton Columbus Downtown, a sleek new addition to the 4 Diamond list
The Hilton Columbus Downtown recently received a Four Diamond rating from AAA joining the list of four others in Columbus, Ohio’s metropolitan area. This Hilton’s location is a huge plus if you want to be close to Columbus’s trendiest scenes and nightlife. Yes, yes. Columbus can be trendy and the Hilton Columbus Downtown reflects the vibe.
Hilton Columbus Downtown’s sky bridge connection
The Arena District with Nationwide Arena, home of the Blue Jackets ice hockey team, is just across the street. Nationwide also serves as one of Columbus’s major concert venues. Clippers Stadium, where the Clippers baseball team plays is one block further. The grand and gorgeous Palace and Ohio Theaters are also close, as is Lincoln Theater–each restored to their 1920s glory. These theaters, along with other venues pull in concerts, touring Broadway shows, the Columbus Symphony, the ballet and more. Within a few blocks is the Short North that is a feast of galleries, trendy shops, bars and many of Columbus’s best eateries. Historic German Village is another close by neighborhood–so is Ohio State University.
Another location plus of The Hilton Columbus Downtown is its skybridge connection to the Greater Columbus Convention Center.
The Four Diamond rating is a guarantee of service and comfort. The indoor swimming pool and the fitness center are on the upside of a Hilton Columbus Downtown stay. A downside is parking. The hotel’s parking garage is about the only option. Valet in-out is $24. Room rates start at $229. Book direct or check on Expedia.
Renaissance Downtown Columbus (50 N 3rd St; TEL: 1-614-228-50500) is another option for a downtown stay. This hotel is closer to Columbus’s waterfront along the Scioto River which has recently become a happening scene, particularly in summer. COSI, the science museum, The Columbus Museum of Art, Franklin Park Conservatory, and the Statehouse are other close-by attractions.
In the summer, a bonus of staying at the Renaissance Downtown Columbus is the rooftop pool that overlooks the cityscape. The hotel’s elegant ambiance that exudes warmth and comfort is due to the red and golden tones of the carpeting, draperies and furniture. Public areas are designed for visiting and hanging out for awhile–perhaps with a good book and a glass of wine.
Like the Hilton Downtown, parking will cost you. Parking is $25 per day. Room rates start at $169. Book direct or check rates on either Hotels.com or yoru favorite hotel booking site.
If shopping is your forte, a stay at either Hilton Columbus at Easton or Hilton Columbus/Polaris is a trip to heaven.
Hilton Columbus at Easton
Hilton Columbus at Easton (3900 Chagrin Drive; TEL: 1-614-414-5000) is an impressive mix of brick and gleam, and if the Easton Towne Center was a dining table, the Hilton Columbus at Easton would be at the head.
Gathering spot at the Hilton at Easton
Easton Towne Center was designed to evoke small town charm. It is a mall, but part of it looks like a town with rows of shops along tidy streets and a town square. Other sections include department stores like Macy’s and Neiman Marcus. There is also a multi-screen movie theater. Eating is another Easton Towne Center pastime. Whether you’re into upscale dining or looking of a McDonald’s Happy Meal, you’ll find it.
Family and pet friendly, the hotel is close enough to downtown Columbus that you could easily take in sights there and be back in time to turn in early if you needed to. Teenagers would appreciate the easy access to shopping and the movie theater. The Chiller, an indoor ice-skating rink is at the edge of Easton Towne Center for some physical activity.
This hotel includes: an indoor pool, fitness center, a bar and other dining options including.
Another advantage of the Hilton Columbus at Easton Location is its proximity to three of Columbus’s MetroParks: Sharon Woods, Blendon Woods, and Inniswoods Metro Gardens. Because Easton is right off I-670, there’s quick access to the airport as well. Parking is free. Room rates start at $159. Book at the Hilton website or compare rates at Hotels.com.
Hilton Columbus/Polaris
Hilton Columbus/Polaris (8700 Lyra Drive; TEL: 1-614-885-1600) is the furthest 4-Diamond hotel from downtown, but off I-71, it’s only about 20 minutes away. Like Easton Towne Center, Polaris Fashion Place Mall in the Polaris complex offers days of shopping. Between the large indoor mall and the other shopping areas, there are about 160 stores, restaurants and a multi-plex movie theater.
Polaris is closest to The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, and Zoombeezi Bay, the connected to the zoo waterpark, and Safari Golf Club. Alum Creek State Park and Olentangy Caverns are a short drive. Magic Mountain, a fun center with indoor games is another place to entertain kids near to this hotel.
In addition to the fitness center and indoor pool, the Hilton Columbus/Polaris has Papillon Day Spa. Parking and WiFi are free. Rates start at $119 with an advance purchase discount of $107. Book direct or check on Booking.com.
Embassy Suites Columbus Airport – where casual meets convenience
Embassy Suites Columbus Airport (2886 Airport Drive; TEL: 1-614-536-0500) is another of Columbus’s 4-Diamond hotels. Because Columbus’s airport is minutes from downtown, and traffic rarely jams, the Embassy Suites location off of I-670 makes getting anywhere in the city an easy undertaking.
The complimentary cooked to order breakfast is a plus here. So is the nightly reception. The fitness center includes an indoor walking track and there’s an indoor pool. For people who like to stay away from shopping mall and city bustle, the Embassy Suites Columbus Airport is an option to consider. The complimentary shuttle will take you where you would like to go within a 5 mile radius. Rates start at $207. Book direct online through the Embassy Suites website or on Hotels.com.
Post courtesy of Jamie Rhein, member of Midwest Travel Writers Association. Photos courtesy of each hotel.
