When the DoubleTree by Hilton Youngstown Downtown opened in the historic Stambaugh Building, Youngstown, Ohio gained a game changer for downtown revitalization. The DoubleTree is the first hotel to operate within city limits since 1998.
Our family’s stay at the DoubleTree was a highlight of our Thanksgiving holiday. The elegant tree in the lobby set off our season of good tidings with cheer. I upped the feeling in the wee hours when I decided to enjoy the ambiance of the lobby’s gas fireplace, the classy sink into furniture and the quietness of downtown. The Great Lakes beer bought from the lobby kiosk hit the holiday celebratory mark. The $3 price was perfect.
Completed in 1907, the neo-classical revival style, 12-story Stambaugh Building housed the Youngstown Tube Sheet and Tube Company on the top five floors and Euwers Department on the bottom. Throughout the years, the building’s use has varied.
This latest version, where the DoubleTree occupies most of the space, is splendid. The lobby, located on the second floor is a gleaming welcome of marble floors, and views of downtown through large almost floor to ceiling windows that take in much of the impressive architecture of the buildings constructed during the boom of the industrial age.
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Connected to the lobby, is a large multi-use room. During the day, it’s a hangout spot where people can work on their laptops, read a book or just visit. Two desktop computers in the main lobby make up the business center. My son made use of this space for doing homework.
Our room on the 8th floor with the original high ceilings and arched window was a mix of modern elegance with the feel of the time when the building first opened. A palate of creamy colors and polished wood was restful and warm. The aesthetics of the lighting allowed for those who were still up–me, to move about as to not wake those who were sleeping. I particularly liked the small bedside lamp attached to the headboard. Great feature.
A small refrigerator tucked into a cabinet, a coffee maker and the 50-inch TV added in comforts of home. The bathroom’s walk-in shower was a plus.
I did visit the work out room on the first floor to check it out. There is a good mix of equipment. Those wishing to swim can get a complimentary pass to the nearby YMCA.
Although breakfast is not included with the room price, a meal or a drink at Bistro 1927 restaurant/bar combo on the first floor is so worth the money and experience. Instead of opting for the breakfast buffet of the standard eggs, meat dish, pastries, potatoes and fruit, we ordered off the menu. My Croque-Madame, an egg dish with Gruyere cheese and béchamel sauce was so very yummy.
The roasted potatoes, blueberry pancakes, eggs, bacon and sausage that my son ordered was also a marvelous meal. Each cost roughly $14. Breakfast or brunch is not something to wolf down here, but to savor.
Rooms range from $112 to $164 depending upon room configuration from 2 queen beds (our room) to 1 king bed junior suite. Discounts are available for AAA and Honors Members from the hotel’s website. Also, you can pay extra for an included breakfast. I’d order off the menu, however. You can also make a reservation for this hotel at Booking.com, Expediaor Hotels.com.
Ask for a room on the 8th floor for the arched windows and high ceiling. We booked through Hotels.com.
Post and photos courtesy of Jamie Rhein, member of Midwest Travel Journalists
